Samoan Churches Embrace the Journey of Mission
Apelu Tanuvasa / Tau Poasa
Published
Our F5 Samoan churches (Craigieburn, Melton, North Melbourne, Sunshine & Werribee) embarked on an inspiring journey entitled 2024 'Mission in Motion'. The event was a multi-phase initiative to revitalise our connections and commitment to outreach. With a focus on reaching out to those who have distanced themselves from the church, our mission unfolded in four impactful phases: Reach, Responsibility, Respond, and Revive.
The first phase, Reach, was designed to extend our hands and hearts to individuals who have left the church. We aimed to reconnect with them through targeted outreach efforts, emphasising the importance of community and belonging. This phase involved various activities such as personal invitations to church events, engaging social media campaigns, and heartfelt conversations. Our goal was to show that everyone has a place within our congregation, regardless of their past experiences.
Building on this foundation, we entered the second phase: Responsibility. This phase challenged us to recognise our duty as stewards of the gospel. We hosted a special Sabbath service featuring guest speaker Pr. Graeme Christian, who inspired us to take an active role in mentoring others. His message resonated deeply, reminding us that it is our responsibility not only to invite others to church but also to walk alongside them in their spiritual journeys.
The third phase, Respond, provided an exciting opportunity for growth and encouragement. We were privileged to have Pr. Rome Ulia and Pr. Nemaia Faletogo from the U.S. lead workshops that enriched our understanding of mission work. Their teachings emphasised the importance of responding to God's call in our lives and the impact we can have on those around us. Throughout these phases, we organised vespers, Bible studies, games, fundraisers, and prayer sessions that brought our community together, creating a unified effort towards our mission.
At our final phase, Revive, we witnessed a beautiful expression of faith during the long weekend in September when the F5 Samoan churches gathered for a camping retreat at Lardner Park.
This retreat allowed us to bond as a community and set the stage for an extraordinary spiritual milestone: baptising 25 young souls, including three at the start of the year. Each baptism was a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working within our youth, fulfilling the very aim of the Mission in Motion program.
Throughout the year, we have seen firsthand how God's love and grace can transform lives and build lasting connections. Whether it is reaching out to those on the fringes, taking responsibility for one another's spiritual growth, or ultimately responding to God's call, our collective efforts have strengthened our church community.
As we reflect on this journey, we celebrate the impact of the Mission in Motion program, thanking God for His guidance and the vibrant energy of our young people. We would also like to thank our F5 Committee, guest speakers and church members for all their efforts in helping with the program. May we continue to carry the lessons learned and the friendships forged into the future, nurturing a community where everyone feels welcomed and loved. Praise God for His work in our lives and the transformative power of faith!
