On Easter weekend, the Samoa-i-Texas church hosted the first ever Faletolu Mafutaga for tupulaga
talavou in Central Texas. The "Faletolu" consists of Samoan Congregational Christian Churches from San Antonio,
Arlington, and Ft. Hood. The gathering was centered around the theme of Easter and New Beginnings.
The mafutaga began Friday evening with an opening service led by Rev. Menise Sasa followed by
a dinner provided by our Ekalesia from Ft. Hood .
Saturday began with a Prayer Meeting at 6:30am. Breakfast followed and then at 9:00am an Ava
Ceremony, performed by the Youth from San Antonio and Arlington, started the festivities of the day. Field games and
volleyball took place in the afternoon. In the evening, the cultural program took place at the Samoa i Texas Fellowship
Center. Each Autalavou performed dances and songs of Samoa. The audience enjoyed the performances so much that
they donated over $5,000 to help cover the costs of the Mafutaga.
Easter Sunday services were also held at SITFC. It began at 9:00am with all three choirs dressed
in their special uniforms. The beautiful sounds of hymns echoed throughout SITFC as the choirs praised God in their
own unique way. After the service, an Easter Egg Hunt was held for the children.
At approximately 1:00pm, the Taleni Fa'aleagaga began. Again, each Youth Group did a magnificent
job in celebrating Easter with songs and skits. All three groups did an awesome job in bringing the message of Easter
to the large crowd in attendance, estimated at over 250 people.
The final part of the Mafutaga was a fellowship to'ana'i held at Yank Sing restaurant. Final
thanks were offered and Rev. Taito from Arlington offered the closing prayer. Plans are in the works for the next mafutaga.
Below are links to different activities from this very blessed event....
