My name is Pastor Tevita Samate, and I am the pastor of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Fresno, California.

My faith and calling were deeply shaped by my upbringing in the islands of Tonga in the South Pacific. I grew up attending the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, part of the Wesleyan tradition, where I learned from an early age the importance of faith, prayer, and commitment to God.

Later, I became a member of First Tongan United Methodist Church in San Bruno, California. There, I deepened my understanding of ministry and strengthened my desire to serve God and His people within a diverse community.

My calling is to build bridges between cultures while faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a pastor, I strive to lead with humility, compassion, and integrity, encouraging people to grow in their relationship with Christ and with one another. My journey continues to be a testimony to God’s grace, guidance, and faithfulness.

It is a great blessing to be appointed to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church as my first pastoral appointment. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this congregation and walk alongside its members in faith and ministry.

With God’s guidance, I look forward to nurturing the life of St. Paul’s, strengthening our relationships, and growing together in faith. I pray that we will continue to be a loving, faithful, and welcoming community that shares God’s love with others.