Role of pastors and churches critical
The role of Pastors and Church leaders in addressing the increasing crime rate in Samoa is very significant, says Assemblies of God (A.O.G.) Samoa Superintendent, Reverend Dr. Tavita Pagaialii.
"We deal with preaching the word of God and in the message we try to deliver is that there will always be challenges in life but only our saviour Jesus Christ is the answer to solving these problems and hardships," Rev. Dr. Tavita said.
"We have no power to change a person's life only Jesus can truly transform the lives of people, we depend on God to change the lives of others both from inside and out.
"And of course families, villages, and government also play an important role in helping make this change in people's lives. But we must understand that Jesus said that 'I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me', which means only through Him that we can be saved."
Rev. Dr. Tavita said the message of God delivered by a Pastor can also save someone's life.
"But it is a collaborative effort among all the Christian churches in Samoa to help our people see the right path to Jesus and we are playing our part by ministering to the 18,000 people within our church in helping lives in any way."
Rev. Pagaialii is leading the A.O.G's annual conference which is currently underway Lotopa.