When you meet Pastor Marita, the first thing you notice is her quiet strength. She has many talents, yet her greatest treasure is a heart that beats for the Word of God.
She is a wife, a mother of three sons and a grandmother. Her story is a lifelong journey of faith, perseverance and a calling that has touched countless lives.
Marita’s journey began in her small hometown in east Finland, near the Russian border, where two elderly Adventist lady evangelists visited each week to share Bible stories and songs with children. For years, those Sunday morning gatherings nurtured her faith.
At 13, an invitation left on the family’s kitchen table changed everything. It was for evangelistic meetings at a newly built church. Marita went, listened and loved what she heard. For two years she faithfully attended the twice-weekly meetings, and at 15 she made the bold decision to be baptised.
Not everyone rejoiced with her. Her mother strongly opposed her choice, and many evenings Marita returned home to find her family gathered around the television while her father drank heavily. She would slip away to her bedroom and find solace in books like The Desire of Ages, her heart set on the hope she had discovered.
One of six children, Marita prayed constantly for her family—and God answered. Three of her sisters, and eventually her parents, gave their lives to Christ. Her mother, once so resistant, became a fellow believer. Her father laid aside alcohol and tobacco, later serving faithfully as church treasurer for two decades. Known for his kindness, on Sabbaths he would provide rides to church for those without transport.
Marita pursued her studies at an Adventist boarding school, then earned a nursing degree with a specialisation in midwifery. Her dream had always been to serve as a missionary nurse in Africa, but God had a different path in mind. A young man named Onni entered her life, and together they began a ministry journey that has now spanned 45 years of marriage.
Both studied theology, completing their degrees at Newbold College in the UK. But life brought trials alongside blessings. Their middle child, Juha, was severely disabled as well as autistic. He never spoke and was often restless. From a young age he was placed in a care facility, though Marita and Onni visited regularly, bringing healthy food and sometimes taking him home for the holidays. Through Juha, their eyes were opened to the world of parents living with the daily challenges of disability and their compassion deepened.
Juha tragically passed away in hospital during the pandemic. With deep sorrow, Marita and Onni laid him to rest after nearly 40 years of life—yet they hold firmly to the assurance of the resurrection, promised in God’s Word.
Even in the midst of such heartache, Marita pressed forward in her calling. Back in their homeland, she often cared for multiple congregations at once—sometimes four churches spread across distant towns. Sabbaths meant long hours of travel, preaching and fellowship. The weeks were filled with sermon preparation, business meetings, evangelistic planning, Bible studies and home visits. She also spent time in hospitals and nursing homes, where she would sit with elderly members whose memories had faded, gently holding their hands and singing hymns.
Over the years, Marita has had the joy of baptising new believers, though she often deferred this privilege to her husband. She has officiated at many weddings and personally conducted numerous funerals, standing with grieving families and offering words of comfort. Each of these moments, she says, has been a sacred privilege.
Now officially retired for six years, Marita continues to serve. With few younger pastors willing to take up posts in remote areas, she still visits small country congregations, offering encouragement and the steady presence of a shepherd.
Her life is a testament to faith that endures, love that perseveres and service that bears eternal fruit. One woman, faithfully answering God’s call—impacting countless souls for His kingdom. Through it all, God has been faithful.
Kristiina Somerville is a freelance writer who attends Springwood church in Queensland.
