From Kosrae to the Call of Christ: How Surleigh Tara Made A Redemption Movement Out of Discipleship

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Publish Date:

July 21, 2025

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A Humble Beginning

Born into the islands as the middle child of four, his early years were marked by island time and Sunday school sermons. But like most boys seeking for an identity, he drifted. He entered the US Military in 1989 and slowly became drawn away from the Christian upbringing he had in youth days. College, combat zones, and culture shock were now his enemies, replacing the quietude of Kosrae. “I was surrounded by faith growing up,” he says. “But I wasn’t grounded in it.”

What ensued were talentless days full of conflicting turmoil and spiritual voids. “Addiction, confusion, distraction,” Surleigh reminisces. “I had no anchor.”

In the year 2008, another Micronesian brother introduced him to a Holy Spirit weekend retreat. The event sparked lighting for his rebirth in the rededication of living for Christ. “That weekend,” Surleigh recalls, “I didn’t just feel God. I met Him.”

The Rise of a Discipler

While it did not happen in a day, the change was irrevocable. Surleigh started a ministry at home, leading Bible studies for his children Trevor, Vanessa, Chelsea, and Zachariah. These gatherings soon grew and began to touch the lives of the Pacific Islander youth and families in central counties of California like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Bernardino. Wherever he believed the Word to be needed, Surleigh brought it.

Soon, those sessions awakened a deeper calling to write.
“I never imagined I would be an author,” he admits. “But when God puts something in your heart, He gives you the strength to carry it through.”

The Book: Discipleship to Leader

Published through Pasifika Publishing and available on Amazon and Audible, Discipleship to Leader compacts Surleigh’s 20 years of transformation from believer into discipler and finally spiritual leader. It is written with clear and direct language, excluding theological fluff or denominational bias, presenting Scripture based truths meant to equip the average believer.

“It’s not a textbook,” he elucidates. “It’s a tool. Something you can pick up today and use tomorrow.“

The whole book is built around one idea: every follower of Christ is called to lead, not to step up in power or join an organization, but to obey with a servant’s heart.

Discipleship to Leader fleshes out a process of multiplication from testimonies to scripture walks where mentorship and accountability lay the foundation for spiritual maturity. Surleigh is not a businessman. “Obedience may cost you everything,” he says, “but it leads to something greater than you imagined.“

The Publishing Journey

Self publishing wasn’t easy. Surleigh put out his savings to learn the process, taking courses, and figuring out formatting and distribution for his manuscript.

“I spent my last penny on publishing education,” he says. “But I knew this book had to happen.”

Happened it did. The road tested his endurance and perseverance before leading to an offering that was highly personal and fully God led. The book is now being circulated in the Micronesian church communities, as an online platform and also among small groups that are craving for a real disciple, who’s more than just a Sunday sermon.

A Life Led by Example

Surleigh doesn’t talk transformation the talk; he walks transformation the walk. In recent years he has been a mentor to many, assisting them in their recovery from addiction, restoration of relationships, and spiritual growth. One of his mentees started the process some three years ago and is now mentoring others.

“Mentoring is not easy,” says Surleigh. “But if, from both sides, both the mentor and the mentee, there is ownership taken, then there is transformation.“

In his mind, leadership does not mean charging a platform for oneself. It means shepherding.
“A real Christian leader is one who fears God more than man, walks in humility, and is committed to serve others.“

Digital Mission

On the other hand, there is a digital side to Surleigh’s ministry. With a growing platform on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, Surleigh is doing his best to bring ancient truths through modern day platforms. His contents, usually Scripture reflections, testimonies, and words of encouragement, reach far outside his immediate community.

“It doesn’t set on the number of followers,” he says. “It’s the reach. The more people see the message, the more are impacted.“

With every post comes opposition from the spirit, but it is also criticism that Surleigh welcomes, embracing it with prayer, humility, and tenacity. “I take everything to the Lord first,” he says. “Criticism is sometimes just correction in disguise.“

Looking Ahead: Jubilee, Justice, and the Next Generation

The next book project he is working on will tackle the subject of Jubilee and Justice in greater depth as a follow up to his dissertation. It is a biblical study of restoration, equity, and hope, with perhaps all too timely applicability for today’s fractured world.

“It speaks of God’s heart for justice and how we as believers should express that in every level, social, spiritual, and economic.“

However, his vision goes a little beyond that. An actual youth center, where young people can be taught life skills, grow in faith, and find their God given identity, is one of his dreams.
“That’s what I want to leave behind; a generation raised to lead, to serve, and to stand on the truth of God’s Word.“

The Backbone Behind the Mission

A crucial part of this mission is Surleigh’s wife, Elnorida Marcus Tara (also known as Eleanor), who has stood by his side in every chapter of his story. “Without her,” says Surleigh, “none of this would have been possible. Her strength, patience, and love gave me the freedom and support to walk in my calling.” Eleanor’s role in prayer, administration, and home leadership has been the quiet anchor to Surleigh’s visible ministry.

Final Reflections

A journey that started from the scenes of that island village, thrown into disruption by war and wandering, is now complete. Surleigh Tara is not a mere man with words; he is also one who acts. A disciple turned leader. A father, husband, mentor, and messenger.

The story of Surleigh reminds us that real faith begins with brokenness, is nurtured with obedience, and stands to testify in humility in the world where everything is superficial spirituality and instant gratification.

He may have started with nothing, but in Christ, he has truly gained everything.