-
Bringing the Good News to SamoaThe Watchtower—1979 | February 15
-
-
IN WESTERN SAMOA
Western Samoa clings more tenaciously to the ancient customs than does American Samoa, which, to an extent, is “modernized.” Modern views clash at times with the ancient Samoan laws and way of life, so that change is slow—but sure. Some are dissatisfied with change, others are happy about it.
Teaching the Bible to the people of Samoa has been hard work. Not that the Samoans are disinterested in the Bible. They are glad to hear its message. But there are problems in traveling between the scattered islands, and in arranging to spend the desired time with individuals. Also, until recently it has been difficult to get permission for missionaries to enter Western Samoa.
In the early 1950’s John Croxford, of England, stayed in Samoa for a short time, acquainting the people with the Bible’s “good news of the kingdom.” Thus, when Ronald and Olive Sellars, a married couple from Australia, arrived in Western Samoa in May 1953, they found some people interested in Bible study. Later, some families from New Zealand and Australia decided to move in, on government or business contract work, to help the local Witnesses in reaching the people with the “good news.” All of these have contributed greatly to the spread of the “good news.”
-
-
Bringing the Good News to SamoaThe Watchtower—1979 | February 15
-
-
A missionary home was added to this hall, and, more recently, on the island of Savaii, over in Western Samoa, another missionary home has been erected. The bringers of the “good news” are there to stay! All together there are now three missionary homes and four meeting places, known as “Kingdom Halls,” in all of Samoa.
A real bond of love unites the missionaries and the Samoan Witnesses, and the Samoan people in general are openhearted and interested in God’s Word. There is much work yet to be done in reaching and helping all who desire to learn the “good news.” Just as the Macedonian call once went out to Paul the apostle, so the invitation is extended today: ‘Step over into Samoa and help us.’—Acts 16:9.
-