A Methodist Church Minister from Nu'usuatia, Safata, has used the occasion of White Sunday to remind parents about the importance of sending their children to church.

Reverend Pili Mapuilesua told the Samoa Observer that White Sunday represents a day of celebration to acknowledge the important role of children within families, churches, and villages.

“The children are a gift from God meaning they are our blessings,” he said.

Revered Mapuilesua added that his message of encouraging parents to bring children to church follows what Jesus spoke in the Bible.

“It is evident when Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’

“In saying this, we are well aware that children are needed by their families to do chores therefore this could prevent them from attending church.

“However, the children should be supported to attend church so their spirits will be filled with the word of God.”

He added that White Sunday is also an opportunity to witness all the children young and old to all attend church dressed in their best clothes.

“The children are precious because they represent the future generations, they will grow up to and choose various paths in life.

“The main theme or message within the Method church is for children to be wise to listen to the Lord.

“In the Proverbs of Solomon: ‘A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.’”

It is also important to teach our children to learn how to be repented of their wrongful actions,” he added.

“Nowadays there are so many changes in life which includes the behaviours and ways of life that affects families.

“But it is with these special days that the bonds between parents and their children are strengthened.

“A wise child listens to God and is obedient to their parents.”

The Methodist church Minister of Nuusuatia also explained that the children will perform various programmess during church services which include scriptural recitations, biblical story reenactments, and creative dance performances done by the children dressed in white.

“There are more than 50 children in our White Sunday.”