Chosen as one of only a handful of recipients across the Pacific Union, Samisoni Anau was honored during the Arizona Conference Camp Meeting as the conference’s recipient of the Growing Young Leaders Scholarship.
The Pacific Union Conference scholarship supports emerging Seventh-day Adventist leaders as they prepare for future service in the church.
Anau is enrolled at La Sierra University, where he plans to study theology and prepare for pastoral ministry.
For his father, Teni Anau, the scholarship represents not only an educational opportunity but also a reminder of how far his son has come.
“This kid has been through a lot,” Teni Anau said, becoming emotional as he reflected on his son’s journey. “He lost his mother at a very young age. He was so much like her, and losing her was incredibly difficult for him. It makes me proud to see how far God has brought my son.”
Those who recommended Anau for the scholarship described him as a young man of honesty, integrity and sound judgment.
“I can see that he is a natural-born leader,” one recommendation stated.
Another recommendation highlighted his commitment to ministry and his ability to encourage those around him.
“He has a true heart for service and ministry,” the recommendation stated. “He is always positive, with an energy that inspires other young adults to do their best. He always has a smile on his face.”
Anau said his desire to enter pastoral ministry comes from a commitment to helping young people develop a deeper understanding of their faith.
“I want to join pastors and leaders who will inspire a new generation of Christ-followers who are bold and know what they believe and why,” Anau said. “I would love to be part of those who impact the way the Seventh-day Adventist Church is seen by showing it for what it truly is, rather than through false perceptions of what it was never meant to be.”
