By Glenda Willie, Daily Post Vanuatu
All Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV) services came to a standstill on Sunday this week, on the passing of a “great leader”, late Pastor Allen Nafuki.
Flags were flown at half-mast in respect of the revered pastor, a statesman, a father, a grandfather. He has left behind a legacy many will never forget.
Yesterday hundreds of people paid their final tribute to late Nafuki at Malasitapu Presbyterian Church.
National leaders were present to pay their tribute, including the Head of State, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, State Ministers, Leader of Opposition and Members of Parliament. The President of Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs and all church leaders also attended his funeral service.
The late Pastor was described as someone who was “humbled” and kind to all. He was being referred to as someone who was “committed” to what he does. He would encourage and advise people to look to God always, a pillar of the Presbyterian Church.
A couple of speakers said late Nafuki was someone who was very conscious about being on time. “Punctuality” was his friend.
Late Nafuki was born in 1950 in Vila.
He was the first trained Pastor from Erromango Island and contributed towards Vanuatu’s fight for political independence.
In his career as a pastor, late Nafuki ministered to people throughout Vanuatu. He was actively engaged in the Lord’s ministry.
He held various important roles in Church. Late Nafuki was elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Tafea outer Island Constituency in 1995.
The late pastor served as the Clerk of PCV until his passing. He also held the position of the Chairman of Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC). He was the Chairman of the Vanuatu Committee for Free West Papua. He will always be remembered as an activist for West Papua Freedom.
His children, concerned with his age and health asked their father to step down from the significant positions he had occupied, but, he refused.
This showed how “compassionate and determined” he was in what the roles he was occupying, his emotional son, Arua Nafuki said when reading his late dad’s narrative.
Late Nafuki was laid to rest yesterday in his home land.
A lot of organisations have conveyed their condolences. Below is the condolence message from ULMWP EU Mission:
“We have lost an elder, a true Melanesian Leader, Pastor Allen Nafuki. Melanesian Solidarity from the early hours,
“A friend of West Papua in our darkest hours, when there seems to be no way,
“Pastor Nafuki, you have shined a light on us and paved the way with guidance. It was a great honor to have met you in Port Vila (2018). Thank you for all your prayers and guidance during our meetings.
“Thank you, Pastor Allen Nafuki, for your patience, thank you for your commitment and dedication for the people of West Papua.
“We will miss you, but we will carry your name and finish what you have started.
“West Papua will be Free. And we will remember your name. Araaa….Marandan bebye.”
Pastor Nafuki is survived by his 5 children and more than 20 grandchildren.
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