For some, the decision came at the beginning of their faith journey. For others, it came after years away.
Sixteen people were baptized during the annual Tongan SDA Ministry-USA Camp Meeting, held this year at Auburn Adventist Academy in Auburn, Washington, under the theme “Go Beyond.”
The week centered on Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Meshach Soli, executive secretary of the Hawaii Conference, served as guest speaker.
Among those baptized was Tivoli Fa’aumu, who was born and raised Seventh-day Adventist and educated in Adventist schools before walking away from the church for nearly 30 years.
A few years ago, Fa’aumu met retired pastor Lonnie Melashenko and shared that although he was Adventist, he was no longer practicing his faith.
Melashenko smiled and asked, “Do you believe in the Second Coming?”
“Yes,” Fa’aumu answered, expecting a sermon.
Instead, Melashenko replied, “Well, that’s all that matters.”
The two became friends, and the conversation stayed with Fa’aumu. During camp meeting, he turned to his wife and said, “I want to get rebaptized. For many years I walked away, but today, I want to come back.”
Twelve-year-old Siokapesi Tuuholoaki of Arizona Tongan Disciples Church also responded to the call. When her mother later asked why, Siokapesi answered, “I just want to be like Jesus, Mom.”
Mone and Esther Paea had recently joined the Tongan Disciples of Arizona Group when they were inspired to attend the annual Tongan Big Camp. The couple helped mobilize the congregation to attend and led fundraising efforts so families who wanted to go would have the opportunity.
“God was doing something that we didn’t know,” said Pastor Joe Tonga. “Mone has made the decision to get baptized. We are blessed to receive them into this Big Camp family and the family of God.”
Mone Paea was baptized by his two brothers-in-law, Pastors Kepu Tauatevalu and Joe Tonga.
As the baptismal service drew to a close, Pastor Ofa Langi, pastor of Auburn City Seventh-day Adventist Church and president of Tongan SDA Ministry-USA, made one final appeal.
As those gathered around the pool sang “I Surrender All,” Langi’s sister, Nia, stood behind the baptismal pool waiting to enter the water. After years away from the church, she had answered the call to return.
As Nia stepped into the pool, brother and sister began to weep.
“We have been waiting for this day,” Langi said through tears. “Our mother prayed for this day.”
Of the 16 baptized, five were from Arizona Tongan Disciples, six from Tala Ki Mamani Church in West Valley City, Utah, three from La Sierra Tongan Church and two from Auburn City.
Their stories reflected the message of the week: Going beyond can mean taking a first step of faith. It can also mean finding the courage to return.