SAMOA SATURDAY SABBATH KEEPERS (SSSK) of the SDA church Meeting with the SAMOA, AMERICAN SAMOA AND TOKELAU MISSION (STM) Thursday 6 th December 2012

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1 SAMOA SATURDAY SABBATH KEEPERS (SSSK) of the SDA church Meeting with the SAMOA, AMERICAN SAMOA AND TOKELAU MISSION (STM) Thursday 6 th December 2012 (Report by Emoni T Tesese; photos by Elsa Sapenapaenea) The Bible says that all things both good and bad, including all our afflictions and trials, all the persecutions and calamities to which we are exposed, though they are numerous and longcontinued yet they are among the means that are appointed for our welfare; for those that love God And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (King James). In November, each member o the Samoa Saturday Sabbath Keepers (SSSK) received a letter from the President of the Samoa, American Samoa and Tokelau Mission (STM), Pr. Uili Solofa inviting them to a meeting with the STM Executive Committee, Church leaders and representatives of the SDA church from Upolu and Savaii on Thursday, 6 December 2012, at 9.30 am at the Youth Hall in the SDA church headquarters at Lalovaea. (Letter) E talo fa aaloaloa atu ai i lau susuga ma le aiga mo sa tatou feiloaiga fa apitoa ma le Komiti Tumau a le Misiona ae maise foi nisi o taitai o le Ekalesia fa apea ni sui mai Ekalesia i Upolu nei atoa ma Savaii. According to the letter, The purpose of the meeting is to bring together all of us who used to be part of God s family for many years up to the time when our views differed in how to worship God. Despite of this we should still come together in order for the church to inform you and to also hear your side as you are still officially members up to now. (Letter) O le mafuaga autu lava o lenei mafutaga o le toe aumaia fa atasi lea o i tatou uma o e sa masani ona avea ma tino o le Aiga o le Atua i le tele o tausaga ua mavae seia oo mai i le taimi ua eseese ai la tatou vaai i le auala e taupuai atu ai i le Atua. Ae ui lava i lea e ao ona tatou feiloai ma mafuta sei ave atu se leo o le Ekalesia o loo avea ai pea lo outou mamalu ma ona tagata lotu seia oo mai lava i le aso, ae sei aumai foi so outou finagalo e ala i le auala fa ale Atua. Before heading to the STM meeting, the SSSKs first assembled at the "Lighthouse" worship place at Alafua for a special devotion lotu, committing the sabbathkeepers to the Lord for His guidance and leading. God s presence was prominent with His spirit moving among the young, old and elderly as they enthusiastically sung "I would be dear Saviour wholly Thine." All five SSSK centres were represented; first to arrive from out of town was the Leauvaa-uta members led by elderly chief Sala Peteli Kuresa. Breakfast team in action on 6 December 2012 The Samatau group arrived on a wooden seat bus, praying throughout the one hour ride for God s deliverance. The Pu'apu'a group caught the first ferry over from Savaii island at 6am to be counted with Lealailepule Sini Laikum and Valoaga the last to arrive representing the Multicultural group. Samoa Saturday Sabbath Keepers gathered at the Lighthouse centre for a special devotion before heading out to meet with STM leaders.

2 As SSSK members arrived in car loads, the Lighthouse ladies and youth from far and wide, from Vailoa church (Solaua), Laulii church, Apia church, Emmanuel (English speaking) church, Siusega church, Faleula-uta church, Vaitele-uta church, Afega church assisted by Leauvaa-uta welcomed them with breakfast of koko araisa and bread, many have been up since 4am to make it on time. Following the Lotu, SSSK leader Fuimaono Esera Rimoni reminded everyone to be "gentle as doves and wise as serpents" and should there be any untoward action from the STM, the SSSKs were to remain calm, tolerant and cool. Pa'u Fereti Puni who was in Samoa for family reasons joined the SSSK during their special devotion and had printed out the ed messages of support from SDA members worldwide; these were read by Emoni as the members gratefully, happily and intently listened. There were tears of joy and gratitude as the SSSK members acknowledged with appreciation the support from our SDA sisters and brothers abroad. Pa'u wished the SSSKs well as they boarded the vehicles to take them to Lalovaea as members embraced each other knowing that today was a good day to witness for the Lord to the church leadership. With the outmost respect to the STM President and church leaders in Samoa and in accordance with formal protocol only three chosen members were to speak on behalf of the SSSKs: Prominent orator Leulumoega represented by Teleiai Lagolasi of Samatau to convey the greetings from the SSSKs to the President, Executive Committee and STM church members according to Samoan cultural protocols. Elder Fuimaono Esera Rimoni, SSSK Leader, to address the STM and present the collective Sabbath position and reasons why the Samoa Saturday Sabbath Keepers continue to keep the Sabbath on Saturday the seventh-day of the week in Samoa today after the IDL change. Senior church elder and respected orator Toailoa Vaosa of Laulii to give the closing remarks and words of thanks to STM according to Samoan cultural protocols. At 9.30am the convoy of 17 pickups, vans and private cars transporting the SSSKs including a bus carrying Samatau, Faleasiu-uta and Puapua members entered the SDA headquarters at Lalovaea. Arrival of the first lot of vehicles bringing the sabbathkeepers to the STM headquarters compound. On arrival at STM compound at Lalovaea the members immediately walked up to the Youth Hall.

