Asia-Pacific Region welcomes Rev. Sharon Latu as the new Nazarene Youth International Coordinator starting 1 February 2025. Sharon succeeds Rev. Janary Suyat, who has been in this role for ten (10) years. Rev. Sharon is an ordained elder of the Church of the Nazarene.
She comes from a large, close-knit family with two brothers and two sisters. She is a proud auntie to 28 nieces and nephews from both sides of her family, who inspire and support her on her journey.
Rev. Sharon, who is of Samoan heritage, is an alumnus of Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. In 2015, she earned her Masters Degree in Biblical Studies at Fuller University, and in 2021, she finished her Post Graduate Certificate in Transformational Leadership from Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary.
Her God-fearing parents cultivated her passion for ministry early on. At age 12, she began her journey into ministry and service in the Church of the Nazarene. She was a Sunday School teacher and worship team member at Mid-City Samoan Church of the Nazarene, San Diego, United States of America (USA). Upon returning to Samoa, she served as a worship leader and youth advocate in her local church, Ululoloa Church of the Nazarene and Samoa District. She became a lecturer at the South Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary College Samoa Campus.
After she married Rev. Daniel Latu (Fiji District Superintendent), she moved to Fiji, and they started serving in various ministry roles in the Fiji District. At present, they are senior pastors of New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene and leaders of the Fiji District. She is the Academic Dean and Registrar of South Pacific Nazarene Theological College (SPNTC).
“Asia-Pacific youth are a vibrant and dynamic bunch. They are known and mysterious. They are known for accomplishing incredible feats for the Glory of God. Mysterious in that they have much more to give to the Kingdom and the world – more of Jesus in them for the world and more souls for Jesus. Because of this dynamic and much more, I am humbled to have this opportunity to serve the young people of Asia-Pacific. I am committed to their empowerment, partnering with them, and providing the platforms and avenues to allow them to embrace their dynamic calling. To journey and witness their impact as salt and light of the earth. With great optimism, I look at the challenges we will overcome together, our ongoing successes in evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development, and laying the groundwork in these times for generations to come. We owe the youth leaders and young people before us for where we are today. It is now on us to move the ministry forward as the Lord leads.” Sharon shared.
Rev. Sharon Latu is a woman of faith. She is committed to the Lord, her spiritual growth, and her calling. She is passionate about worship and finds joy in leading others into God’s presence. She is equally committed to mentoring youth and children to help them discover and fulfill their calling. Through her diverse roles and experiences, Sharon remains focused on serving the Lord, strengthening the church, and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
