The Chairman of the National Council of Churches, Reverend Kasiano Leaupepe, has a message for everyone as the nation prepares to welcome 2017 tonight.

Speaking to the Weekend Observer, he is urging everyone to be true to themselves and love unconditionally.

He said it doesn’t matter what religious belief people affiliate with. But everyone needs to believe and remain honest as God sees everything.

Rev. Leaupepe said that believing in whatever a person believes in with all honesty will be a service to God which in return will bless the nation.

Reflecting on 2016, the Chairman said it has been a beautiful year with many challenges and blessings. 

The one thing which has remained is that God continues to be so faithful upon Samoa, he said. He compared God’s love to that of colourful Christmas decorations and entertainments.

Rev. Leaupepe said he does not want to speak particularly about a church but stressed that God knows when his children are praising him and he is above all things.

“I wish everyone a joyous New Year and a safe one as well.”