TPUM Chaplain’s Convention 2023 'Chosen' Paves Way for Holistic Education Development

Under the fitting theme 'Chosen', the Trans-Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) Chaplain’s Convention 2023 was held from June 14 to 17 at the Fulton Adventist University College in Sabeto, Nadi, Fiji. Organized by the Education Department of the TPUM, the event centred on the indispensable role of chaplaincy in schools and was designed to train and empower school chaplains, teachers, and other crucial stakeholders, including school leaders, bible teachers, spiritual leaders, ministers, pastors, and education directors.

The convention brought together nearly a hundred participants from various Pacific island nations, including the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati, and Fiji, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing existing gaps in chaplaincy roles within TPU schools. The principal organizers were Mere Vaihola, the outgoing Education Director, and Joseph Pitakia, the Associate Education Director.

An impressive line-up of guest speakers lent their wisdom and insights, featuring renowned spiritual leaders and educators such as Pr Pelikani Esau, Senior Pastor of Auckland Tongan SDA Church; Pr Moe Stiles, Pastor at Crosswalk Melbourne and Chaplain for Tertiary Institutions; Dr. Mau Tuaoi, Senior Pastor at Gilson Church Community; Mr Joseph Pitakia, Associate Ed Dir TPUM; and Mrs Ana Alburqueque from ADRA TPUM. Their inspiring discourses on topics like 'Reclaiming Chaplaincy,' 'Leading someone to Jesus,' and 'Spiritual Master Plans' resonated with the theme 'Chosen.'

The Chaplaincy Convention, one of the TPU Education Department's strategic initiatives, aligned perfectly with the Quality Adventist School Framework for School Improvement. Participants valued the wealth of knowledge and fresh insights gleaned from the convention. Andriane Kele, Associate Education Director from the Solomon Islands, said, "This Chaplain’s convention has really empowered pastors, teachers, and school administrators with learning about the roles of a chaplain in a school and the unique work it plays in bridging the gap between Students, Teachers and Parents."

Pr. Peniamina Ufi from Samoa expressed appreciation for the presenters' engaging techniques, stating, "I really enjoyed all our presenters who shared, especially the way they connected with us, using practical examples and illustrations in their presentations and workshops."

The convention was equally transformative for Talatala Maikeli Qiokata, a chaplain at Vatuvonu Adventist College in Fiji. He said, "I have learnt so much, and I'm happy that this Chaplaincy Convention has been able to equip me, especially in relating to students and teachers who are not of the same faith."

Mrs. Mere Vaihola, was particularly moved by the powerful connection the Pacific Islander presenters forged with the delegates. "Now everyone is leaving with new perspective, insights, inspired and ‘Chosen’ for such a time as this.”