Leadership

Pastor Michael Tu’i’onetoa

     Pastor Michael Tu’i’onetoa was born in the Islands of Tonga. He is a devoted husband to his wife Lavenda, who is of Tongan descent and was born in Reno, Nevada. Together, they have three daughters: Claudia, Josephine, and Nola, all of whom were born in the State of Wisconsin.

     Pastor Tu’i’onetoa started his ministry as a pastor at a two-church district in the Islands of Tonga in 1999. Since then, he has served as a pastor in several other churches, including the Southern California Conference, Wisconsin Conference, and currently at the Texas Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist. Pastor Tu’i’onetoa has had the privilege of serving in Tongan, White, African American, and Multiethnic Churches. He has also served at Wisconsin Academy and Thunderbird Academy as a Bible teacher and a chaplain.

     Pastor Tu’i’onetoa’s education includes a “Diploma in Theology” from Fulton College in the Islands of Fiji, a “Bachelor of Theology” from Pacific Adventist University in Papua New Guinea, “Master of Divinity” from Andrews University in Michigan, and he is currently pursuing a “Doctor of Ministry” degree, also from Andrews University.

     Pastor Tu’i’onetoa is a passionate person who loves people from all walks of life, and he is dedicated to building God’s Kingdom here on earth. He leads his family in God’s ways, and he utilizes the gifts, talents, and training God has given him to fulfill his calling at the San Antonio Fil-Am International Seventh-day Adventist church and its mission. Pastor Tu’i’onetoa has a strong desire to become a Christian example for others, and he allows the Holy Spirit to lead him in every way.

     It is Pastor Tu’i’onetoa’s privilege and honor to serve the congregation at the Fil-Am International church. He has a deep appreciation for its loving fellowship and hopes that many more people will walk through its doors and become part of the community. Pastor Tu’i’onetoa is inspired by these words of Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)