Afi Tuaoi

Having been in Pastoral ministry for over 20 years, Afi started his ministry education at Fulton College in Fiji which he recounts as being one of the best times of his life. After receiving his Diploma in Theology, Afi then attended the Pacific Adventist University in Papua New Guinea where he received his Bachelor's degree in Theology. From there, he applied to the Samoa Tokelau Mission with the hopes of serving in his ancestral homeland - which he did for five years in America Samoa. During this time, Afi met a lovely woman who he can proudly call his wife. After this time, Afi moved to Australia to be closer to his parents and siblings, where he began serving at the NNSW Conference whilst doing a summer school program at Avondale University where he later graduated with a Masters in Theology. Afi now serves in Tasmania as a local pastor at the Ulverstone Seventh-day Adventist Church. He resides in the North of Tasmania with his wife of 22 years, Faamaneenee Tuaoi (goes by Nee) and their three children; Maria Tuaoi who is attending Avondale University, and Elana and Jesiah Tuaoi who are attending Northwest Christian School in Penguin. In pastoral ministry, Afi's aim is to bring people to know Jesus and His desire to offer to everyone Salvation that is freely given, “for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Afi has taken a liking to the weather here in Tasmania - specifically the weather during summer where one can enjoy the warmth, but not experience extreme heat. Although the winters are cold, Afi believes you can still enjoy the outdoors with a warm jacket and a jumper. He feels blessed to be called to a place where he and his family can experience the best of both worlds - beautiful beaches and a beautiful countryside. In his spare time, Afi likes to read, play tennis and touch rugby, and also enjoys walking and swimming at the beach. He has also come to love the bush walking tracks Tasmania has to offer. His favourite bible text is found in Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV): “For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Afi is grateful to God and to the leadership at the Tasmanian Conference for the 'call' to serve in a beautiful state like Tasmania, for he knows he will be enjoying his time in ministry here and cannot wait for what is to come in the future.