Fiji Mission (FM) senior minister and evangelist Pastor Pita Nakamica Tokalau, 56, was laid to rest on July 3. He passed away suddenly on the morning of June 25 at his Suva residence.
His funeral took place at the FM burial grounds, based at the Mission headquarters compound. Trans Pacific Union Mission president Pastor Maveni Kaufononga, who shared a close bond with Pastor Tokalau, officiated at the funeral service, which was attended by hundreds from across Fiji.
FM president Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa said Pastor Tokalau’s passing “now leaves a huge vacuum in ministry and pastoral leadership in the Fiji Mission”.
“He was a powerful evangelist, speaker both in public and on TV, leader, and a colleague and friend to all,” said Pastor Lutunaliwa. “He will be sorely missed; however, he has lived exemplary and left behind a legacy for the rest of us ministers to emulate.”
Pastor Tokalau also participated in the PNG For Christ campaign in Papua New Guinea and was to have started a three-week evangelism in the town of Rakiraki and other venues in Suva on July 7. However, all had to be postponed, and replacement speakers were identified.
Graduating with a diploma in theology in 1996, Pastor Tokalau started his ministry as a volunteer in 1997 and served at Laselase, Naitasiri, in the interior of Viti Levu for two years. He also served as chaplain at Nabulini in Wainibuka, Navesau Adventist High School, Tamavua English Church, and as district ministerial leader in Serua-Navua, Tebara, Suva South, Cakaudrove East and Suva North districts.
From 2019 until his passing, Pastor Tokalau served as district ministerial leader in the biggest district in Fiji—Suva North. He was ordained in 2004 and also attained his bachelor’s in theology degree in 2009 from Fulton College in Tailevu.
Pastor Tokalau is survived by his wife Elina Tinai Murivudi and two daughters.
