They say small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. 

This has inspired a ‘cleaning day’ organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints which took place during the weekend. 

The church also called on to other church communities to join. The President of the Apia Central Stake, Hans Jason Joseph, who is also from the Publishing Service Department of the L.D.S Church said that the main drive behind the initiative is “to serve our country and our fellow beings.”

“We are promoting service without reward or any payment,” said Hans.

“We just simply want to serve the country as good responsible citizens and to serve others just like how the Savior taught us to serve one another.”

This initiative is part of the L.D.S Pacific Area Initiative. 

However, it was the first time they have invited other churches to join. 

“This is the first time we have invited other Churches to join us for a better cause in building inter-faith relationship among religions for a better nation,” said Hans.

Moreover, the initiative aligns with the celebration of the Environment Week in Samoa this week. 

“This was our Initiative but I guess it aligns together with the Environment week,” said Hans. “And this will be an annual event for everyone to come together as one to make a simple contribution for the country.

And what was the feedback from the community?

“It was a success,” said Hans.

“Everyone joined the fun of cleaning, even other denominations who were invited to participate like Seventh Day Adventist, Methodists, E.F.K.S., Anglicans, Assembly of God, Catholic, and E.F.I.S.”

A devotional service was held on Sunday to honor some of the people providing service to the people of Samoa. 

“The special devotional was to honor some people who are providing service to the community to make life a little better for the people,” said Hans. 

“So the Church presented them with Awards of recognition for their service. Su’a Julia Wallwork of Adventist Disaster Relief Agency Samoa (A.D.R.A.), for her work and leadership in helping the poor and the needy.

“The other recipient was Laauli Allan Grey for his well known service to the people of Samoa and also Mapusua Rudolf Keil, also for his service in the community.”

During the devotional service, President Joseph spoke about the importance of loving one another. 

“We must keep the first and the greatest commandment to love God and to love our neighbors as you love yourself. 

“We ought to be like the Savior who came into this earth to serve and not to be served, that He showed us the way to love and serve others, to lift the burdens from others and to be a light to the world. We must learn to become self-reliant and to work to provide for ourselves and not to rely on others but we must also be our brothers-keeper, to feed the hungry and the poor, to shelter them and clothe them and help them feel a little better about life because we are all God’s children despite of what race or religion or background we are from.”

It was the same spirit Mrs. Su’a Julia Wallwork expressed at her speech delivered at the Devotional. 

She said, “This is the will of the God to reach out to others to help alleviate poverty and make life a little better for others. We cannot change the whole world, it’s too big for us but through our small and simple acts of love and service we can make a difference to the life of others.” It was also the same feeling expressed by Marina Grey who accepted the award on behalf of her husband. We stand together to bring love and hope to many who are heavy laden and to help them realize their dreams in life.