Lemanu/ La'apui campaign for the 2024 gubernatorial election officially opens

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The motto of the incumbents Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Lt Gov. Laapui Talauega E.V. Ale campaign for the 2024 gubernatorial election is "E Lavatia le Alofa" or "Love Beareth All”. It was also the theme of the sermon delivered in the church service that officially opened their bid for re-election, held at the CCCAS Matuu & Faganeanea on Sunday.

All parking spaces were taken, as were seats inside the church and many supporters had to settle for seats under tents set outside.

Led by Rev. Elder Fouvale Asiata, the service was attended by the Senate President and House Speaker, senators, representatives, cabinet members, district governors and directors. Church ministers from various denominations were also present.

Rev. Elder Asiata quoted from the Holy Bible, verse 7 of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, "Love patiently endures all things. It always trusts, always hopes and always remains strong."

He stated that as the incumbents Governor Lemanu and Lt. Governor La'apui's initial term in office is drawing to a close, this was a good opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks and commendations for their diligent service despite the many challenges they encountered.

"You were at the forefront leading the way, weathering the turbulent weather and rough seas, shielding us as we observed and prayed that your leadership would bring blessings to our people," Rev. Elder Asiata began. "Today, we commend you for your patience because you had to cross stormy seas fraught with danger. But you persevered because of your unwavering patience.

"It is indeed true that only love can endure the trials and tribulations of a leader's calling. If God's love is not in a leader's heart, he will not succeed because he won't be able to endure the problems along the way, that will challenge his calling as a leader. Thank you once again for your service.”

Adopting eloquent Samoan oratorical language, Rev. Asiata reminded the two leaders and the congregation that there is no such thing as a perfect leader, because everyone has shortcomings.

He pointed out that despite their good intentions and efforts, leaders will always face the possibility of encountering unpredictable circumstances that would pose problems.

He likened the situation to an experienced seafarer who depends on his navigational knowledge using wave patterns and stars to guide his canoe, faced with the possibility of encountering a rogue wave.

"But don't forget God's grace and His plans for you and us all," Rev. Elder Asiata declared. "Because an experienced fisherman is revealed in rough seas, not in calm seas as the Samoan saying goes. Remember that God controls the elements and during stormy weather and rough sailing, He will choose strong leaders to guide our vessel to safety."

He addressed the two leaders and said, though criticism causes undue stress especially when they are unfounded, they should thank God because it is a good thing. He stated that it is healthy and can prepare leaders for unexpected circumstances.

He continued by quoting in part, the apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians where he wrote, "Love is patient ..."

"What is the meaning of these words?" he asked. "How long and how short must a leader be patient?

He shared that he often hears criticism by some members of the public saying that a leader who is too humble, shows patience too often and won't respond to critics, is a weak and foolish leader.

"What about God's unconditional love for us?" he asked. "How long and how short must His unconditional love be patient with the transgressions and iniquities we continue to commit? Is God's patience and humble nature revealed in Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross for our redemption, a sign of  weakness and foolishness in God's leading and loving grace for us? What do you think?"

Rev. Elder Asiata commended Governor Lemanu and Lt. Governor La'apui for their patience because there were those who thought the leadership was elementary because they didn’t respond to criticism.

"But what does the Word of God teach us today?" he reiterated. "What do you think of the message from the Word of God? Love is patient. Love makes it easier for the soul to endure the heavy burden that would otherwise be impossible to carry.

"It is not foolishness that causes God to be patient with our shortcomings and sins for which we would have perished. God loves us unconditionally because He in his infinite wisdom, recognizes our foolishness and weaknesses. It is that unconditional love that strengthened Christ's resolve to endure the pain and humiliation He suffered, so that our sins may be forgiven and eternal life will be ours."

In conclusion, Rev. Elder Asiata urged Lemanu and Laapui to let their campaign motto be their guide and that it is through love that all things are possible.

“Be patient, humble and forgiving leaders,” he urged.

To their supporters, he advised that they proceed with respect and humility and to remember that Samoa is one family.

At the end of the service, Chairman of the Lemanu/ La'apui Campaign Committee, Malemo Tausaga spoke on behalf of the candidates and the committee thanking the leader of the service, the minister and the CCCAS Matu'u & Faganeanea, ministers from other denominations, and all those who attended.

The Lemanu/La'apui Campaign Committee is planning a "Show Up And Show Out Wave '' starting at 3p.m this Friday, April 12, 2024 at Matu'u.