Pray for Samoa

According to traditional Samoan religion, the war goddess Nafanua predicted that a new religion would come to replace the old. When Christianity arrived on these islands, many saw it as the fulfillment of that prophecy and converted. With over 95 percent of Samoans now identifying as Christian, there is a close link between Samoan society and Christianity. “Samoa is founded on God” is the national motto. Samoan society is deeply communal, shaped by “Fa’a Samoa,” or the Samoan Way. Life is defined by large, extended families who gather in villages and elect chiefs to manage their combined resources. Land is owned by an entire family, and respect is earned through service.

Samoa’s biggest challenge is the ocean. With most Samoans living along the nation’s low coastlines, Samoa routinely battles against the effects of tsunamis, cyclones, and rising sea levels. To overcome this challenge, national leaders have encouraged communities to move further inland and avoid the ocean’s destructive reach. Samoa also faces one of the world’s most severe diabetes and obesity epidemics. A weak education system and unemployment encourage youth to move away from their families to find better lives in other countries.

Villages in Samoa are built around churches, which serve as centers for religion, culture, and recreation. However, Samoan culture expects its people to be Christian, meaning many are Christian in name only. The Samoan Church especially struggles with division as pastors compete for attendance. Some pastors use Sundays to gather money for themselves instead of faithfully teaching God’s Word. Moreover, the nation is heavily influenced by Mormonism. Yet, God has used faithful Christians in this nation to save many of his people. The Samoan Church has also had a major role in reaching the Pacific, sending missionaries throughout its islands.