Young Women Camp: Apia East Synod, Samoa
Theme: “Our Salvation comes from God” – Psalm 37:39
“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.” – Psalm 37:39
In accordance to our key objective of strengthening the development and inclusiveness of young women within our church communities, the Apia East Synod conducted a 2-day camp for young girls from the age groups of 20 to 35 on the 20th to the 21st of April 2025 at Matafele Methodist Church – Samoa. This is also an annual camp set out across the 17 synods of the Methodist Church.
The purpose and aim of this fellowship are to enhance the growth of young women and girls’ involvement in church and broadening their understanding through our theme: “To know Christ and to make Him known”
Superintendent of the Apia East Synod – Rev. Mariota Siaea lead the official opening service of the event and the following are the key takeaways throughout the 2-day event.
1.Bible Study:
Haven Isaia-Elisaia – a young woman from Sinamoga delivered a message of hope and empowerment to the young women to prioritize turning and sharing to the Lord whenever life hits hard. To know and believe – our refuge and deliverer is found in God the ultimate source of salvation.
- Motivational Speaker 1: South Pacific Area Young Women Leadership Programme Representative
I was fortunate to be given an opportunity to share on my experience as a representative of the Samoan Unit for the South Pacific Area Young Women Leaders Programme at the Executive Leaders Meeting held in Nadi, Fiji – providing a feedback and update on the foundation of this program and its importance of understanding the structure of the Samoan Unit within the World Federation of Methodist Women and Uniting Church – the crucial and critical roles we play and how we get to use and contribute to strengthen the development of young women become great agents of change and leaders who will keep on bearing fruits, fruits that will last.
- Motivational Speaker 2: Methodist Church of Samoa Youth Representative
Davina Faamatuainu – a youth representative of the Methodist Church for the Ecumenical Pacific Youth Engagement spoke on Climate Change and the role we need to stand firm on in ensuring our actions goes together with our words and prayers. Davina emphasizes on her key message: “Don’t wait to be a leader in the future; be the leader now”
- Career Talk: Road to Success
“What you become is God’s gift to you; how you use it – is your gift to God” – a strong yet very uplifting message to wrap up our first night of fellowship from Dr, Niusila Faamanatu- Eteuati – Dean of Education of the National University of Samoa. Emphasizing on the importance of education and it’s benefits of being an educated young God-fearing woman across the different paths in life as well as using these gifts to honor God, to give back to family, parents, church and the community.
Day 2: Living out Salvation
- Open-air Morning Devotion
On the second day of the camp, we had an early start with an open-air prayer meeting at 5:00am. In the stillness of the morning, surrounded by God’s creation and warmth; each gathered to share testimonies, uplifting and encouraging one another in faith. It was a powerful reminder that salvation is not only a personal journey but also one we live out in community
- Physical health Activities
Following the prayer meeting, the girls participated in a walkathon and Zumba session before 7:30am. The joyful atmosphere, energizing music, and shared laughter helped promote both physical wellness and team bonding—a living proof that honoring God includes taking care of our bodies and delighting in fellowship for the glory of God.
7. National Kidn
ey Foundation Workshop
One of the most impactful events of the day was a health workshop conducted by the National Kidney Foundation in Samoa. This opportunity offered on-site health screenings for young women in determining their kidney health and overall checkup. Participants underwent assessments for blood pressure, blood sugar levels, height and weight in. This was a blessing in disguise for many as this is their first time receiving immediate health evaluations which lead to self-reflection on the need to be more cautious of our health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This workshop was an eye-opening experience and educational for our young girls.
- Samoa Life Assurance Company: Understanding Investment
Members of the young women camp who are employed at Samoa Life Assurance Company got to share insights on life planning and personal growth. Their session encouraged the girls who are in school and working to consider looking beyond the present and to make wise decisions in investing for their future. Discussions included the value of financial literacy, long-term planning, and building a secure life assurance.
- Themed Potluck & Sharing
To conclude our 2-day event, we ended with a joyful and colourful themed Potluck event. An eventwhich focused on bringing the girls oneness and creativity to action and for a change. Four teams were each assigned a colour theme and tasked with selecting fruits and snacks matching their colour. They then performed a creative entrance dance followed by a brief explanation on the importance of each colour and its representation in life and accordance to living out salvation.
As the day came to a close, hearts were filled, spirits were lifted, and the message was clear: salvation is not just about a moment of decision, but about a lifetime of devotion, living a Christ-center life, delighting in God’s purpose and living out salvation from one sister to another.
Personal Reflection:
As Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”
Reflecting on the close of this event, I am in awe at ways our Lord and the Holy Spirit moved among our young women. Within this safe and nurturing space, many hearts were stirred, lives were touched, andseeds of faith were planted—seeds that will continue to grow and bear eternal fruit.
My prayer is that, may we continue to walk boldly in our calling, trusting that the seeds we sow in faith today will flourish into testimonies of God’s goodness tomorrow within our units. May this experience inspire each of us to keep pouring into the next generation with love, purpose, and unwavering faith—knowing that what God begins, He will continue to grow and complete it.
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