new wave of Samoan missionaries

David & Lydia Hall
A family with a mission

Samoa Report  -  April 2007

First, some background. Lydia and I wanted to do something special to celebrate thirty years of marriage. At first we considered a trip to Europe where we could visit family, etc. When that didn't seem feasible we considered a trip back to the States. We had nearly ten years of air points we could cash in. But even a trip to the States seemed out of our reach. So we looked for something closer, eventually deciding on going back to Samoa, where we started out as a married couple. It didn't take us long to conclude we made the right choice. We'd been away too long. Samoans have continued to play an important part of our lives over the years.

 Walking down memory lane. The first two days we spent on the main island of Upolu, within walking distance of downtown Apia. What a beautiful island. It's almost like going back in time 50 years or more. The people are so friendly. People aren't in a hurry, they take time to wave, to talk, to listen, to enjoy the simple things of life.


Samoans make wonderful missionaries

One of the joys of this trip was our visit to the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) base. The Samoan government has provided 5 acres, centrally located, with a 50 year lease for a nominal fee. The property has been cleared and seven fales (Samoan-style homes) have been built for classrooms, dorms, guest rooms, etc. We were impressed with the leadership, thirty staff, ten students - mostly Samoans but also Tongans, Fijians, Americans and others. Pafelio & Faye - and team - have done an awsome job.

Our week in Pago went by too fast. We stayed with Lawrence and Jane French who were wonderful hosts. They were so helpful to us when we were pioneering YWAM there in the '70s. For many years Jane led much of the "Special Education" while Lawrence works on land surveying projects. Charismatic Lutherans, they've been living in Pago for over 35 years and know that God has them there on special assignment, especially within the Catholic community.

One of the highlights of our trip was getting together with Rev. Faatui Laolagi and family. Faatui - a former board member of YWAM Samoa - has played some key roles with the largest Christian denomination in Samoa: Congregational. He has also developed a Christian school that is having a wonderful impact on nearly 300 students, year after year. Nearly half of his teachers are former YWAMers. The school has a wonderful reputation of academic, social and spiritual excellence.

One of his family members we also met with, Tafale Fuiava, stayed with us for awhile in Auckland last year, at the Soul Hut. He's one of the teachers at the Congregational Church's theological college, training a new generation of Samoan Christian leaders.

Meeting with Li'a Seuli was also a joy. Li'a - formerly with Island Breeze in Hawaii and still affiliated with YWAM - is also having a significant impact on many young people through the community service theatre group she started - see: http://www.ctyweb.org. "The plays and education programs are unique, artistic, and socially-based educational tools that help participants to understand each other - their pain and passion, excitement and disbelief, trials and opportunities." God has opened many doors for them in both public and private schools, to help people deal with major social issues.


We had the privilege of ministering at a combined 7 church rally (“full gospel”). What a joy to see young people we knew as kids now pastoring these churches and leading their Bible school. The only sad part of this trip was discovering so many people we knew and loved are now with the Lord. But even that is not so bad when we realize that "to live is Christ, to die is gain." (Phil. 1:21)

Voice of Christ - T.K. Tilo Memorial Building - Bible school

The climax of our trip was meeting with a group of former YWAMers. All are serving the Lord - and others - in various ways, through their jobs, churches and community service. We worshipped the Lord and talked of the challenges of missions and our common desire to see a new wave of Samoan missionaries blessing the nations. Samoans make wonderful missionaries because of their faith, humility, priority on relationships, and ability to adapt to almost any living situation.

Picture above: David, Lydia and Leone Forsgren
(husband Andy is assoc. pastor of Word of Life Christian Church)

 

Picture: some of the former YWAMers we met with

 
We encouraged them to help promote the upcoming "Samoa for Missions" conference, which will feature not only Loren Cunningham but also about twenty Samoan YWAM missionaries who will be there from many parts of the world. There will be one in Apia right after the South Pacific Games, followed by another in Pago. Key leaders from various denominations are coordinating this event. Will you join us in praying for this potentially world changing event?


Because of Calvary,

David & Lydia

Samoa 4 Missions - Report #1 from Sapapalii
Apia, Samoa report - Report #2
Pago, Am. Samoa - Report #3

David & Lydia Hall
Across Ministries - www.across.co.nz  –  PO Box 13-580, Onehunga, Auckland, NZ

A - Across Pacific Magazine

C - Christian Ministries / Churches

R - Referrals  /  Reconciliation
O - Outreach

S - Sponsorship

S - Schools