Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawai'i to New Zealand
Population: 177,000 (2006 est.)
Area: total area: 2,860 km² land area: 2,850 km² comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island
Coastline: 403 km
Environment: current issues- soil erosion natural hazards: occasional typhoons; active volcanism international agreements
Coastline: 403 km
Environment: current issues- soil erosion natural hazards: occasional typhoons; active volcanism international agreements
Arable land use: 19% permanent crops: 24% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 47% other: 10%
Natural resources: hardwood forests, fish
Climate: tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to October)
Terrain: narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior
Natural resources: hardwood forests, fish
Climate: tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to October)
Terrain: narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior
Christianity was introduced in the early 1800's, and since that time the people have, for the most part, embraced its message. If so many of Samoan people know the message of Christ, why do we send teams?
Pastor Ron Gallah
er, who leads this trip, tells us that church in Samoa is designed basically for adults. Little attention or nurture is given to the young people, as they are expected to sit quietly and grow up in the church, where they will then take their place. However, that expectation often leads to boredom and disinterest in spiritual matters in the lives of the youth. Additionally, the suicide rate among Samoan teens is high. KACC teams have given their attention to working with kids. This focus not only provides a different perspective about the Gospel in the eyes of young people there, but it also demonstrates a priority and methodology that Samoan adult leaders may adopt as they are challenged to reach out to their children.
er, who leads this trip, tells us that church in Samoa is designed basically for adults. Little attention or nurture is given to the young people, as they are expected to sit quietly and grow up in the church, where they will then take their place. However, that expectation often leads to boredom and disinterest in spiritual matters in the lives of the youth. Additionally, the suicide rate among Samoan teens is high. KACC teams have given their attention to working with kids. This focus not only provides a different perspective about the Gospel in the eyes of young people there, but it also demonstrates a priority and methodology that Samoan adult leaders may adopt as they are challenged to reach out to their children. We have been blessed to meet on the campus of Malua Theological Seminary in the capital city of Apia. This gives opportunity to work with students training for pastoral ministry, and to share the importance of giving attention to youth in and outside the church. The relationships developed through the years have laid a foundation for being able to share openly and have instruction and concepts willingly received by local leaders. We continue to build those relationships with a continued presence and willingness to serve.
More on this as the trip progresses...please keep the team in prayer as they prepare to give of themselves to those in another part of God's world.
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