The first Tuvaluan Christian congregation was established in New Zealand 28 years ago. Many of the founding members of the church aren’t even alive now. And the first pastor of the church is also no more.
The initiative of their church construction started in 2016, and the fundraising for church began in 2018. Australian-based Tuvaluan architect, Fakalulu Ben Kofe is the architect of the church. The total cost of building the church was $3.3 million. And the capacity of the church is 220 people.
When there was the opening ceremony of the church Nuseta Alefaio-Hope couldn’t hold back her tears. Hope’s Grandmother was one of the first members of the Tuvaluan Church Congregation in Auckland. Her mother was alps a devout member of the church. She is also no more.
Reverend Tomasi Iopu, who is the pastor of the congregation, now said that the church was also the dream of the first pastor of the congregation. It was a bittersweet moment for all the church members. As they had this church planned many years ago, and it finally came to fruition with the help of church fundraising.
Many fundraising ideas for church were floated while building it, and members took a loan from Christian Savings, and they also sold a property nearby to the church. However, the church paid back the loan soon and is now debt-free.
The congregation started with few families, and now there are 50 families in the congregation. Pastor Tomasi was pleased with the achievement of the church. Now the congregation has a place to gather at and worship. He said he is happy not only about the new building but also about the growing belief of the church members.
