I M M E R S E 2 0 2 1
At the end of Sāmoan language week in the misty mountains of Ngāruawahia, hundreds of Sāmoan Methodist young people, representing the different Itumalo of Sinoti Sāmoa, gathered around the theme, IMMERSE – Its My Mission to Evangelize, Resurrection, Salvation and Equality. Fittingly, the weekend provided the perfect environment where young people were fully immersed in culture, identity, energy and spiritual growth.
As COVID-19 wreaked havoc in 2020, many plans for face-to-face gatherings fell by the wayside. Due to the nature of normal life changing literally overnight, many plans were abandoned and never to be picked again in the foreseeable future. Thankfully, through the commitment and determination of the Sinoti Sāmoa National Youth Liaison Officers (NYLO), Janice Auva’a-Walters and Setu Pio, Convener Filo Tu Faleupolu and the organizing committee, IMMERSE 2021 would only be delayed but not denied.
As COVID-19 wreaked havoc in 2020, many plans for face-to-face gatherings fell by the wayside. Due to the nature of normal life changing literally overnight, many plans were abandoned and never to be picked again in the foreseeable future. Thankfully, through the commitment and determination of the Sinoti Sāmoa National Youth Liaison Officers (NYLO), Janice Auva’a-Walters and Setu Pio, Convener Filo Tu Faleupolu and the organizing committee, IMMERSE 2021 would only be delayed but not denied.
C O M I N G T O G E T H E R
The hunger and desire of tupulaga in attendance was clear from the outset. Each young person proudly represented their youth, family and culture with a passion that resonated across the Campsite from start to finish. Walking around Ngāruawahia’s CYC – a campsite that has hosted many a Methodist camp, event and conference over the years – colors and designs of youth groups proudly adorned young people’s clothing everywhere they went. As Sinoti Sāmoa stretches far and wide over the North Island, it was a true celebration to see young people from Auckland, Manukau, Gisbourne, New Plymouth, Hawkes Bay, Wellington and everywhere in between come together.
This year saw many new faces and first timers in attendance as well – this emphasized the vitality of this gathering taking place. It meant that many people arrived as strangers but have no doubt left with new friends, connections and co-travelers in their Spiritual journeys. Simply put, there really is no substitute for good old face-to-face interaction. Where it can be done safely and meaningfully, it should be. It was not taken for granted how fortunate it is that such an event can still take place in our land.
This year saw many new faces and first timers in attendance as well – this emphasized the vitality of this gathering taking place. It meant that many people arrived as strangers but have no doubt left with new friends, connections and co-travelers in their Spiritual journeys. Simply put, there really is no substitute for good old face-to-face interaction. Where it can be done safely and meaningfully, it should be. It was not taken for granted how fortunate it is that such an event can still take place in our land.
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A c t i v i t i e s
Throughout the weekend, there were a mixture of different events, workshops and activities that were on offer. In devotional times, different itumalo were given the opportunity to lead and give their own message of hope, with the assistance of their own creativity and talent. These times were powerful and inspiring.
Sports day was a staple of the weekend, with 16 different teams being pitted up against each other in a variety of sports and athletic contests throughout the day. If there’s one thing Pasifika can be drawn together by, it the challenge of working together as a unit in the spirit of fun and fair competition.
The beautiful Sāmoan culture was of course integrated into the weekend as well as expected, with each itumalo taking the stage in song, dance and story, intertwined in the rich language and customs which have been passed down from generation to generation. If you’ve ever been to a Polyfest or Pasifika Festival, imagine a Sāmoan super-stage in the heart of the mighty Waikato! Again, these beautiful expressions of culture and skill served as a source of power and inspiration. They reminded all of the identity that shapes and defines, one in which Gods Spirit has anointed.
Sunday morning saw Service take place, led by a team of young lay preachers who have been developed through the Sinoti over a long period of time. Their wisdom and ability demonstrated to young people the embodiment of Pauls words in 1 Timothy 4.12, young believers setting an example to young and old alike. Superintendent of Sinoti, Rev. Sui Te’o, then led in communion, with the support of all Faifeau, serving the 300+ attendees with the sacred elements. The presence of Presbyters from all of Sinoti (and parents) throughout the weekend served as a calming influence of support and wisdom that was greatly appreciated.
