By Tupuola Terry Tavita

The late Reverend Elder Oka Fauolo was a national treasure.

And in recognition of the prestigious Order of Ti’afau conveyed upon him in 1995 – in recognition of his many services to the country – Reverend Oka Fauolo’s funeral and burial this week were accorded state honors.

His coffin was draped with the national flag and shoulder-carried by Police pall bearers.

“Reverend Oka was a man who was not easily swayed by others’ opinions,�? Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi noted in his state eulogy during the reverend elder’s funeral service at the Safotulafai EFKS church Tuesday morning.

“He was a man guided by personal values and principles and held on to them.�?

As chairman of the National Council of Churches for many years, Reverend Oka, the Prime Minister said, was regularly invited by government to conduct prayer services, open events and coordinate the annual week of prayer and fasting.

“There are two qualities about Oka the government – and government ministries – favoured. His sermons and prayers were short and substantive. He had a talent of conveying a very deep message in just a few words. Our people, of course, have a very short attention span and after five minutes they subconsciously tune out of a sermon. All of us also grew up reading the bible therefore biblical text is not new to us. Oka knew this very well. In three or four minutes he could capture people’s attention and deliver a very subtle message that will have them pondering over and over long after the service is finished. It is a rare talent among our clergies today.�?

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the church in light of good governance principles.

While transparency and accountability is important in maintaining public checks and balances, the role of the churches in consultative processes is intrinsic.

“Samoa’s stability today owes much to our Christian values and the continuing work of the churches.

In May 1995, Reverend Oka, at the age of 65 was awarded the Samoa Order of Ti’afau, an honor that acknowledged his spiritual service in the overall development of the country.

One occasion Tuilaepa remembers an international conference on taxation hosted by Samoa. Tuilaepa was the guest speaker and the service was led by one of the international representative who said that “Jesus was a good businessman.�?

Tuilaepa remembered Oka’s comment in response, “Yes, Jesus was not only a good businessman, but paid taxes to the Government�? which brought out laughter.

Oka’s humorous side was noted by both Tuilaepa and the CCCS Secretary General Dr. Iutisone in their eulogies.

The Deputy Chairman of the National Council of Churches, (NCC) Kasiano Leaupepe used three words to describe Oka. “Tu-toa Courageous, Tu-tonu (just)and Tu-Malo (victorious)�?.. He did not elaborate saying he will do so at the final service tomorrow.

Reverend Oka’s widow So’oletaua also gave testimony “To my husband Oka�?.

“He was a man that would go out of his way to finish what he started. He was a family man but his heart was with the church.�?

So’o credited their Highnesses the Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Masiofo Filifilia for their assistance. She said when Oka died, he sought out Tupua because “I did not know what to do and how to approach Oka’s wishes.�?

“Tupua came and asked me to notify the Prime Minister,�? said So’o.

She and her family wanted to grant Oka’s wish which he highlighted in a diary.

“He wanted so much to bid his last farewell to Malua.�?

Oka was born on the 12 March 1930 to Toala Ietitaia and Apevai Fauolo and adopted by Fauolo Fuifatau Afoa and Tise Luka. He had two brothers and three sisters. He married So’oletauaotumua Vinepa Faletoese in 1958. They have four children and lots of adopted children.

He started his education at the St. Theresa Primary, Fusi, Safotulafai, Vaipouli College in 1946 and Tuasivi in 1948. He then attended Leulumoega Fou College from 1949 to 1953 prior to entering the Malua Theological College. He graduated in 1958 and was awarded a scholarship to attend the Congregational Theological College of New Zealand in 1959. He returned to Samoa after completion of the course in 1962. He taught at Malua Theological College from 1963 to 1968 before attending the Pacific Theological College in Fiji from 1969 to 1970. He returned with a Bachelor of Divinity and took up a teaching post at Malua.

He was again awarded a scholarship under the Theological Education Fund to attend the Theological Seminary in New York, America. He was awarded with a Master of Theology and took up a teaching position with the Bible Society School of the South Pacific from 1972 to 1973.

During the CCCS annual conference in May 1973, they appointed Oka as the Secretary of CCCS until 1979, when he was appointed as Principal of Malua Theological College for 15 years. He later served as the Chairman of the church and led the Church’s research and documented the Church’s history which was published a few years ago.

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