Reverend Elder exits Savaia after 30 years of service

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 08 July 2019, 10:00PM

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) in Savaia Lefaga farewell spiritual parents, Rev. Elder Poka Maua and Malo Maua on Sunday.

They make their exit after serving the congregation for more than 30 years. 


In exiting the congregation he has served since 1988, the emotional 70-year-old pensioner reminded the villagers of Savaia to always remember the love of God.  

Rev. Maua told the story about "forget-me-nots", which was based on a Christian folklore when God was walking in the garden of Eden. 

The story goes that when the shy flower was asked what its name was, it whispered that he had forgotten his name. 

God then renamed the flower as forget-me-not, saying that he will not forget the flower. 

Just as the name implies, forget-me-nots means remembrance. 

“May you never forget the love of God,” Rev. Maua said as his final words of goodbye to the congregation.

Hailing from the villages of Satoalepai, Sapapli’i and Fagaloa, Rev. Elder Maua and his faletua had previously served as missionaries in the Northern Territory in Australia from 1982 - 1984 and had also worked in Melbourne, Australia for three years prior to that. 

From 1985 – 1987 Rev. Maua was a theological teacher at the Malua Theological College before they were called to serve Savaia congregation in 1988. 

The end of their work as spiritual parents rounds up 37 years of offering spiritual guidance to those in Samoa and in Australia. 

Chairman of the Savaia congregation, Tusanilefaiaao Iosefatu Reti extended his thanks to Rev. Maua, his wife and children for the many years of their service. 

“How can we forget you,” said the Chairman. 

“Do not forget us and may you always keep us in your prayers.” 

Secretary of the congregation and former National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) Vice Chancellor, Fui Asofou So’o also added his voice of appreciation to the Maua family. 

Fui said it is always easy to say hello but hard to say goodbye. 

He wished Rev. Maua and family well as they take a break from many years of service. 

The elderly pensioner has four children and four grandchildren. 


Asked about his retirement plans, Rev. Maua said it is important that he maintains his strength and enjoy quality time with family. 




By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 08 July 2019, 10:00PM

Trending Stories

Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>