Jane Gibson-Opetaia has been appointed as the new secretary of the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM).
This is the first female appointment of a senior officer for any of the Union Missions in the South Pacific Division (SPD). Mrs Gibson-Opetaia has been serving in the SPD administration team for the past four years, most recently as secretariat services manager.
“I feel very honoured to be asked to join the TPUM team,” she said. “My husband and I have been praying about being able to serve in the TPUM. God has unfolded another miracle in our lives, we are very excited and are looking forward to serving with the TPUM family.”
SPD president Pastor Glenn Townend said Mrs Gibson-Opetaia will be missed at the SPD office.
“Her enthusiasm for mission, desire to excel and ability to work with people in all situations will be a bonus for the TPUM,” he said.
“There are still a few details to work through regarding start time because of immigration and work visas but the process can get underway now. Jane will start the role from Australia and then transition to Suva, Fiji, where the TPUM office is based.
“We wish Jane God’s blessings as she works through the transition.”
TPUM president Pastor Maveni Kaufononga said the TPUM team are delighted with the appointment and are looking forward to having Mrs Gibson-Opetaia join them.
“We are excited to have a woman as part of our leadership team,” Pastor Kaufononga said.
Mrs Gibson-Opetaia is married to Billy and they have four children.
She replaces Matthew Brown, who has accepted a call to Avondale University as chief financial and operations officer.
