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Iotamo Falealili’s ministry is about showing God’s love

Iotamo Falealili, who has lived in Alaska for 35 years, has been pastor of the First L.M.S. Samoan Congregational Christian Church for 11 of those years.

Iotamo and Tulua Falealili serve the First L.M.S. Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Anchorage, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Iotamo Falealili

Until he was 16, he lived in America Samoa and spent several years performing traditional dances for tourists.

In 1980 he moved to Long Beach, Calif., where he attended high school and played football. He began college with hope but had to leave early to support his family during a time of financial hardship.

He began working at Grossman’s Warehouse pushing carts and handling customer service. Over time, he advanced to assistant manager and eventually became one of the store’s managers.

When his father passed away in 1990, Iotamo, his wife, Tuloa, and two of their children relocated to Anchorage. There, he began playing piano for his father-in-law’s church.

The Rev. Mamaeula and Osoese Poti were the first Samoan missionaries to establish a Samoan church in Anchorage.

‘They laid a spiritual foundation that would impact generations to come,” Iotamo said.

In 1996, when Iotamo was manager at Alaska Pipe and Supply, he said, “God stirred a new vision in the hearts of  the Rev. Moevao, Fesootaiga Laasaga and Osoese Mamecula Poti to plant another Samoan church in Anchorage.

“It was a new chapter of ministry built on the foundation laid, expanding the reach of the gospel and deepening the spiritual roots of the Samoan community.

From 2006 to 2012, Iotamo and Tuloa, who married in 1990 and have six children, completed their theological training at Kanana Fou Theological Seminary.

“Our journey was marked not only by deep spiritual growth but also by rigorous academic study,” he said. “Days were filled with preparing sermons, writing term papers and engaging in theological discussions that sharpened our understanding of Scripture and ministry.”

Alongside their studies, students were assigned practical chores, like cutting grass, picking up trash and handling everyday tasks.

“It was a test,” Iotamo recalled, “to prepare us for the everday challenges we would face as ministers. These humble responsibilities weren’t just about discipline. They were about shaping character, building resilience and cultivating servant leadership for the calling ahead.”

Iotamo shared that, from an early age, his parents, Fualelei and Talalelei Falealili, deeply influenced his spiritual journey and church life.

“Their guidance and example laid the foundation for my lifelong commitment to faith and minisstry,” he commented “My grandfather, Moeva Luapo Asuega Falealili, and three eiders, Mikao, Tafi and Tanu, passed on their knowledge of the Bible, teaching everything they knew and instilling in me a strong foundation of faith.”

In December 2012, shortly after returning to Alaska, Iotamo had a stroke and began dialysis three times a week. Despite the physical challenges, he continued working and serving his church, demonstrating his commitment and strength in the face of adversity. In 2019, he went to Seattle for a life-saving kidney transplant.

“It was a miracle. I no longer needed a wheelchair or walker,” he said, “and I began the challenging journey of relearning how to speak. It was a powerful testimony of healing, resilience and God’s grace.

“My focus in our church and ministry is to serve the community and help address homelessness,” he commented. “To better meet these needs, we recognized the importance of renovating our building, transforming it into a space that’s welcoming, functional and sitable for community outreach.

“Over the years of my ministry, we have welcomed numerous homeless families and individuals into our doors, providing them a place to stay at no cost,” he said. “At the same time, they are working toward financial independence and receiving support to transition into stable, self-sufficient living.”

At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the PNC-UCC this spring in Yakima, his congregation was welcomed into the conference. He and Tuloa also attended UCC General Synod this summer in Kansas City.

Iotamo appreciates visits from conference minister Phil Hodson, former Committee on Ministry member Morag Stewart and Board member Dannette Koloi, who invited his church to join the UCC.

He also expressed gratitude to Lecturer Tau’oa, whose class ultimately led to Iotamo receiving dual standing with the United Church of Christ and the Rev. Tialavea for their support during the Synod.

Iotamo, who also serves as the regional secretary of the CCCAS in Alaska, understands that ministry demands perseverance through every challenge.

“Being a minister is difficult, both financially and spiritually,” he shared, “but here in Alaska, we have learned to endure and grow through every experience.”

He recognizes that ministers are called to serve God, yet some expect to be served.

“While we are respected, in our roles as faifeau, we are still responsible for everyday tasks and must remain humble servants,” he said.

“Ministry is not about our stature,” Iotamo continued. "It’s about serving both God and God’s people.

“Each of us has a purpose: to be a servant of God,” he reflected. “When God blesses us, our actions should in turn bless others.”

For information, call 907-744-6633 or email ifalealili@yahoo.com.

 

Pacific Northwest Conference UCC News © copyright Fall 2025

 

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