3 Some of the Lord s Sabbath keeping warriors: Tauiliili Uta, Toailoa Vaosa, Fa aloto Sitoga, Lofa and Sal. SSSK members quietly walking from the vehicles towards the hall entrance; Adventist High School in background Fuimaono Esera Rimoni, Maulolo Lino and Teleiai Lagolasi walking up the steps (from the ABC) Falaniko (Leauvaa-uta) and Maulolo (Afega) with other sabbathkeepers walking confidently into the meeting. Outside the hall was a big delegation from Savaii who travelled across that morning to petition a decision by the STM executive on an administration matter. When the SSSK group entered the hall, there were about 50 church members inside including church pastors. Seated in the front table was the STM President and reps (from left to right): 1. Mr. Seiuli Paul Wallwork, STM Director of Education 2. Pr. Levi Lagaaia, Vaitele-uta Pastor 3. Pr. Sione Ausage, STM Secretary 4. Mr. Toleafoa Siologa, Executive Committee rep from American Samoa 5. Mr. Fa aeteete Faiumu, Executive Committee Rep from Savaii 6. Pr. Uili Solofa, STM President 7. Pr. Taei Siaki, District Director Upolu and Apia Church Pastor 8. Mr. Moleni Iene, Retired Pastor and STM Sunday Sabbath spokesperson. 9. Mr. Muliagatele Alfred Hunt, STM Rep on South Pacific Division 10. Mr. Leu Siitia Fau, Executive Committee Rep from Afega 11. Pr. Olive Dean, District Director American Samoa A welcome was extended by Pr. Taei Siaki to the Samoa Saturday Sabbath Keepers (SSSK) and others that were present, followed by a devotional led by Pr. Sione Ausage.

4 Below is a summary in English of the dialogue that followed: Pr. Uili Solofa (STM President): "Thank you for coming to meet with us as per our invitation. We are here with STM leaders and some Members of the Executive Committee as some of them are not available while some are away for travel purposes. Also present are representatives of the Sub-committee appointed to deal with this issue. I thank you for your respectful response to our request for a meeting. It is good to see you and I see that some of you have left your duties and important work in order to be here today. "I will pass on to you the feeling of the Executive Committee. After that, we will give you, dear children of God the opportunity to respond. We are not meeting as two different sides who are arguing. There have been exchanges on the internet to the effect that the delay in disciplining the members who are keeping a different day of worship is because we are afraid. That is not the reason, but you know the way of the Bible on matters like these. Until now, there has been no decision made by the Church of God on its members who have different beliefs but the Church is moving ahead slowly. No matter what pain or bitter drink there has been, the Church moves forward slowly and carefully. We wait on God and His Spirit until the appropriate time according to the will of God. "For a long time, we have walked this path; there are sufficient writings on the matter. We believe it is time to look into this matter sasaa le fafao because the truth is, it is now a year since the Church ship has weathered this issue. The Church continues to worship in the way we worshipped in the past with our forebears. It has been a year since you decided to change the day on which you worship the Lord. I understand why you argue, hold on and hold firm to your understanding apoapo and putiputi as the Church is also important to you but you also know there is no difference in the Church's worship day. It is the desire of us all to hold on to God's truth. I believe you searched for the truth on your knees to date. I also add that there has been no time that I know in which the Church in Samoa had prayed and fasted as much as during this time. "Eddie Tupai rang from New Zealand and said, 'President, we are praying with all the Samoan churches in New Zealand for Samoa, for all the Adventists in Samoa.' I believe there should be a clear answer to you and also to this part of the family because God will not forsake us as we are His chosen nation. "On November 2012, during the Church's Pacific meeting, it was voted and approved by the Executive Committee, with representatives from Australia, New Zealand and members from the Pacific Islands; there were also three members of the General Conference who were present at that meeting. It was decided to accept and reaffirm the decision made by the Samoa Mission regarding the day and Sabbath of worship. You are aware of our Church practices, the freedom of choice for each individual, but when a decision is made, and a corporate decision is made, then the whole Church will have to support it. "On 16 October this year, there was a letter from Dr. Barry Oliver to all the churches to support the decision made by the Church. There remain only two more decisions to be made. "On 11 and 12 February 2013, there will be a Bible Conference in Australia which all the Samoan pastors will attend. That Bible Conference will explain the reason for the Church's decision. "Secondly, the gathering of the Samoan pastors. It was planned for this gathering to take place during Easter in New Zealand but it has not been possible for the pastors gathering to take place then. I and one of the senior pastors have been asked to find an appropriate

