Ionatana "Tana" Neufeldt was ordained into the gospel ministry in an outdoor drive-in ceremony Sept. 19, 2020. Alaska Conference leadership conducted the ceremony with John Freedman, North Pacific Union Conference president, giving the charge.
Neufeldt first heard about the Adventist message when his sister invited him to an evangelistic meeting. Impressed that the message was supported by the Bible, he later accepted Jesus and was baptized.
Neufeldt attended the Fulton Seminary College in Fiji but eventually moved to Southern California with his wife, Loruama. There he enrolled in a dental technology program, eventually opening his own thriving dental laboratory.
Despite this success, the Holy Spirit reminded Neufeldt of God’s call in his life. His pastor cast a vision to plant a church, and the Neufeldts eagerly joined the effort. Because there was no money or meeting space, the Neufeldts' home became the first place of worship for a group of 40 people. The group grew quickly and was organized into a church company the following year.
After of 14 years, Neufeldt left his business to pursue God’s calling full time. Neufeldt graduated with his Master of Divinity degree at Andrews University.
He then accepted a call in the Samoa-Tokelau Mission. While there he pastored the Fusi/Vailoa District and served the mission as health ministry director.
Eventually, the Neufeldts returned to California, where Neufeldt worked as a dental technician, but he longed to return to ministry. While waiting for God to open the door, Neufeldt served as first elder at New Hope Church and was an intergral part in planting a Samoan group in High Desert, California.
Neufeldt was invited to serve in the Alaska Conference in February 2017 as pastor for the Anchorage Samoan and The Second Mile churches. In reflecting on his life, Neufeldt realizes God has led, and continues to lead, in his life, despite of delays and challenges.
The Neufeldts have two daughters: Layna, 33, and Elynda, 8.
Many celebrated this ordination, including (from left) Jim Jensen, Alaska Conference vice president of finance; John Loor Jr., North Pacific Union Conference vice president; Kevin Miller, Alaska Conference president; Sun Il Kim, Bethel and Anchorage Korean pastor; Tana Neufeldt, Anchorage Samoan and The Second Mile pastor; Chad Angasan, Nome and Kotzebue pastor; Nama Neufeldt; Edmore Mangena, Glennallen and Valdez pastor; Jim John, Anchorage Northside pastor; Melvin Santos, Alaska Conference vice president of administration; Todd Parker, Dillingham and Togiak pastor; Steve Evenson, Fairbanks pastor and conference ministerial director; and David Shin, Hillside O'Malley pastor; and John Freedman, North Pacific Union Conference president.
Conference and union leaders and pastors raise Tana Neufeldt up in prayer, thanking God for his ministry in Alaska.
John Freedman, NPUC president (left), led the ordination service with Nama and Tana Neufeldt on stage.
Tana Neufeldt wore traditional leis made by his congregation.
Ionatana and Loruama "Nama" Neufeldt appreciate those who gathered for their high Sabbath in September.
(From left) John Freedman, North Pacific Union Conference president; Kevin Miller, Alaska Conference president; and Melvin Santos, Alaska Conference vice-president of administration, participated in the ordination of Tana Neufeldt.
A church member joins Tana Neufeldt to celebrate his ordination.
