Outstanding Programmes of the Church

There are three programmes run by the church which are worthy of mention: “Mother of the Year”,  “The Discipleship Programme” and the  “Lavengamālie Cup Rugby Tournament”.

The Mother of the Year

HM Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho Mother of the Year 1993

The “Mother of the Year” programme began in 1993, and is now in its thirteenth year. The reason for establishing this programme was to recognise the service mothers give to families. It also intended to be an avenue for fostering gratitude among youngsters for the love shown to them by their mothers.  It was felt that the role of the mother is often taken for granted, and that children need to be encouraged to be appreciative of their parents. The award is made annually by the board of the ‘Ofa ki Tonga newspaper.

HM King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV Father of the Year 2000

The first person to be awarded “Mother of the Year” in 1993 was Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho. In the early years a survey was given out to women of different churches in the community.  They elected a mother to receive the award.  At the present time, the board of the ‘Ofa ki Tonga is choosing the recipients.

There has been one mother chosen every year since 1993, except in the year 2000.  That year the board voted to have a “Father of the Year”, and chose King Tupou Taufa’ahau IV to receive the award. The Mother of the Year celebration is held during the church camp at the beginning of each year. The family members of the mother selected are invited along with many other guests from the community and the church members prepare decorations, food and gifts for the occasion.

Gifts for to the Mother of the Year 2005

The Discipleship Programme

Another very important programme in Tokaikolo Christian Church is the Discipleship Training Programme which is lead by Mr Paula Taufa. This programme which teaches the principles and practice of discipleship is carried out in all branches of the Tokaikolo Christian Church .- in Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and Mainland USA. Mr Taufa travels to all of these places to deliver his teaching ministry to the church members.

He is a member of “The Navigators” whom he first met when attending Massey University in New Zealand. Mr Taufa also does training on their behalf. He teaches the youth as well as the adults of the church. This programme is very important to the spiritual growth and development of Tokaikolo Christian Church.

Mr Paula Taufa B.B.S.
Dip. Export. Dip.Mgt PG.
Dip.Bus.Admin

Mr Paula Taufa is the Managing Director of BP Oil in Tonga as well as being a lecturer in Business Administration at.Lavengamālie Christian University.

Players in the Lavengamalie Rugby Cup Tournament in 2005

This programme started in 2000.  It was at first an event organised by the Lavengamlie ex-students to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Lavengamalie College.  At that time the ex-students donated a prize of T$10,000 for the winning team.  It was the first time a tournament had been held with such an enormous money prize.  The competition was very popular and has continued being held annually.
Last year at the Silver Jubilee of Lavengamalie  College the first prize was raised to T$25,000.  Teams came from Australia and New Zealand as well as from throughout Tonga.  The total prize money donated by the ex-students was close to T$200,000.
This competition is very encouraging to young Tongan rugby players.  It gives them a real opportunity and incentive to develop their talents. The tournament also engenders great interest from players overseas.  

The president of the Lavengamalie Ex-Students’ Association is Sione Sangster Saulala, and this year he was also elected by clubs in Tonga to be the President of the Tonga National Rugby Union.

Sione Sangster Saulala - President

Teufaiva Stadium is packed with spectators during the tournament

The Lavengamālie Ex-Students Rugby Club, one of the top clubs in Tonga, is very much involved in running the tournament.  This club has sent players to Europe, the United Kingdom and Japan.  The coach/manager of the team is Vaita Ueleni, who has an M.Sc. from Massey University in New Zealand and is a lecturer at Lavengamālie Christian University in Tonga.

Left:Coach/Manager Vaita Ueleni