“I really took that to heart and today, wearing this coat, I was emotional because now I know I am the first among my generation to be anything near my father.”
Reverend Setariki Merekula at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on September 5, 2023. Photo: Kelera Sovasiga
Newly-ordained Reverend Setariki Merekula said he yearned to be a vessel for God, which was why he chose this path.
Reverend Merekula was ordained among 101 reverends and 266 who were installed as Licentiate Ministers (pastors) on Monday during the first day of the Assemblies of God (AOG) Church Biennial conference at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
“My father’s passing played a crucial role in my conviction to follow this path,” he said.
“As we buried my father, I was told off by one of my old folks that the reason why life was hard was because we didn’t live like my father did.
“I really took that to heart and today, wearing this coat, I was emotional because now I know I am the first among my generation to be anything near my father.”
Growing up, Reverend Merekula said it took him two incidents to realise God’s to repent and take the calling seriously.
One where he lost his friend back in 1983 and another, where he could have lost his life over a sickness and so began his journey.
In 2015, Reverend Merekula was inducted as a senior pastor at the Abundant Life Church in Nadi.
He wanted to pursue a bigger role and after teaching for 33 years, he chose God’s ministry.
“I have the greatest support from my wife and family throughout my trials and I’m thankful for my challenges,” he said.
Looking after a 300-member congregation is not easy but it taught him to be resilient and steadfast in his faith.
Reverend Merekula is now the District Presbyter, which looks at the Nadi and Malolo District, among the 10 districts under the Western Division.
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