Tasi, LUA, Tolu, Fa, Lima!

So yesterday, I witnessed our Samoan Church’s 2nd year anniversary.  I did Pastor Kuna’s notes and it was really awesome.  They had what’s called a “Children’s Day” event to go along with their 2nd year anniversary – this is a special service that had originated with the first missionaries that came to Samoa. The Samoan culture is all about “adults” – in other words, the adults and elders of the culture run the show! But every so often they would allow the children to have “their day” – so it’s the youth that run the whole service – from Praise and Worship; to preaching the word; to alter call, and the ending prayer.

So they had this presentation with the youth of their church.  It was very anointed and it touched Pastor Kuna a lot to see that.  There’s a certain spirit about the “Samoan” Culture that draws the presence of God! I sense it so much in their services (I had attended their 1st year anniversary, and it was amazing!).

Prior to the showing, I had spoken to one of my girls who was involved with the service. She had a small child with her (he was 3 years old) a baby named “Kepa”. He was soooo cute! He ran around and I “caught” him! Holding him in my arms, I taught him how to count to “5″ in Samoan.

“How old are you, Kepa?” I asked. He just looked at me and smiled.

“He’s 3″ she said.

“You are ‘tolu’? Kepa, say ‘tolu’.”

He said “tolu”.

I melted. Here I was, teaching a samoan baby how to speak his language! He was sooo cute!

Pastor Kuna went up and shared a powerful message – it was a message on “unity” and letting down pride to make room for “humility” – all of which I’m sure had spoken to the heart of this culture. Pastor Kuna prophetically sang a song from the heart of God regarding the samoan people. I almost wanted to cry, because I know God really loves the samoan people and how when they are really sincere about their passion for God – my how they exude it! Pastor Kuna even shared how non samoa people will be drawn and captivated by their services – I knew that to be true because it was already happening!

We’ve celebrated 2 years…2 years of acknowledging a group of people so dear to God’s heart! A people group who have grown so much throughout their two years of existence…numerically (their youth ministry is huge!). And a culture that has captivated my heart.

I feel so blessed! Blessed that I know God and that He would give me the honor and privilege of being a part of what He wants to do to further His Kingdom through these people! I can’t wait to see all that God has instore for them.

~ by lexigurl on November 3, 2008.