Christian Hero
Ene Ni Fagapalapala Sagala
3 November 1935 to 7 January
2006
Sportsman, Teacher, Advisor, Principal, Pastor, Pastor's Pastor
Only one life, will soon be
passed.
Only what's done for Christ
will last.
Pastor Ene's favourite
saying
Just a
few of the many tributes:
I was his "room boy" at Samoa College. I watched his
life very closely. He was the first real Christian I met.
Eventually I committed my life to Ene's Lord... One day Ene, Max
Rasmison and Nazarene missionary Jerry Appleby came to my house and
told me God wanted me to start YFC in Samoa...  Ene would take every
opportunity to witness to anybody, anywhere. Like Paul, he could say
he's "fought a good fight. He's run the race. Henceforth there is laid
up for me..." His sole ambition in life was to give people the
opportunity to come to Christ. And so many did because of Ene.
- Tavale Mataia
Ene walked close to God and radiated God's presence. He
not only pioneered a church but helped launch Radio Samoa in New
Zealand. He has touches hundreds and yes, thousands of lives for God's
glory... Ene, you have run a wonderful race and have not faltered.
Thank you for the example you set. - Alistair Hutchinson
He had the gift of simple, yet profound faith... Ene
never wavered. He also had the gift of encouragement. So many pastors
are here today because of the significant influence on their lives. And
Ene had wisdom. All he did reflected his practical wisdom. He had
a strong commitment to his beloved Brethren denomination. But he loved
people of any and all churches that followed the Lord Jesus. He served
for many years with the Gideons, helping to get the Bible into hotels,
prisons, hospitals and schools. He was very supportive of YFC and other
Christian groups. - Lloyd Brewerton
...A school teacher, principal, pastor... He could have
used the title
"Reverend", but he felt that should be reserved for God. A very
dedicated
person, traveling to isolated villages with Gospel literature... He was
longing to "go home" to be with his Lord... Ene, we will meet you
again. Tofa! - Misilei Mataia
Some of
Ene's favourite songs:
He's the Saviour of My Soul
Because He Lives
To God Be The Glory
Somewhere Beyond the Blue
Soon and Very Soon
Some of
the Tributes from family:
In 1983 Dad was diagnosed with cancer and given only a
few weeks to live. That's when we left Samoa and came to New Zealand.
He told the Lord that if He would extend his life, he would use
whatever life he had to reach as many people for God as he could. Dad
didn't solve our problems. Instead he taught us to deal with our
problems - by going to God in prayer. Dad loved God's people: Brethren
and people from many church affiliations.
 ...Dad always looked for, and found the good in people.
He was patient. He had a taste for quality, regardless of the cost. He
was a perfectionist... He loved and befriended everyone, especially
those who were down and out. He always valued people's input. He was
punctual, and had little patience with us when we were not punctual. We
are so proud of our Dad!
...Dad was committed to preach the Gospel - EVERYDAY! His trust was in
the Lord. He gave his all to God. He put God first in his life. Love
your family NOW. Don't wait till they're gone. Make the most of every
opportunity. That's what Dad did. "To whom much is given, much is
required."
...Dad didn't want to be remembered for himself, but for Jesus and the
character qualities God allowed to be developed in him. ...When all is
said and done Ene would be the first to say, he's just a sinner saved
by grace! "Glory!" was the last word written in his journal, the day he
went into the presence of the Lord.
E fiafia lava Lilia ma le fanau e momoli atu le agaga faafetai ona o lo
outou auai mai i lenei aso, e momoli le agaga faafetai i le Atua oma o
le ola auauna o le tama ia Ene Sagala.
Ene is
survived by his dear wife Lilia, and their children:
Lui & Ane Ponifasio, Jason & Mabel Faataape,
Malaine Sagala, Willie & Ave Robertson, Mataio & Taliilagi
Sagala, Mareko Sagala, Arona & Karen Sagala
and
grandchildren:
Grace, Canaan, Roanna Ponifasio; Nikolao, Osana, Enelaki, Litia
Faataape; Melaraena, Robertamae, Trinity Robertson; Caylen, Laine, Eli
Sagala; Joel Sagala
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