Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A total of fourteen local residents enrolled at the RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago when it opened its doors for the first time in the Territory on Tuesday, August 01, 2023.

The majority were men and women in the 50-60 age group with a few younger adults from different walks of life who told Samoa News that they enrolled because they wanted to know God more intimately.

Some said they heard about the Bible Training Center and came to visit to learn more about it.

One lady revealed that every time she went to Samoa to visit her elderly aunty at Alamagoto, she would always hear her nieces and nephews instructing their older children to get the kids ready to go to RHEMA every Friday.

She later found out that the children were attending the God’s Kids services, a part of the church’s platform at the RHEMA compound in Taufusi, Apia where they have fun activities and classes with emphasis on worship, teaching, salvation and healing.

She stated that she had witnessed the positive changes in the lives of her nieces and nephews who have attended RHEMA Bible Training College in Apia, especially her nephews, young men exposed to the many vices in today’s world but have chosen to serve the Lord through spiritual training at RHEMA.

“I feel very blessed that my young relatives in Apia have found the Lord thanks to RHEMA,” she stated. “That is why I’m thankful that Rhema has opened a branch here. My only prayer is that my children, especially my sons will make use of this opportunity to change their loves for the better.”

Another lady who enrolled was Pauline Sariman, a citizen of Papua New Guinea whose husband works for LBJ Hospital and has lived in the Territory for nine years.

“I was exposed to RHEMA South Pacific in Apia a few years back and have prayed for RHEMA to open a branch here in American Samoa and this has been like an answered prayer for me,” she stated. “I’m related to people who have gone to RHEMA and I know a lot of people who have attended the other centers. I have seen the changes in their lives which is why I’m very excited to be here because I need it to.”

When asked what her future plans were, she answered, “I don’t know where this will take me, but I know that I’m supposed to be here.”

Fonopo Jr. Fonopo, a middle-aged man told Samoa News that the main reason why he has enrolled was because he wanted a deeper understanding of the Word of God.

“I urge the people of American Samoa especially the young generation to take this opportunity to enhance your spiritual lives,” Fonopo advised. “This is not a denominational thing, it’s a chance to strengthen your faith and your personal relationship with God.

One of the younger students to enroll was Natuitasina Nua, a local businessman and he stated that he wants to learn more about God and His principles because he knows that if he obeyed and used those principles in his daily life and his business, he would reap the fruits of success.

Josie Lutali revealed that she enrolled because she wanted a deeper understanding of the Bible.

“We all read the Bible some time or other, but many do not fully understand the deeper meaning of the good Book,” she said.

The first day was Orientation Day where students were introduced to the lecturers and staff, and each lecturer explained the courses of study available for Term 1, which are Foundational Bible Doctrines 1, Faith Foundations 1 and Growing Up Spiritually.

Term 1 runs until the August 18, 2023.

According to Senior Pastor James Ah Kui, the RHEMA Bible Training Center Pago Pago is a 2-year inter-denominational ministerial training center that feeds into a 3-4 year program at RHEMA South Pacific in Apia.

Pastor Ah Kui explained that the inaugural class will acquire a Certificate at the successful completion of Year 1, and a Diploma after Year 2.

“Those who want to use what they have learnt to serve God in whatever capacity in their respective churches can do so after being officially ordained,” he revealed.

“However, if anyone feels the call of God on their lives to preach the Word, they will continue Years 3 and 4 at the RHEMA South Pacific Training College in Apia for a Ministerial Diploma/Degree.”

He stated that enrollments are still ongoing.