A higher calling
Etuate sticks to his choice
ETUATE Ranuku Baleilekutu has no regrets over his decision to live behind his job as a building contractor and earn a lower wage to answer a calling to serve God with his talent and skills.
Baleilekutu believes he has been blessed because of the decision he made to follow a Catholic priest to Saint John’s College, Cawaci, Ovalau.
Baleilekutu said he has never regretted the decision to leave his comfort zone and a well-paying job to travel to Levuka.
“I was working for a Chinese contractor that was building houses in 1994 when I was approached by a Catholic priest who asked me to go with him to St John’s College,” the 58-year-old said.
“At that time I was married to a woman from Udu Point and we had a daughter.
“Without thinking twice we moved to Levuka in 1995 and I began helping the priest.”
Baleilekutu said he helped the priest build a piggery, chicken shed, cow milking shed and hydroponics system.
He said during this time, his wife bore five children.
“I started worked in St John’s College as a carpenter and then I moved on to look after the farm, livestock, crops and vegetables.
“When I was working for the Chinese company, I received $200 to $300 weekly and at the school I only received $60 a week.
“But I never regretted the decision because I believe God blessed me for being faithful to his servant, the priest.”
Baleilekutu said three of his daughters were teachers, one was a nurse another daughter was an office administrator.
He said his only son was also following in his footsteps in looking after the school’s farm and agricultural projects.
“Soon I will be able to retire and leave the Old Capital. I have planted 600 yaqona stems which I plan to harvest in three years time to help me with my fare back to Nadavaci, Tunuloa.
“I already discussed with my children that we have to buy a house in Suva for my grandchildren.
“Even though all my children are not married yet, I just want to make it easy for them when they finally do tie the knot and have children.”