Vereti Colati wants to become a military officer.
He said he was inspired by a holy passage from the book, ‘Doctrine and Covenants’.
It is one of the four standard works (books) used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The others are the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price.
Vereti, 17, was among 26 students who graduated from the seminary course at the Nausori Fiji Stake of the LDS Church yesterday.
The quote that inspired him is: “Therefore o ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
“I was so inspired by this scripture when I read it for the first time.
“The way I serve God with all my heart and mind, I want to serve the people of my country similarly,” he said.
He said the scripture gave him the strength to overcome challenges in the past.
“I am so happy and proud that I am graduating today (yesterday),” Vereti said.
He was encouraged by his mother Marica Colati to be part of this seminary course.
“I have learned a lot about Jesus Christ in the last four years,” he said.
Vereti said every Sunday morning he used get ready and come for his seminary course at Toga Ward in his village in Navatuyaba, Nausori.
“It was exciting to learn scriptures and learn more about Jesus Christ,” Vereti said.
Vereti is preparing to serve for two years as a missionary spreading the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Proud mother Mrs Colati said: “I am so happy that my son is graduating today.
“It was my dream to see my son graduate after completing his four years seminary course,” she said.
Mrs Colati said her son was very religious and always spent time learning the scriptures.