For many Pacific island families, the long Easter weekend is often a time to reflect on their love of God. It’s a time not only of self-reflection but also to pause for a moment to remember the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Such was the case for Mapusaga Youth Group of EFKS Christchurch, who used the long weekend to hold different programmes for their youth group. The Easter programme included two skits performed on the Friday and Sunday services, plus games and activities.
The programme drew its inspiration from the theme, “Servant Hearts” which derived from the bible verse Mark 10:45, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve”.
A major part of the programme was the elderly visits by the youth, in which 20 hampers were made and delivered to congregation elders.
Youth members were split into different groups each with their own elder to visit and to deliver a hamper. Each group was also assigned to have its members speak Samoan when presenting the hamper and also when praying for their chosen elder.
Youth member and treasurer Fa’atagalelei Matafeo says the programme is important especially for the younger generation.
“Growing up in this youth (group), you know the characters of each person – the quiet ones, the loud ones.
“Seeing each kid step out of their comfort zone to not only speak in our mother tongue but to have that opportunity to cover our elders in prayer was the most rewarding experience,” Fa’atagalelei says.
“In our culture, it’s normal to serve our elders but this was a different type of service and I think it hit the kids in a different way because they got to experience it themselves – actually visiting them in their home and having the opportunity to interact with them.”
The program not only served as an important lesson for the youth, it was also well received by the elders.
“Full hearts, overflowing cups, full circle moments, wholesome, uplifting and blessed. The visits were the epitome of it all,” Fa’atagalelei says.
“We only interact with the elders at church but we never get the opportunity to actually sit with them and talk so I think for them it was a really good time they had with the youth who visited them in their homes.”
