03/03/2026
OUR VOICE, OUR VALUE ✨
An evening with Atinitone.
Last weekend, on the 28 th February 2026, Tama and I had the absolute privilege of attending an invitation to a powerful presentation by Rev. Faasalafa Solaese and the Matagaluega of Atinitone (Ekalesia Metotisi) on the identity crisis our youth are facing — caught between cultures, navigating expectations, and too often losing a sense of who they are in the midst of it all.
What made this event extraordinary was that it wasn’t just a lecture — it was a full-on experience. And if you missed it, then I apologise because this post will not come close to justifying what we witnessed. Suffice to say – it was a big handprint moment!
Rev. Faasalafa spoke with clarity and conviction about the tension between traditional family upbringing and the realities of a hybrid culture. He addressed the pressures our young people face — the subtle and not-so-subtle influences that can pull them away from their identity, their values, and their faith. But he did not leave us there. The message moved toward hope — offering practical resolutions for our youth, guidance for families, and a clear call to remain faithful in our commitment to God through the church.
Every major point was woven together with absolutely stunning musical and cultural performances of the highest calibre. The choreography, the original music, the visuals by the tech team, the harmonies, the live instrumentals — all came together to drive the message deeper.
The grace of the dances by all the young tamaitai flowed with strength and dignity, expressing resilience in the face of struggle. The vibrant power and energy of the young men brought depth and clarity, helping you visualise our people’s journeys in a way that especially resonated with the youth present. It was storytelling through movement, culture, and worship.
The hall was filled to capacity and you could feel the weight and warmth of the purpose we had gathered. There was pride, there was conviction, and there was healing. The evening was such a beautiful moment in time for what was indeed a busy week in our Synod.
It is hard to put into words how impactful it was. To me, it was a reminder that our children of the diaspora are not lost — they are called. They matter. They have value. They have a voice. And as parents and as a church, we have a nurturing role to ensure that happens.
Most importantly, it reminded us that our identity is first and foremost in Christ. Always!
Faafetai faafetai faafetai lava I Lau Susuga Faasalafa, le faletua Ofusina, le Autalavou faapea le Matagaluega o Atinitone. Faafetai mo le valaaulia. Faafetai mo le faa*oa. Ua le ole lea!
Viia le Atua I mea uma tatou te faia.
All glory to God.
Co-Creators: Rev. Faasalafa & Mrs. Ofusina Solaese
Choreography: Miss Piula Solaese
Instrumentals & Song composition: Mr. Oloapu Vevesi
Performers: The Youth of Atinitone
And above all, the true Ta’ita’i Sili — the Holy Spirit.