Two faithful Seventh-day Adventist seniors were among the 32 recipients of Fiji’s 50th independence anniversary medal on October 7.
Joji Mocevakaca, 83, from Boitaci Village on Vanua Balavu, was one of the oldest medal recipients at the State House government building in Suva. The former teacher and Pathfinder veteran was recognised for his contribution to the development of Fijian young people.
Master Moce, as he is known to many, has impacted the lives of many young people during his 50 years of service to the Church. As he always proudly says, “I was born a Pathfinder, I will live a Pathfinder and I will die a Pathfinder”. He wore his Pathfinder uniform to the award ceremony.
The Youth ministry department of the Fiji Mission congratulated Master Moce on his “recognition by the Government of Fiji” with the “prestigious award”.
The other recipient was 73-year-old Marica Tokalau, retired children and women’s ministries director for the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM).
For the past 20 years, the former school teacher from Vuniwai Village has “been selflessly engaged in community service”.
“I thank God and the Government for not forgetting the little work that I’ve done,” she said. According to the Fiji Times, Ms Tokalau said she didn’t expect the award and was a little overwhelmed by it.
Linda Koh, children’s ministries director for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, affirmed Ms Tokalau stating, “She was an outstanding children’s ministries leader and I have had several occasions to work with her in this area. We thank the Lord for such a dedicated church leader who contributed much for the community.” Although no longer the director at TPUM, Ms Tokalau is still involved in community service.
In officiating at the event, Fiji President Jioji Konrote said the medal was to acknowledge and appropriately reward individuals who have served selflessly and contributed immensely towards the nation’s socio-economical and political progress and development.
Fiji celebrated 50 years of independence on October 10.
