Visit a congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day day Saints in New Zealand and Australia and you will most likely run into at least one, often more, worshippers who are of Samoan descent.
Or if you were to talk to a few Latter-day Saint returned missionaries, you will more than likely find someone who served as a missionary in Samoa or American Samoa. Or perhaps they served in Australia, New Zealand or the USA, but were assigned to teach people in the Samoan language.
The New Zealand Ministry for Pacific Peoples' website states that Samoa Language Week 2021 goes from Sunday 30 May to Saturday 5 June.
"This year’s theme for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week 2021 is Poupou le lotoifale. Ola manuia le anofale which means strengthen the posts of your house, for all to thrive."
The wesbite continues: "When you’re building a foundation for a fale (house) it can’t have a weak foundation or posts. This is the same for the foundations of our families, schools and churches that play an important role in strengthening Gagana Samoa (the Samoan Language). Language is important for the foundations of our overall wellbeing. Activities and events will be held through Aotearoa to embrace and celebrate Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa."
Watch short videos featuring Latter-day Saints sharing their feelings about Samoa Language Week, and their love for their language and their faith, here, here, here and here.
Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in the New Zealand Wellington Mission.
Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in the New Zealand Wellington Mission. © 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has many resources in the Samoan language, including the Scriptures, Book of Mormon videos, General Conference sessions, and "Now You Know" basic beliefs videos.
Links to more Samoan language resources: