Mauia (far right) and Toaetolu (second from right) smile with other women in ministry at the DVELiP conference.
Paving the Way: SECC Celebrates First Two Female Pastors of Samoan Churches
T
he Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is proud to celebrate the installation of its first female pastors of SECC Samoan churches: Melinda Mauia at Santa Ana Samoan church and New Hope Samoan company and Tala Toaetolu at Yucaipa Samoan church and XCell church group. Growing up as a Seventh-day Adventist and the daughter of Manuao Mauia, the president of the Samoan Advisory for the North American Division and director of Asian Pacific Ministries in Central California Conference, Melinda Mauia developed a love for God and people at a young age. Her family often volunteered at the Fish Food Bank in Tacoma, Washington, where Mauia grew up. It was at the Fish Food Bank where Mauia found a passion for serving the community. Mauia heard the call to ministry while serving as part of the Yucaipa Youth Ministries. While serving as a small group leader in Compton in 2008, Mauia decided to return to school. She earned her bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry and her Master of Divinity from Andrews University.
44 Pacific Union Recorder
Southeastern California Conference