Keeping the faith: Minister aims to resurrect Nambour Uniting Church congregation numbers

Reverend Maile Molitika is used to more families and young people in his previous congregation and hopes to even the balance somewhat as Nambour Uniting Church’s new minister. 

His parishioners during his 10-years at Park Uniting Church in Brisbane were mainly members of the devout Tongan Community from all over Brisbane.  

“Yes this is totally different from my previous congregation,” he said. 

“Park Church is the biggest Tongan congregation in Brisbane. Nambour is an Anglo congregation. And the youngest person is in their 50s,” he laughed. 

“The rest are  in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. But they are very active. Despite their age they are young at heart. I am so amazed to see the spiritual energy of these people despite their old age. They still do all the cleanings, maintaining  the property preparing everything for Sundays. 

“But how much more joy there would be if we could see younger generations take over and relieve the older people.

“Covid19 has affected the church in the last two years. Some are not coming back due to ill health and some still worry about getting Covid19.

“My main task remains the same — to look after the spiritual needs of the congregation and help people on their spiritually journey. 

“At the same time I’m looking to build the church. I’m hoping to start Sunday School and a youth group and I’m looking for the community’s help with that. Seeing the Nambour High School is opposite the church, maybe there is an opportunity here to start inviting all the neighbours to bring their children to church. 

“As Covid subsides and we go back to normal I’d like to have a cultural night where we invite people to a community dinner as a way of introducing ourselves and letting people know the Nambour Uniting Church is here. 

“This is a beautiful church. But a church is not the house. It’s the people that make the church. The only way this church can continue is if it is refreshed with the younger generations.

“I am still positive and hopeful that this beautiful facility can be rejuvenated and continue to lead people to God.”

Rev Maile said he would also aim to help strengthen the community by reaching out to support Nambour’s vulnerable people. 

“Of course there are people with drug and alcohol problems. Maybe we can help them and maybe we can introduce them to a better way of living, leading them to a new life in Christ. Maybe having something different coming into their lives — maybe this is a stepping stone to a better life.” 

Rev Maile and his wife Siale share a great interest in music. They arrived in Nambour for New Years eve with their daughter and grandson. They have five other children, one in America and four living in Brisbane. 

The Uniting Church in Nambour came into being on 22 June 1977 formed from the Nambour Methodist Memorial Church and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Enquiries 5441 1135.

Reverend appeals for Tongan tsunami assistance

The volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami that hit Tonga last month affected 85,000 people, cost the country $90 million, destroyed or damaged more than 600 buildings and significantly impacted crops, livestock and fisheries, according to the first impact report since the disaster. 

If anyone would like to help, new Nambour Uniting Church Reverend Maile Molitika is leading efforts to support the Tongan community.

His other role is as President of the Brisbane Tonga Community. “Together with Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia, Princess Angelica Halaevalu Mata’aho, we have formed a committee to collect any donations  that help build up the country,” Rev Molitika said.

“The Swire Shipping Company has given us two 20-foot shipping containers every month, so we can fill them with them and they are bearing all the cost to send to Tonga. 

“If there are some generous people in the community that can help this Charity it would be much appreciated. We have an account too for those who can deposit straight to the account. “The things that they really needed are tools, building materials, water, canned food, boat equipment, fishing gear, linen, cooking utensils and towels. There are two containers every month starting March, April, and May.”

If anyone would like to donate items please contact Rev Maile on 0425 378 174.

Reverend Maile Molitika: “This is a beautiful church. But a church is not the house. It’s the people that make the church.”