Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, the first woman prime minister of Samoa, along with Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi political party delegates — also referred to as the FAST Party — and Samoan parliament members have been on tours to visit cities in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. where high populations of Samoans reside.
The political tour visited the Pacific Northwest and Auburn, Washington, Nov. 10–14, 2024. They were hosted by a delegation of Samoan pastors led by Ofa Langi, Auburn City Church pastor. During the tour, Mataʻafa and guests visited local government officials from Seattle and King County, as well as state officials such as Denny Heck, Washington lieutenant governor.
The delegation arrived at SeaTac airport where Brent Kimura, Tacoma Central Church associate pastor, was ready with his charter bus to transport Mataʻafa and guests during their visit.
The group began their time together with worship Sunday evening, hosted at Auburn City Church by a collective of Samoan ministers of multiple denominations from the surrounding area. The evening was spirit-filled with joy and celebration. The evening ended with a fellowship meal provided by Afamasaga Toleafoa, Auburn City Church member and Seattle Washington Matai Group president.
Monday morning, festivities began with a traditional Ava Ceremony. Mataʻafa sat front and center. Beside her was Nancy Backus, City of Auburn mayor. In conversation, they acknowledged and laughed at their shared experience of being the first women in their respective roles. Seated next to these powerful women were Laʻauli Leuatea Poataivao, FAST Party chair, and Rome Ulia, Auburn Adventist Academy Church pastor, who shared the devotional message that morning.
“The visit of the Samoan Parliament to the U.S., aimed at connecting with their fellow citizens living here, proved to be both inspiring and uplifting for everyone involved. During their trip, the Parliament members witnessed how some Samoan individuals hold significant positions within the U.S. government," said Ulia. "At the same time, the Samoan community in the U.S. felt a renewed sense of empowerment through the personal visit from their prime minister and cabinet."
"While the FAST Party is currently navigating various challenges, they also acknowledged that the U.S. faces its own set of issues. I felt truly fortunate to play a small role in welcoming the Samoan Parliament to Seattle, Washington, during the Ava Ceremony, where I reminded everyone that Jesus is our King and our ultimate hope for achieving lasting peace and prosperity for all people around the world,” continued Ulia.
As Kimura drove everyone to SeaTac Airport on Thursday morning, Langi shared a devotional thought with the guests who had become friends. Mataʻafa expressed a specific interest in the Adventist Church. Each participating pastor was honored to remind the leadership of Samoa of their highest calling, to return home to Samoa and get their family, friends and country ready for the soon return of Jesus!
Brent Kimura, Tacoma Central Church associate pastor, (left) and Laʻauli Leuatea Polataivao, FAST Party chair, (right).
The Samoan community enjoy a fellowship meal provided by Auburn City Church
Rome Ulia, Auburn Adventist Academy Church pastor, (left) and Ofa Langi, Auburn City Church pastor, (right) greet Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Samoa prime minister (center).
