Designated by Governor Togiola Tulafono in February 2007 through Executive Order making the first Wednesday after the first day of the month of February every year as the day for the Territorial Prayer Breakfast, the church service brought together government and church leaders “to pray together for peace and prosperity for all of mankind, for our Territorial and National leaders, and for the leaders of the many nations of the world so that God may continue to grant the people of American Samoa and the citizens of the world freedom and peace everlasting.”

 

The Territorial Prayer Breakfast church service was led by Rev. Elder Siaosi Saifoloi, Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa in Sa’ilele, with Rev. Siaosi Mageo, Superintendant of Assemblies of God in American Samoa, offering a prayer of thanks, praise and worship, while Rev. Daniel Vaeao, First Samoan Pentecostal Full Gospel Church in Tafuna, offered the prayer of confession and petition. Rev. Elder Saifoloi presented the final part of the collective prayer –intercession– and delivered the sermon.

 

“We have come together again this year because of this wonderful opportunity for all the leaders of our government, the Governor’s Cabinet, and our lawmakers, to collectively recognize the healing power of prayer,” said Rev. Elder Saifoloi. “This convocation of leaders and workers of our government are here with the same goal and that is to bridge differences in work as servants of the people and in their lives through Jesus Christ. This is your chance. The time is now for you to be honest in the job that you do for your department, for your government and for your people.”

 

Rev. Elder Saifoloi told the 300 attendees that he was very happy that they had taken time out of their busy schedules for reflection and prayer.

 

“We have taken a pause for the cause, a break from our office routines, to be here to reflect on your own self-improvement in strengthening our weaknesses, and also to reflect on the grace that faith provides, especially in times of trouble,” said Rev. Elder Saifoloi. “We must be honest in the work we are doing for our people. And we must be honest with God. If we are not, God will stop the flow of blessings for you and for American Samoa. That is why it is okay to have a talk with God while you are at work running the department or working for the department. It is quite alright to close the office door and have a talk with God. It’s amazing how accessible God is when you open up to Him without fear, and knowing that when we meet God in prayer, we are all equal.”

 

Also in attendance were Secretary of Samoan Affairs HC Tufele Fa’ato’ia Li’amatua, Western District Governor PC Satele Galu Teutusi, Eastern District Governor HC Gaoteote Tapatonu, and Manu’a District Governor PC Misaalefua J.  Hudson.

 

Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs HTC Nanai K. Afuola was the master of ceremony. Hymns and praise were sung by the CCCAS Sa’ilele choir.

 

The Territorial Prayer Breakfast is scheduled on the first Wednesday after the first day of February every year.