Representatives from the Samoan Government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met last week in Apia to discuss needs of families and communities.
Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Minister of Justice and Courts Administration; Hon. Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell, Minister of Public Enterprises; and Samoa’s Ombudsman, Afioga Maiava Iulai Toma represented the Government at last Monday’s meeting.
Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were Arthur Edgson, Pacific Area Legal Counsel; Richard Hunter, Pacific Area Director of Public Affairs; Sapele Fa’alogo, National Director of Public Affairs; and George Tupuola Hunt, Director of Government and Media Relations for the Church.
The group discussed ways the Government and Church are working to help individuals, families and communities in Samoa.
After the meeting, Mr Fa’alogo said, “We are very grateful for our elected officials who are working to make life better for all of us in Samoa. As a church, as followers of Christ, we strive to work with governments, churches and others in our communities to bless the lives of all Samoans.”
“We are especially anxious to help young people become self-reliant by getting all the education they can get; to have many opportunities to serve others in their homes, schools, churches and villages; and to build their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
There are 140 congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Samoa.