Samoa & Tokelau Mission celebrate 132 years of Adventist history

On May 2-7, 2023, the Samoa & Tokelau Mission (STM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church held its Big Camp at its headquarters in Lalovaea, under the profound theme of "Legacy in the midst of storm."

Traditionally, the STM Fono Tele takes place in August every year. However, in a shift from tradition, this year's event was held in May, to coincide with the anniversary of the arrival of the Adventist Church in Samoa on May 5th, 1891. This simultaneous celebration was in response to an initiative by the government of Samoa to commemorate the 60th year of Samoa's Independence State. The Fono Tele Committee, comprising 21 members chaired by Sione Ausage, met bi-weekly to prepare for this significant event.

On Friday, May 5, 2023, exactly 132 years since the Adventists arrived in Samoa, STM extended invitations to the Samoa Head of State, Hon. Le Mamea Ropati, Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa, the Parliament Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, and their Associate Ministers. The Honorable Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa graced the occasion as the keynote speaker.

The Prime Minister of Samoa, Her Excellency Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, warmly congratulated the Seventh Day Adventist Church on its 132nd anniversary in Samoa. She praised the Church's significant contributions over the years to spiritual guidance, health, education, and relief assistance for vulnerable families and communities.

"The Church has certainly grown in faith, and in the delivery of its services to Samoa. May the grace of our Lord continue to strengthen the Church in its journey into the future," stated the Prime Minister.

The Big Camp was also enriched by special guest speakers, including the President of the Trans-Pacific Union (TPU), Pr Maveni Kaufononga; SPD Stewardship Director, Mr Julian Archer; Associate Stewardship Director of TPU, Ms Emma Poulter; and the President of American Samoa Mission, Pr Tui Luafitu. Each made presentations across various divisions of the Fono Tele, from Adult Division, Youth, right down to the Children Ministry divisions.

The event was kicked off with a unique show called "The First Harvest of Agricultural & Fisheries Products," where church members displayed their harvest of crops, fruits, vegetables, fish ponds, plants, handicrafts, cattle, sheep, and goats. This showcase was a testament to the bountiful fruits of the congregation's labor and a symbol of their commitment to the teachings of the Adventist Church.

The "Legacy in the midst of storm" Big Camp was a beacon of spiritual rejuvenation and celebration. It served as a reminder of the Adventist Church's enduring legacy in Samoa and its unwavering commitment to serving its community, even in the face of adversities. It was an event that brought together a community to commemorate, reflect, and look ahead to the future with hope and faith.

In the words of Prime Minister Mata'afa, "Congratulations on your 132nd Anniversary. God bless."