Samoa celebrates its first year with enrolment of new members

Samoa Region, (Regional Leaders Lt Colonels Rod and Jenny Carey and Corps Plant Officer, Captain Miriama Simanu) recently celebrated the 1-year anniversary of the official opening in August 2018.

Special guests for the weekend were Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Andy and Yvonne Westrupp.

On Friday the Territorial Leaders carried out the Territorial Governance Review of the Regional Headquarters, Corps and Addiction Services, with the region highlighting the mission success over the past 12 months since the work commenced. The corps continues to grow and reach people with the gospel message. The Addictions services has seen over 320 clients graduate from the Alcohol and Drug Programme and we have recently employed another AOD clinician.

On Saturday evening a Family Concert was held, with corps members presenting items, including, songs, cultural items, Siva (Samoan dance) and skits. The territorial leaders joined the regional leaders to sing Whakaaria Mai, much to the delight of everyone. Yvonne brought the evening to a close with an encouraging devotional message.

Close to 100 people attended the Thanksgiving Service on Sunday morning, which featured the enrolment of 12 new members, including one senior soldier, four junior soldiers and seven adherents. Andy and Yvonne presented the certificates and prayed for the Lord to strengthen and empower the new members as they serve the Lord through The Salvation Army Samoa. Special guests included representatives from the New Zealand High Commission, and our mission partners, Goshen Trust Mental Health Services and Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.

Yvonne shared her testimony and Andy brought the message from God’s Word encouraging everyone to keep true to the promises and vows they have made to the Lord.

Following the service, a To’onai was held with two size 2 pigs and plenty of food for everyone. A one-year anniversary cake was cut by our newest soldier Aloiafi To’o and Yvonne, and clients from the Goshen Trust Mental health Services entertained us with a song.

We give thanks to God for his blessings on the work in Samoa and believe in faith that the best is yet to be.