Important role of a pastor’s wife

By Vatapuia Maiava and Sarafina Sanerivi 14 November 2016, 12:00AM

“Being a church minister’s wife is no easy task.”

That is the opinion of Luisa Tupou of the Congregational Christian Church of Nofoali’i. 

Luisa told the Village Voice that a pastor’s wife or faletua, plays a significant role in keeping a congregation together. 

“The unity of a congregation depends mainly on women. If they work together with one heart, there will be a strong bond amongst the congregation as well. 

“We can’t do much if all the women in the congregation have different hearts and if they don’t want to work together. The church ministers and their wives depend mainly on women in a congregation to lighten the load they have to carry. 

“I know most of the decisions are made by the men, but women are there to straighten out and advise the men on what to do for the betterment of the congregation.” 

Luisa spoke humbly about her role as a faletua at the congregation in which they are now serving. 

“When we first came here to Nofoali’i, we humbled ourselves to God and asked him to be with us all throughout his calling. 

“We arrived here and saw that there was unity in everything in this village. Not only was the village united, but the congregation as well. 

“Everything is great and wonderful because we know that women are playing their roles in advising their husbands and children on what to do and they are ones who hold everything together. 

“It’s just amazing.”

However, she also admits that like anything in life there are always challenges and speed bumps to overcome.

“We can’t just run away from these challenges, it’s all part of life. All we have to do is look for solutions, overcome the challenges and move on with life. 

“And for our particular work, it is filled with challenges. But I always advise the mothers and the women of our congregation to do the right thing and to play their parts as mothers not only in their families, the village and especially our congregation. 

“Sometimes when the going gets tough, I always remind them that God is always there and will always be there for all of us. We always share our loads and that’s what makes everything easy for us. 

“Just like what they say, “Unity is our strength.”

Asked about some of the activities she has put into place to strengthen the bond amongst the women in her congregation, Luisa replied saying that they now have a centre providing the opportunity for women to learn how to sew.

“We have sewing classes, training and sessions here at the pastor’s house every Wednesday and Friday. 

“This gives them the opportunity to learn so they can help out their families. 

“Most importantly, we also continue on with our Women’s Service once a month where women get to lead the service and take part during the service. This enables them to be strengthened spiritually as well.”

By Vatapuia Maiava and Sarafina Sanerivi 14 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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