The 52^nd District Annual Conference for the Assemblies of God (A.O.G.) in Samoa is currently underway at the Harvest Center, Lotopa after missing last year’s conference due to the covid 19 pandemic lockdowns.  The conference is designed for leaders to join together in discussions pertaining to the development of the church.

In an interview with A.O.G Samoa Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Tavita Pagaialii, he said the annual meeting is always a bright spot on their calendar.

“In May every year we host the church conference with the purpose of discussing various report on the work the church has done. This is the 52^nd annual conference because we didn’t have a 51^st Conference due to the Global Pandemic. 

"It is a good chance to host services, both in the morning and in the evening with its theme “In the last days, ‘God says ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people” (Act 2: 17). Every Religion and Church in Samoa and around the world these days are focusing and aware of the work of the Holy Spirit through these hard times”

“There are representatives from 78 A.O.G. churches in Samoa who will bring with them matters to discuss, and from 10am to 1pm we go through different reports like the Sunday school reports, the youth report, the elders report and most importantly the financial report."

Rev. Dr. Pagaialii said the financial report shows the greatness of God as church-goers make huge improvements with their Tithe and Church Offerings, despite the tough economic times. 

"We are grateful for the love of God and also the people of the church for Pastors and Ministers."

All the reports from the beginning of the week have been approved by the whole conference, the only report we will have a look into tomorrow will be the Church School for Pastors at Tafua in the big island of Savaii, said Rev. Pagaialii. 

According to the Reverend, there are 1153 church families (Aiga lotu & Matafale) in Upolu and 596 in Savaii with the total of 1749 families.

He added that if someone were to look at the history of the church since its establishment, there has been growth as each year passes. 

There are approximately 54 A.O.G. churches in Upolu and 24 in Savaii. 

"Over the years we have seen so many of people convert from other denominations to our church which has led to an increase of numbers. There are approximately 18,000 members of the A.O.G. church in Samoa alone, but there are also so many churches that carry the name A.O.G. but under a different umbrella or independent," said Rev. Pagaialii.