5 date / time for that gathering, therefore, in June 2013, it has been planned that the Samoan pastors will travel to Samoa to meet ma toe fesilafai ai at the planned time - but not to discuss the issue. "These explanations are given with due respect and we plead with you, the family of God, the senior members, young people and ladies, we pray, what is your view finagalo. But we invite / call you to come and worship with us and gather together mafuta faatasi in our family. "As the prophet said, there is nothing for us to worry about the future of the Church unless we have forgotten the way the Lord has led. Song of Solomon says, 'Come, let us be satisfied with love." This time, I call you and invite you, 'Come, let us be satisfied with love. The apostle said to the Church... The standard is important but on top of all is love which enables us to meet, worship together and wait together for the Lord's return. "Whatever pain and burden we may have faced during our journey, Jeremiah said, 'Stand ye in the way then you will know the right way. Joseph's brothers said, 'We are the sons of one man.' We are all sons of one Person. It is my prayer that blessings will fall from above on our gathering. "After this presentation, we will not consider the subject; it is in the hands of God." Teleiai Lagolasi (SSSK Speaker 1) Teleiai Lagolasi greeted and thanked the President for his address according to Samoan cultural protocol then Teleiai Lagolasi added: "Thank you also for inviting us to meet with you today despite the fact that you called us sabbathkeepers as 'sick animals', rebels and people who are mentally retarded. This is the second time we have met with you this year. We thank you for considering us. We believe this is the will of God, for us to meet today and tomorrow and other days in the future. Perhaps this is the beginning of our meetings on a regular basis. But I will now invite our leader to inform you of the feelings of the members. Fuimaono Esera Rimoni (SSSK Speaker 2) Fuimaono went across to the front and used the microphone and stand for his address. About a minute into his presentation, when Tupuanai Sikuea from Vailele Church stood up from the audience and called out rudely for Fuimaono to stop his presentation. Fuimaono continued. Tupuanai was loud and rude saying, this is not the reason for this meeting, for you to come and give us your reasons. You were called only to come and join us as one church, worshipping on the one day as given by the leaders... Toailoa Vaosa called out to the STM President and officials to stop the rude interruption by Tupuanai. The whole STM leadership just froze as they were surprised at the unexpected outburst. Awhile later the STM President then stood up. But instead of addressing the rude Tupuanai, he challenged Fuimaono who was speaking at the time. Pr. Uili Solofa (STM President): "This is what we were worried about, because there was no respectful and orderly introduction accorded to us but you Fuimaono have gone straight to your presentation. It has been made clear that we will not discuss the matter again otherwise I would have started my address along those lines. I have already said that our meeting is not an exchange of beliefs. We came together as children of God. Fui, the letter was sent to you not to come and argue because at the end of the day there will be no peace if you are

