Amid escalating political uncertainty and internal divisions within the ruling Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party, the Chairman and Leader of F.A.S.T. and Member of Parliament for Gagaifomauga No. 3, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt returned home to his constituency for support and blessings.

On Sunday La'auli, accompanied by his wife Tupea Heather Schmidt, participated in a deeply emotional combined church service held at the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) parish in Sasina. 

The service was attended by residents from the four villages of Gagaifomauga No. 3—Fagae'e, Sasina, Letui, and Aopo—who gathered to offer prayers for their leader amidst ongoing political turbulence.

During the service, La'auli visibly moved and stood before hundreds of constituents as he sought their guidance and spiritual backing. 

In a poignant moment, La’auli and his wife knelt on stage as reverends from the different denominations in the district laid hands upon them, praying for God’s protection, mercy, and wisdom.

Attempts to reach La'auli for comment after the service was unsuccessful, but several constituents who spoke on the condition of anonymity expressed deep emotions about the service and the challenges facing their MP.

One elderly woman, who has supported La'auli throughout his political career, shared her thoughts on the ongoing difficulties. 

“This is not the first time our tofi (representative) has been accused and charged by police,” she told the Samoa Observer. “It happened before in the last parliamentary term, and he was cleared of all charges. Just like we stood by him then, we continue to stand by him now, especially during these tough times.”

The elderly woman emphasised that their trust in La'auli remains unwavering, saying, "He has done so much for this constituency, and no matter what, we will continue to support him." 

Her sentiment was echoed by other members of the community, who noted the importance of unity during these challenging times.

Another man, who also attended the service, said the event served as an opportunity for the constituency to come together in unity and prayer. 

"We believe that God will guide Samoa through these uncertainties and bring peace and happiness to us all," he said. "That's why we were so happy to have this service today, to pray together. It's what Samoa needs now more than ever. Our leaders make important decisions that affect the future of our country, and as citizens, we must unite in prayer, set aside our differences, and seek divine intervention.

"As Parliament reconvenes on Tuesday, we can only pray and hope for peace and stability to return to our country."

The community's focus on prayer comes at a time when tensions within the F.A.S.T. party are at a high. 

La'auli, who faces ten criminal charges brought by the police on January 3, is scheduled to appear in court on February 4. 

His termination by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has further deepened divisions within the party after he refused to voluntarily resign from his ministerial position after being charged.  

Following his termination, Prime Minister Fiame sacked three more Cabinet Ministers who declared they no longer had trust in her leadership. 

In response, F.A.S.T. expelled the Prime Minister, her Deputy, and four other Cabinet Ministers, citing their repeated absences from caucus meetings.

Fiame was also removed as the party Leader while the party had appointed new executive members in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House. 

Questions remain regarding the status of the four new Cabinet Ministers sworn in last week along with other Cabinet Ministers, with speculation surrounding whether they are still affiliated with the F.A.S.T. party. 

Adding to the controversy, the six expelled members, including the Prime Minister and her Cabinet, have rejected their expulsion, claiming that the decision was unconstitutional and unlawful.

Additionally, last Friday, Prime Minister Fiame dismissed 13 Associate Ministers, all of whom are standing by La'auli.