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Meet Chaplain Falakesi
Chaplain Falakesi: From Patient to Chaplain
When Chaplain Falakesi looks back on his childhood, he can see how his journey led him to hospital chaplaincy.
Growing up on one of Tonga’s isolated islands, medical care was scarce. At just nine years old, Falakesi became seriously ill and spent three months in hospital. Doctors told his parents that he was unlikely to survive.
One day, the local minister walked five kilometres to pray at his bedside. He prayed: “God, I believe you want to use this boy—please let him live.”
The very next morning, Falakesi shocked his parents by asking to be taken to the door so he could see the sunshine. They thought it was his last request, but it was actually the first sign of his recovery. As a boy Falakesi remembers thinking: "If I live, my future will be about helping people."
Answering the call
That moment shaped his life. Falakesi became a teacher in Tonga, before moving to New Zealand to continue his studies and serve as a Methodist minister. While he loved parish ministry, he longed to reach beyond church walls and meet people in all walks of life.
In 2004, he found his true calling as a hospital chaplain. For him, it felt like coming full circle—from the sick boy prayed over in hospital, to the chaplain now offering prayer, comfort, and hope to others.
"We're here for everyone"
Falakesi says hospital chaplaincy is about more than listening and praying. It’s also about being practical—helping families with food support, connecting them with community resources, and making sure no one feels forgotten.
A lot of what I see every day challenges me. But I try to reach out to people regardless of who they are or what they believe—just like Jesus did. It’s not just spiritual support we offer. We’re here for anyone. Conversation is important for everyone.”
Chaplain Falakesi considers chaplaincy both a joy and a privilege.
"Many people are held tightly by their sickness and worries. Your support helps us reach out to people when they need it most and help untie them from that worry."
Your support today can help enable chaplains like Falakesi to be there when it's needed most.
Because we all need a little extra care at times