Hip Hop dancer Naomi Toni A’au, a member of the Apia International Christian Church, is on a one-woman mission to raise $2,000 that will help build churches by supporting the work of missionaries.

The 25-year-old nanny who was born in Portland, Oregon, United States of America told the Samoa Observer it’s her first time venturing into something of this nature and is excited that it will help to build her faith.

She shared scriptures from the Bible during her interview to illustrate why she has chosen to embark on such a mission to help fund missionary activities.

“I have always loved dancing, I thought that I could use my love for dance as an opportunity to raise money for God's purpose. Matthew 28:18-20,” Ms. A’au said.

“This would be my first time doing something like this, which makes it even more exciting and a faith-building experience."

The Gospel According to Matthew, Chapter 28, verses 18-20 read: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Ms. A’au says her “calling” is based on those Bible verses.

“I attend the Apia International Christian Church. My calling is on based on the scriptures Matthew 28:18-20 — to make disciples of all nations. Teaching them to obey, everything that has been commanded on them in Scriptures,” she added. 

“My passion to help build churches comes from the gospel, the gospel not only helps people get to heaven. But it also helps people in changing their lives around for God."

Her love for dance was inherited from her father who used to dance around in their living room when she was a child.

Ms. A’au has been dancing since she was nine-years-old.

“I started dancing when I was 9 years old, inspired by my dad. He would always show off with his moves, in the living room when one of his songs would come up on the radio,” she said.

“When I was 11 years old, I took my first hip hop class at an after-school program. I love hip-hop music, and because of that there was no hesitation that the dancing would come along. I love to do big moves, and lots of popping.”

Ms. A’au recently launched a Hip Hop dance class, the proceeds from which will go towards her mission.

“It costs money to bring change. The money will help pay airfares for the missionaries, and also help them to survive for the first...three months of being there," she said.

The money will also help the missionaries find venus to host events like church services on Sundays, and midweek services on Wednesdays.

“We also have a benevolent arm, non-profit organization called MERCY where we reach out to the community and fill in the needs [of the community]. The money will also go toward MERCY, so that we can buy things to help those in need and so much!”

Funds will be raised by way of a Hip Hop Class instructed by Ms. A’au. The fee is $5 tala per person per session. All are invited to join Ms. A’au at JP’s Gym every Monday evening.

“People can just walk up to the front desk and ask for the class, and pay the $5 tala to the receptionist. I have a goal to raise $2000 by October," she added. 

"I am there to teach the basics, and from there they can decide what makes them feel creative and themselves...it just started, so we'll see how next Monday goes."

For more information, contact Naomi Toni A’au at (685) 761-7353.