Despite having severe heart problems, Eroni Vakarau pushed through all odds in studies and other commitments to becoming an honourary student during the South Pacific Bible College graduation ceremony last Sunday.

Mr Vakarau graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, but he could not have achieved it without his supportive family and church.

“Throughout the past three years of study, God has been faithful and I thank Him for every bit of it. And without the support and prayers I would not have made it this far,” he said.

“I thank the church that I belong to; Great Commission Christian Centre, our Senior Pastor Reverend Ratu Amenatave Tuisawau and his family, the youths there as I am currently their youth Pastor and especially my wife Emele for standing by me through the ups and downs and my four beautiful daughters,” Mr Vakarau said.

With multiple visits to the hospitals during study, Mr Vakarau never gave up and kept striving towards a vision, passion and God’s calling on his life.

“It was a challenge trying to strike a balance between commitments to the church and to my studies. And for that I am so thankful to my Senior Pastor who understands the struggles of studying and the motivation he gives to keep going on,” he said.

He is calling on future students of the college to “be responsible in your personal relationship with others and be fruitful in your personal relationship with God.”

Mereoni Sauvaka (left) with her friend Talei Waqa at Calvary Temple, Samabula on
November 24, 2019. Photo: Kelera Sovasiga

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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