6 going to give us your view. Where is your wish finagalo (meaning to join the STM in worshipping on Sunday) then we will listen... Our day should be a godly one fa ale-atua lo tatou aso. If we keep waiting and you do not give a response (meaning to join the STM in worshipping on Sunday)... We do not want to lead you against your will... We have come together to meet in a respectful way. We heard the beginning of your presentation, no, put your sword back in its sheath Toe sulu lau pelu. Fuimaono Esera Rimoni (Respond) "Mr President, thank you for your clear views expressed. It was not easy for me and all the sabbathkeepers who worship on Sabbath when we received your letter. We met, considered, shared, fasted and prayed to the Lord. One of the important reasons for our accepting your invitation is because this is the first opportunity for most of us to meet face to face and to share with you our views on the Sabbath issue. Regarding your statement that our presentation was not given in a respectful manner, that is the reason why orator Teleiai Lagolasi stood up to accord you and everyone a formal address as part of presentation in a Christian and respectful way. The second part is for me to give our position and to explain just three of the main reasons why we keep the Sabbath day, which is different to the day you are keeping. "Mr President, you see, for many of us, white hairs cover our heads as we are senior members who are adults and mature. We did not just scratch the surface with our thoughts and preparation of our presentation. This morning, we again prayed to God, as we have continuously done, putting the issue before the Lord, because we are one with you and we are of the same Christian family. That is why we have to explain our reasons clearly so that you will understand why we believe and keep the Sabbath day holy. "You invited us, you asked us to come. We have given our introduction in a respectful manner to you Mr President and the Executive Committee. We will not argue with you. There are only three of us to voice the views and feelings of the Sabbath keepers; you have been given the introduction, I have just started to give the reasons to explain our stand then we have one more representative to give the closing remarks. After that, we will give you and those who are present, copies of our written submission then we will withdraw quietly. You are the leaders of the Church, but if that is your wish then we will have no choice but leave in peace if you do not want to hear our view. That is our plea, that you hear us out but of utmost importance to us is that we work together. We cannot share and consider the issue if you just bring us like this and shut us down without listening to our reasons as per our search and our convictions. Mr President, if that is the wish of the leaders of the STM then we will withdraw quietly fa amavae." Pr. Uili Solofa (STM President): "We regret if there is any error or rudeness on our part. All written material, arguments and beliefs on the issue, even internet information, are with us in the Church office. I heard you say that you are worshipping on the seventh day of the week, and on what day is this side of the Church worshipping? If that is the case, there will be no togetherness / peace in the Church. "All of these people who are sitting here, they want the opportunity to explain their views on the subject. If you give us your thoughts and we give you our thoughts,

7 where will it end? You said that after you give us your presentation then you will leave fa amavae. Why don't you go straight to the end of your presentation? If that is the situation, and you are prepared to resign today, it means this day has been in vain. We will leave the matter here. We are of differing views, however, let us be at peace and care for one another. "I ask for someone of your group to give us the closing remarks and for you to leave the matter as it is and put your sword back in its sheath. Whoever of your group who was appointed should now speak to end our meeting then we leave the matter here." Fuimaono Esera Rimoni (Respond) "After a whole year, this is the first time you have given most of us to meet with you. You are right about the write-ups about the Sabbath prepared by other people, but not once did you give the opportunity to the worshippers in the Church from the tip of the island, at Aleipata all the way to Savaii; not once did you give us sabbathkeepers the opportunity to officially share our views on why we keep the Lord's Sabbath. That is why it was very important for us to come and voice our convictions and beliefs to the leaders, then after our presentation given by myself as the spokesperson of the SSSKs, we will withdraw quietly. Also, as our meeting is being held close to the end of the year, this is a good opportunity to fix and make right any gaps in our relationship. No prisoner is hanged without the judge listening to the reasons why the prisoner is pronounced guilty. We did not come to resign; we came to meet, to respond to your invitation, to meet with you and to inform you of our feelings. "Mr President, I was appointed by the sabbathkeepers to speak on their behalf and to make known to you their views. You invited us to come but you are not willing to listen. Therefore, we will return quietly and peacefully as you do not want to hear or accept our reasons for worshipping on the Sabbath day. We had thought this is an opportunity to meet with you to give our reasons for our keeping the Sabbath. "We will now withdraw peacefully as you don't want to listen or to hear us out. Think about it, study it and look at the issue carefully." Toailoa Vaosa (SSSK Speaker 2) "The President has clearly made his statement, stopping us from presenting our submission. This is the day that the Lord has made but alas... Mr President, the Executive Committee and the workers, we apologise if we have erred in any way. I will not argue with you as you have been ordained of God but as our Leader has stated, this is the first opportunity you have invited most of us to meet with you. We thought that today will be the day when you will clearly speak about the problem. In my personal observation, only in Samoa has this problem arisen. We thought that on this day, you will inform us fully so that when we go back, we will be satisfied and believe that the Samoa Mission has been honest and truthful. "Pastor Uili, we will not instruct you what to do as that is your responsibility as President and Leader of the Church but I was hoping to hear that you have at last invited this part of the Church to meet with you today. I was happy in

