Reflections of a Sabbath Keeper
- Two thousand and twelve is a special year
For all Samoans living far and near
As we prepare for the 50th celebration
The anniversary of our independent nation
It’s also been a year of sad separation
Of God’s church with its small population
The “Keep Sunday” ruling made by our leaders
Caused a huge split among our members
- We continue to keep the seventh day sacred
On which God rested and consecrated
Forbidden to worship in a church building
Under trees we pray with our voices ringing
For our church services, we hire a tent
Chairs and tables each Sabbath we rent
Happiness and peace flood each soul
Eternal life is our ultimate goal
- Some members travel from Anoamaa
To worship with us at Vailoa, Faleata
Their old pick-up may squeak and sputter
They’re the first to arrive before the worship hour
They travel all the way from Solaua
Their joy is endless, their hearts are pure
Quietly they endure mockery and scorn
Looking to God to lead them on
- I worshiped with the Samatau group
A country church of my childhood
Old and young, fellowship warmly
With joy I feel the spirit of belonging
On the Sabbath issue, they cast their lot
Choosing bravely to obey God
When all seemed lost they stood their ground
Allowing no one to push them around
- Animosity, Lord, is hard to bear
We’re neither Job nor species rare
Intimidation and aggravation
Fill us with exasperation
May we continue to turn the other cheek
When we’re tempted not to be meek
May we be kind one to another
And gently enlighten a befuddled brother
- “Bind us with cords that cannot be broken”
Is a favourite song we sing quite often
Sadly, Lord, Your church is divided
Scattering souls – scared and frightened
Families are broken, churches are divided
Friendships have ended, plans discarded
We have to act quickly for our people’s sake
Hard choices now we all must make
* - While leaders argue and deliberate
The devil is busy sowing seeds of hate
Spirits are weakened, hearts are hardened
Souls are confused and very discouraged
Folks stay home, people have grown cold
Church members, Lord, are leaving the fold
If we continue to squabble and wait
Saving these souls may be too late
- How long can the weary souls hold on?
How long will the leaders’ meetings prolong?
With Your grace, dear Lord, we’ll carry on
Relying on Your Spirit to lead us on
But Lord, what about the baffled soul?
Struggling alone Thy will to know
They may be someone’s son or daughter
Blindly led like lambs to the slaughter
- Lord, may we labour hard and long
For all these people to Thee belong
We’ll help them on the journey home
Don’t let us waver, delay or roam
The Sabbath truth to all explain
So they can choose to retain or refrain
Tomorrow may be someone’s last time
It may be theirs – it may be mine
- We lay our burdens at Thy feet
Until on heaven’s shores we meet
May our foundation be secure in You
May we forever to Thee be true
With courage we will continue to stand
To keep the light burning in our homeland
We will press on, we will stand tall
Till You welcome us to the celestial hall
- For us You paid the ultimate price
For me You made the supreme sacrifice
We won’t give up, we won’t surrender
We want to live with Thee, forever
May we advance with surety and dignity
Until at last we reach eternity
When death’s curtain is forever drawn
Please turn the darkness into glorious dawn
- To all God’s people who support our stand
In keeping the Sabbath in our motherland
Your voices strong ring loud and clear
Supporting our belief with hearts sincere
You lifted our spirits, strengthened our hope
You kept us going and helped us cope
Please accept our profound gratitude
For giving us strength and fortitude
- For us, continue to say a prayer
It’s great to know that you all care
Please remember the Sabbath Keepers
The confused members and church leaders
Those on both sides and in the middle
Don’t let the devil with our souls fiddle
Each day the sun sets in someone’s life
While the church is divided with internal strife
- For peace which passeth all understanding
For His promises on which we are standing
For family and friends, for pastors and members
For people overseas who are standing together
For strength, courage and determination
For the love and support of God’s congregation
Cheering us on to victory and jubilation
We say ‘faafetai tele’ and heartfelt appreciation
