The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa’s annual fa’amati event recognises women’s contribution to their families, church and country.

And so was the consensus on Monday at a meeting at the Leulumoega-Tuai C.C.C.S. between the village’s chiefs and members of the church committee who went to inspect the women’s fa’amati preparations for this year.

The fa’amati is an annual event within the C.C.C.S. where mats and household goods are presented to the pastor’s house. It is normally led by the local church’s women committee.

The fa’amati event for the Leulumoega Tuai village was held on Monday with the high chief and C.C.C.S. congregation member Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua describing it as a success. 

He said mothers are the lifeline of every organisation and shoulder the responsibilities unlike fathers and chiefs of the village.

“For us fathers and chief we just plan and sit but the heavy duties are carried on mothers’ shoulders as they push to achieve what we want to improve today,” said Tolufua.

“This is an important time for us Christian servants to fix what needs to be fixed as we are heading to the Easter celebration. 

“I’m amazed by what I saw and I’m very grateful and also thankful to our Mafutaga Tina for their hard working effort, to develop not only the temple, the church hall but especially for our pastors house. 

“Now we are not worried about anything else because everything is in place and perfect to use.” 

For 57-year-old Mafutaga Tina Ms Penina Tuaena Tupuse, it is the sacrifice that mothers make to other parts of the church which is their offering. 

She said this year they bought a new washing machine and a new oven for their pastor and his wife to use, on top of monetary donations to rebuild the bathrooms behind the church and refurbish it with new curtains, chairs and table.

The women also funded repairs to the pipelines in the kitchen in the church hall as well as changing the lights and providing kitchen utensils and household items.

“It took us two weeks to prepare everything for this special day. There are more than 30 mothers in our church society and we name ourselves Tineiafi Mothers Society or mafutaga tina tineiafi,” added Mafutaga.

Sefulu Patu, the wife of Reverend Tunupopo Patu, told the Samoa Observer that the mothers faced difficulties but they persevered.

“I am giving the glory back to our heavenly father for his holy spirit that works inside these mothers so that they can work hard and serve the lord. 

“We are facing very difficult times but these mothers try their best to offer what they can for the church. 

“Their services from the time we met over the last 25 years was sensational..”

• The story was edited on March 24, 2021 to correct the name of the high chief and C.C.C.S. congregation member Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, which was erroneously spelt in the original story. Samoa Observer apologises for the error.