8 the knowledge that today, I will hear you explain why you have decided for the Church to keep Sunday but alas, our fishing expedition has returned without success. Uili, the Church is defeated Ua toilalo le Ekalesia. The work of God, the Church of God has been shamed. I am in a Government committee and these people outside have said to me, 'How is the battle of your Church going?" I tell them, There is no fighting in my church. That is why I prayed hard as I am proud of my Church but people are now making fun of our Church." At this time, rude interruptions from Tupuanai Sikuea and one other erupted noisily with these two shouting at Fuimaono and Toailoa, For a year you have gone away and have been disobedient to the Church and now you have come and you are still being disobedient to the Church. Stop it! Your words to the President are heavy! Fuimaono and Toailoa both stood their ground and responded firmly to the accusations. When the shouting continued from the Sunday worshipping duo, Malaga Leaifaga Matauaina a visiting SDA from Australia stood up and told off the rude duo to use your common sense if you are a matai; if you are a church elder, use your brain. At the same time, Toailoa s daughter shouted at the two sundayworshippers who had continued to verbally attack her father Toailoa, Don t you dare talk to my father like that; you re not up to his level! In clear, stern terms, Toailoa and Fuimaono told off the two sundayworshippers not to be rude. Finally one of the Executive Committee members stood up and shouted at the rude duo, You should listen to the President who is asking you to stop. As tempers were frayed, the SSSK leaders asked their members to withdraw quietly. SSSK leadership walked across and shook hands with the STM President and his team while the rest of the sabbathkeepers walked out quietly in an orderly manner. Lealailepule Sini Laikum, Fuimaono Esera Rimoni, Emoni Tesese, Toailoa Vaosa, Teleiai Lagolasi and Lofa shaking hands with the STM leaders before leaving. SSSK members returned to the Lighthouse embracing each other on arrival with the knowledge that all things including the disappointing meeting with the STM are among the means that work together for the good of them that love God Without a voice of complaint, instead the SSSKs gathered around with a song of praise and a heartfelt prayer by elder Sala Peteli Kuresa. Pa u who had stayed behind at the Lighthouse to pray and wait for the SSSKs safe return tapuaiga was the first to speak acknowledging God s guidance and leading. Maulolo Lino on behalf of the SSSK members thanked elder Fuimaono and orators Teleiai and Toailoa in the humility and respectful manner they addressed the STM leadership and not been fazed by the confrontational and intimidating interruptions.

9 Fuimaono then thanked everyone for their part and attendance followed by lunch. The SSSK members wish to acknowledge with heartfelt gratitude the prayers and assistance of the SDA worldwide family from abroad. The SSSKs have been stopped but they will not be silenced. They have been gagged but we will not give up. As they march onward, they ll continue to sing that song: Fierce and long the battle rages but our help is near, onward comes our great Commander, Cheer, my comrades, cheer. Hold the fort for I am coming, Jesus signals still. Wave the answer back to heaven, By Thy grace we will. SSSK singing a hymn of praise to the Lord of the Sabbath at the end. Final prayer was pronounced entrusting the faithful sabbathkeeprs to the Lord s care We invite visiting Seventh-day Adventists to Samoa to spend Sabbath with us at any of the five centres of sabbathkeepers: SSSK Leader: Fuimaono Esera Rimoni ( ) Savaii (Puapua): Fa aloto ( ) & Lele ( ) Samatau: Teleiai ( ) & Agalelei ( Lea uva a-uta: Ioane ( ) & Ana ( ) Lighthouse: Lofa ( ) & Pule ( ) Multicultural: Lance ( ) & Lealailepule ( ) SKN Samoa: Emoni Tesese emonitesese@y7mail.com SKN International: Pa u Fereti Puni edwin@puni.co.nz