PORTRAITS OF POLY PASTOR'S KIDS: MIKA SISTERS
Priscilla (31), Joanna (29) & Racheal (27)
Nationality: Half Samoan, half Maori
The Mika sisters were born and raised in Auckland. Their father served in the Methodist church of New Zealand up until the late nineties before breaking off into a smaller sub denomination, the ‘New Methodist Church of Jesus Christ’.
They have four brothers, one of whom passed away. Their late brother Luke, the firstborn in the family, tragically died in a car accident at the age of two. Following the accident, their father went into a coma and when he regained consciousness, had a new found revelation to spread God’s news. Joanna Mika describes the tragedy as a turning point in her parents’ lives who repented and came to God, eventually taking on the call of ministry.
The Mika sisters were the classic singing family who followed their Pastor father, supporting his sermons through song. They became missionaries at a young age and travelled around the world ministering the gospel. Throughout their childhood they ministered in Africa, Singapore, Pakistan, Israel, America, England, Finland, Australia, Solomon Islands and Samoa, sometimes travelling for months at a time.
They each went through rebellious phases during their teenage years, under the pressure and high expectations of the church community while longing for independence and freedom. During this time Joanna became a young teen mother, marrying at a young age. Racheal also became a young mother and later married while Priscilla enjoyed the night club social scene. Despite their lifestyle choices and the judgement they were subjected to within the church, they continued to support their father in church.
Although she had a completely different upbringing, their Maori mother fully assumed the traditional Samoan role of a Faletua. She has always actively supported their father in his service to the Ministry and also in upholding Samoan culture and traditions within the family home.
Currently both Racheal and Joanna are living in New Zealand and continue to support their Father’s church. Priscilla is living in Melbourne, Racheal is her father’s caregiver and sings in a night club, and Joanna is a Teacher and freelance Actor/Singer.
Suggested Links:
Portraits of Poly Pastors Kids - The Amosa Brothers
Portraits of a Poly Pastors Kid - Marama Papau