Davis Sione

Talofa! For almost ten years All Saints Palmy has been significant in my journey of faith, family and ministry. During seven of these years, I had opportunities to lead services, worship teams, develop Tāura Internship; a space where people explored faith through Prayer, Scripture and service. Each intern had a mentor, studied at Emmaus and lived with church whānau. 

More recently, it has been a season of releasing leadership, farewelling others and leaning into the silence of “what is next Lord?” As youth leadership was passed on, while internship and our 7pm community concluded, these years of experiential learning taught me more than I could imagine. With a growing heart for my Pasifika culture and community, our youth work mahi began extending beyond church walls, as a team and I continued engaging with rangatahi who felt disconnected and misunderstood. After almost five years of volunteering, Youth Nu’u Trust was born.

Nu’u is the Samoan word for Village. Our village unites volunteers from our community, local church whānau, partnering with community organisations, to walk alongside Rangatahi through mentoring. You’l find us in primary to secondary schools, sports matches, alongside police, youth services and more. Our team include people of faith, those with none and those exploring. We're imperfect people who believe everyone deserves somewhere to find belonging, awaken belief, to discover who they were meant to become. 

What excites me most is when these worlds entwine. An unexpected faith question, a Talanoa with a teacher, or prayer with a parent who’s navigating life's challenges. 

Through these experiences I sense God's invitation towards priesthood - to gather, nurture and equip communities where people encounter Jesus through belonging. The Anglican movement’ heart for discipleship, hospitality and communities on the edges, resonate deeply with this journey. I continue to learn what this calling looks like, trusting God is already at work in these worlds, my family and life.