On White Sunday in Samoa, the message in church services throughout the country is quite similar.

It is that children are a gift from the Lord and they deserve to be looked after and cared for.

Reverend Puletua Tapumanaia of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) at Falelauniu emphasised this message to parents and families who gathered at his congregation for White Sunday worship.

White Sunday is a national holiday in Samoa celebrated on the second Sunday of October, with the Monday following a public holiday.

The First Assembly of God church from Faleula also joined many denominations in performing songs, items, plays and reciting Bible verses.

At Faleula, some as young as four and five years old recited one of the bible verses: Deuteronomy 7:9 ‘Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.’

A mother of five Lani Saoga was very impressed with the children’s performance.

“It makes me very happy to see my children participate in things like this because church is a very important part of life,” she said.

The 45-year-old stated that it was not easy getting her children’s preparations done.

“I have five kids and they all need white outfits so they can perform small skits plus shoes, and accessories.

“But at the end of the day, all the hard work and effort was worth it, seeing them happy with their outfits.

“My children are my heart and no parent in Samoa would not give it their all when it comes to their kids.”

She added that their family has prepared a great feast especially for the children.

“I think that after so many years of celebrating White Sunday, the most important thing to have in a Samoan family lunch is an ice cream and cake which we have that ready for them.”