A workshop breaking down the theme also took place on Sunday, hosted by NYLO and myself. With such a robust and meaningful theme presented to attendees, it was crucially important that IMMERSE wasn’t just an empty word which didn’t make tupulaga think or reflect differently during and after camp. The gist of it is this – young people are challenged to partake in the mission the bring the Gospel to the world, and share of the equality and hope that is offered through it. This is not “dip your toe” in kind of commitment. It is one of total devotion and immersion in. Like a full immersion baptism, young people must be prepared to go ‘all in’ in response to Gods calling over their lives.
Sports day was a staple of the weekend, with 16 different teams being pitted up against each other in a variety of sports and athletic contests throughout the day. If there’s one thing Pasifika can be drawn together by, it the challenge of working together as a unit in the spirit of fun and fair competition.
The beautiful Sāmoan culture was of course integrated into the weekend as well as expected, with each itumalo taking the stage in song, dance and story, intertwined in the rich language and customs which have been passed down from generation to generation. If you’ve ever been to a Polyfest or Pasifika Festival, imagine a Sāmoan super-stage in the heart of the mighty Waikato! Again, these beautiful expressions of culture and skill served as a source of power and inspiration. They reminded all of the identity that shapes and defines, one in which Gods Spirit has anointed.
Sunday morning saw Service take place, led by a team of young lay preachers who have been developed through the Sinoti over a long period of time. Their wisdom and ability demonstrated to young people the embodiment of Pauls words in 1 Timothy 4.12, young believers setting an example to young and old alike. Superintendent of Sinoti, Rev. Sui Te’o, then led in communion, with the support of all Faifeau, serving the 300+ attendees with the sacred elements. The presence of Presbyters from all of Sinoti (and parents) throughout the weekend served as a calming influence of support and wisdom that was greatly appreciated.
A workshop breaking down the theme also took place on Sunday, hosted by NYLO and myself. With such a robust and meaningful theme presented to attendees, it was crucially important that IMMERSE wasn’t just an empty word which didn’t make tupulaga think or reflect differently during and after camp. The gist of it is this – young people are challenged to partake in the mission the bring the Gospel to the world, and share of the equality and hope that is offered through it. This is not “dip your toe” in kind of commitment. It is one of total devotion and immersion in. Like a full immersion baptism, young people must be prepared to go ‘all in’ in response to Gods calling over their lives.
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I M M E R S E M Y L I F E
Finally on the last evening, a Christian Rally was held, bringing together all events of the weekend to a Spirit-filled conclusion. This evening was particularly empowering and memorable. Testimonies were given by renowned singer-songwriter, Silika Isaia, and prominent baker and small-business owner, Lynne Vatau. Both are daughters of the Sinoti whose stories are interweaved in the fabric of the church. Praise and Worship was led by Pameko Youth from Papatoetoe with energy and vibrancy. Young people from the neighboring Waikato-Waiariki Synod were invited to perform as well which was a fantastic gesture of Connexionalism in its most beautiful form. Hawkes Bay itumalo then closed with a powerful devotion and an alter call opportunity was extended to all, with multitudes of young people responded and coming forward to be prayed for and over – a deeply sacred moment to draw everything together.
After a next morning cleanup, devotion and close, IMMERSE 2021 was done – but by no means complete. Now, after an unforgettable weekend, the next steps of the journey are at the feet of our tupulaga. To not leave this experience in the past, but to continue to press and forward. Taking up the mission ahead with courage. Sure of who they are and who God is. Thank God for the chance to come together and be immersed.
Fa’afetai tele lava to all who tirelessly and relentlessly served to make IMMERSE 2021 one to remember. E lelei le Atua.
After a next morning cleanup, devotion and close, IMMERSE 2021 was done – but by no means complete. Now, after an unforgettable weekend, the next steps of the journey are at the feet of our tupulaga. To not leave this experience in the past, but to continue to press and forward. Taking up the mission ahead with courage. Sure of who they are and who God is. Thank God for the chance to come together and be immersed.
Fa’afetai tele lava to all who tirelessly and relentlessly served to make IMMERSE 2021 one to remember. E lelei le Atua.
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