Lighthouse Group Report, 27 October 2012
Members started to arrive an hour before Sabbath School, including these two daughters of Tupa’i Pio from Faleula
Samoa Saturday Sabbath Keepers of the S. D. A. Church
A well-known church hymn is: “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining everyday …” That is exactly what the Sabbath keepers in Samoa are doing – pressing upward and gaining new heights as we continue to worship, work and witness for the Lord of the Sabbath.
The Lighthouse members were greatly blessed on Sabbath, 27 October, 2012, when Pr. Ativale Mulitalo, retired Samoan Pastor from Sydney, Australia, travelled to Samoa, paying his own travel, living and printing expenses to assist the Sabbath keepers by visiting with them and conducting seminars to strengthen and encourage them in their walk with, and service for, God.
An hour before commencement of Sabbath School, 18 private and hired vehicles as well as several taxis started to bring our sisters and brothers for the Sabbath meetings, and our worship place began to fill up with members, relatives and visitors from other parts of Upolu Island and abroad. Relatives from Australia who are visiting Samoa for personal reasons were also there to take the opportunity to encourage Samoan believers to hold fast to their Sabbath stand for the Lord.
We all were greatly enriched through Pr. Ativale’s clear and down-to-earth presentations through seminars to members and visitors alike.
Pr. Ativale’s final message of encouragement to the Sabbathkeepers was: “Be of good courage; hold fast and hold firm to the end.”
Some of our beautiful and brave young warriors for the Lord who faithfully play their parts in leading out in song services, special items, Sabbath School, and a host of other Lighthouse Group responsibilities
Front: Tupai Pio (Faleula) and Iosua Koomwaiyou (Fasitootai) were amongst the early arrivals
Alaga, a devoted member, shall return to Hawaii in a few days’ time. We look forward to her return early next year.
L-R: Epenesa Pua and Maulolo’s daughter
L-R: Piliopo Tupai and daughter (Faleula) and Leone Maulolo Lino and daughter (Afega)
L-R: Muliagatele Rasela and Fuaoa Tia Collins
L-R: Maulolo Lino (Afega) with Taleni Milovale and Alesana Ah San (Leauvaa-uta) arrived long before commencement of Sabbath School
L-R: Lepapa Mulama (Apia) and Tiana (Vavau) may be getting on in years but they are bold witnesses for God
Peka Ah San (in brownish outfit) from Leauvaa, is the current Head Deaconess for the Lighthouse Group
L-R: Tomasi and Elenise Ponatuiala and children, who worship at the STM Vailoa Church, were invited by Pr. Ativale to worship with us on 27 October 2012
L-R: Malaga Laifaga Matauaina (Brisbane) with two relatives from Samatau
L-R: Ioane Ah San (Leauvaa-uta) and Lofa Lolesio (Siusega)
L-R: Toailoa Vaosa and Pr. Ativale Mulitalo before commencement of Sabbath School on 27 Oct. 2012
Siusega Singers singing at the close of “Praise and Worship”
As the members sang “The Love of God is so Wonderful”, worshipers greeted each other at commencement of Sabbath School
L-R: Sabbath keepers singing their opening hymn: “Christ our Mighty Captain Leads Against the Foe”
L-R: Salã Peteli Kuresa and wife, Matalena arriving for the Sabbath services
Ana Kuresa, daughter of Sala and Matalena Kuresa. In the background (left) can be seen part of the STM Alafua Church
Uta Uta, arriving for Sabbath services. Behind him is the hedge which divides the Adventist Sabbath keeping and Sunday keeping brothers and sisters at Alafua.
Malaga Laifaga sharing news from the Samoan SDAs in Logan City Church, Brisbane
Tomasi traveled with Pr. Ativale to Savaii; his young daughter sang a lovely song of praise to the Lord
Five sisters (Maulolo Lino Pogai’s daughters) sang their hearts out as they used their sweet voices to praise God between the seminars
Pr. Ativale presenting the first of four one-hour seminars to enlighten and encourage the Sabbath keepers
Worshipers in the back section of the worship shelter
L-R: Tumau and Iosefa Faaeteete
After the spiritual food came the physical food
for added strength before the final seminar
L-R: Tupa’i Pio (Faleula), Toailoa Vaosa (Laulii) and Maulolo Lino Pogai (Afega)
Pule and Tia
Final words of encouragement from Pr. Ativale to Maulolo and vice versa!
The Three Musketeers: Fuimaono, Tagaloa and Lepapa flash happy smiles after a delightful Sabbath of blessings
After everyone sang: “I will wait every day, as the end is drawing near, I’m not worried about anything for I am ready to meet my Master”, Pr. Ativale pronounced the benediction and entrusted the Sabbath keepers to the Lord’s care – ‘til we meet again
