Three weeks before White Sunday, Reverend Maauga Motu, the Secretary of the National Council of Churches, says it will be a joyous day but also remembering those no longer with us. 

Rev. Motu spoke to the Samoa Observer on Monday; he said that October 11 will be a time for remembering so many young people lost to the measles virus in 2019.

"I am glorifying God for His love and I’m thinking about White Sunday," he said.

“It’s a very enjoyable event. I ask God to bless this coming event, let Him guide our children and let the children look forward to this particular Sunday of theirs. 

“It’s very good news for the Samoa Government to come closer to White Sunday. Every parent is looking forward to White Sunday for their children to perform. Instead of the ordinary, the pupils are performing.”

Rehearsals are taking place at the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) in Vailele, led by Reverend Sasulu, said Rev. Motu. The National Council of Churches (N.C.C.) Secretary will celebrate White Sunday at the C.C.C.S.-Vailele.

“Our Sunday school at Vailele, where we have Rev. Sasulu, they are doing well with practising their Bible dramas and stories from the Bible and some musical, spiritual items and dancing,”  Rev. Motu said. 

“We are doing very well with our practice at the moment. It’s a really joyful event for every village and we are looking forward to this particular event to come about.”

Most of the 83 lives lost to the measles outbreak in late 2019 were children. He relayed his love to families who lost their young ones during the outbreak.

“I know some families will be thinking about their children and on this Sunday we should remember the children who have been called by our God. I thank God for His power in saving us from measles,” said Rev. Motu.

“God is [the] creator of life. And especially in dealing with this coronavirus, I thank God for His love and protection over the country and especially His hand in protecting our children. 

“If the pandemic were here, it would be an extremely sad time in our country because this nation is like a family, one family.”

He expressed his gratitude to God for protecting Samoa from the virus; it is one of only 12 countries to have zero reported cases.

“I am thankful that God’s loving hands continue to protect us from this pandemic, for keeping our country safe from COVID-19,” he said. 

“May He bless White Sunday. I also thank the Government, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Cabinet and Parliament for the measures and especially the lockdowns they have put in place for our safety. 

“Our country could be in a whole different situation but no – God’s spirit has answered the prayers of our faithful. May the Government’s plans to keep the country safe continue to be blessed by God.

“We are looking forward to White Sunday. Parents are looking for their children’s White Sunday clothing; their shoes and the feast for this special Sunday that belongs to the children. Let us pray to God that He may shower us with His love and that He lead and guide our many children and parents in preparation for our White Sunday celebration.”