A good father leads his family through faith in God with love Pastor Masalosalo Ia Ale of the Full Gospel Church has told Samoans, as the country marks Father’s Day on Sunday. 

The father-of-five of himself was one of many around Samoa honoured for their role in church, villages and families during church services. 

Pastor Ale was preparing to lead the Voice of Christ congregation at Satuimalufilufi for Sunday service when asked for his views on the institution of fatherhood.

The 79-year-old said that fathers must love God above all else.

“Love is the most important thing to God; it is evident through his son,” he said.

He quoted the Bible's guidance on the matter: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

“And that is true love from God for you and me. Fathers are the head of families but they must serve their families with love.

“God’s love will never forsake us because we were built in his image.

“However, we must remember that God loves us but hates sin…he said, ‘come back to me.’

But Pastor Ale added that: “When we return to him we must repent first for all the things we have done wrong.

“We have all sinned but God gave his beloved son Jesus to die for our sins so we can be forgiven. 

“We must therefore accept Jesus as our Lord and savior. Fathers must have love for God followed by his family.”

A father-of-three, Seleni Amata, said that his role as a father requires him to raise his family in a good and safe environment.

“I make sure they will not starve and to educate and advise my children so they grow up and have good lives especially through faith," he said.

“My advice to all the fathers of Samoa, please fight against temptations and worldly desires, they will lead you astray from God but if you live a good life and obey the Lord your reward is everlasting life.”