South Pacific Nazarene Theological College's Vanuatu campus recently held its first graduation.

Joe Malikum, Austin Jereva, and Gideon Iakapas all received a Certificate in Ministry. Held in Eratap Church of the Nazarene with nearly 200 people in attendance, it was standing room only as family members, fellow students, and members from five Port Vila churches gathered to witness the three students receiving their certificates.

“This is a big thing in my life, and for my family, and for my island, and for the whole country of Vanuatu,” Malikum said.

One family member wept as she considered the accomplishment achieved by her brother. The celebration inspired additional students to continue their studies and graduate.

The commencement address was given by Melanesia South Pacific Field Strategy Coordinator Harmon Schmelzenbach with Vanuatu District Superintendent Peter Isaac translating to Bislama. Schmelzenbach challenged the students and congregation with an image originally shared by General Superintendent David A. Busic from Deuteronomy 32:11 that encouraged them to spread their wings and fly, just as a baby eagle does. He encouraged the graduates that God, like the mother eagle, is always with us and ready to lift us up when we need Him, but that also like the baby eagle, we were never intended to stay forever in the nest.

The three new graduates will now continue in ministry with pastoring positions in churches in and around Port Vila. 

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region