On a beautiful Friday morning recently, primary school students, teachers and staff were preparing for a special visit.
The village of Sauniatu is a hidden gem nestled in the inland hill country of Samoa. Special visitors to the village and its primary school are few and far between and are welcomed with love and excitement.
Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, a General Authority Seventy and member of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife Sister Anita Wakolo, arrived at 9:00 am and met with the school principal, Rubina Aiono, and members of the Church’s Facilities Management team.
Elder and Sister Wakolo were accompanied by Elder Sapele Fa’alogo, Area Seventy, and Sister Auomala Fulumu’a, Area Organisation Advisor.
Sauniatu Primary School provides education for students from Year levels 1 to 8 and currently has an enrollment of 220 students from the ages of 5 to 13.
Elder and Sister Wakolo and other visitors with Sauniatu Primary School children, teachers and staff. June 2023.
Elder and Sister Wakolo and other visitors with Sauniatu Primary School children, teachers and staff. June 2023.© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.A special school devotional started at 9:30 am and the students were involved with conducting, reciting mission/vision statements, sharing a spiritual thought and singing.
Elder Wakolo said, “They sound so angelic,” referring to the students singing ‘A Child’s Prayer’ as their musical interlude.
Elder Wakolo started by acknowledging the teachers, staff, parents, student leaders, students and all who work collaboratively to build the Lord’s work in Sauniatu.
He also shared the love and gratitude from Church leaders for Sauniatu and for all that has transpired from this beautiful and sacred place. He bore witness of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. He also shared his testimony of the love that Heavenly Father has for the students of Sauniatu.
Elder Wakolo read part of an Apostolic blessing pronounced by the then President of the Church, David ‘O McKay, when he visited Sauniatu in 1955: “Bless the mothers, the young men and young women and especially the little children. May thy peace abide here in the village of Sauniatu.”
The little children referred to in the blessing are you the students of Sauniatu Primary School and children who are born and raised in and the vicinity of Sauniatu,” Elder Wakolo said.
He prayed that that “there will continue to be peace in the village of Sauniatu.” He concluded by sharing his testimony of God’s plan of happiness, and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Elder Sapele Fa’alogo shared his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He started with a short quiz on the basic gospel truths that students learn in their homes and in their Sunday classes at church. He reminded the students to remember who they are as “children of our Heavenly Father.”
Sister Fulumu’a shared her personal experience of how her forefathers were pioneers of Sauniatu. She said that they were able to overcome trials and challenges through their faith and trust in the Lord. “They persevered and are buried here to remind their children and future descendants of their inspiring story,” she said.
Sister Wakolo shared how when she was a school student she admired those who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how she wanted to be like them. She later was baptised and joined the Church—and, as she says, “she has never looked back.”
Sister Wakolo was able to get the students involved by asking them questions and by reminding them of the importance of prayer.
At the close of the devotional the students sang “Tofa my Feleni” as they waved farewell to the visitors.