The creator of Faasoa Manuia says Christmas is not about the day but the spirit of the day; to forgive and forget, love your brothers and sisters, and find true joy in the birth of the King.
Faasoa Manuia is a program followed online by over ten thousand people, created by Vincent Schmidt, a former Samoa police officer who went on to work for the United Nations, where he was placed in several locations around the globe including Israel.
Schmidt lived and worked in Israel for three years, and says one of the main reasons behind this initiative is to help people, families and especially our youth.
“It is a platform where I hope to draw on the links between Samoa and Israel can, and help others by sharing my experiences while working in Israel”, said Schmidt.
“Mostly it is to share about the Holy Land, and encourage our youth that, you can do anything if you put your heart in to it.”
The 42 year old father of four is the son of the late Gaono Jack Schmidt and Amituana’i Titi Schmidt from Safotu Savaii and Vaimoso.
He and is wife Lydia now live in Hawaii, where they run their own online shop with the popular Sivatau brand of clothing and Sivatau Fitness, to encourage a balanced life of exercise and healthy living amongst Polynesian people.
Schmidt shares details of places visited by Jesus, and draws comparisons and links to Samoa’s own customs, traditions and culture, as well as Samoa’s strong sense of Christianity and faith in the Lord.
“E fiafia lava e faamatala le sootaga o Samoa ma Isaraelu i le tele o itu. O tatou tu ma aga ma aganuu, aemaise i le ola faatuatua ma talitonu i Le Atua”
You’ll find weekly video uploads and words of encouragement on Faasoa Manuia, and its founder’s key message is one of positivity.
“Nothing is impossible to God if you put your faith in Him”.
Vincent, Lydia and the children send warm greetings for Samoa on this Christmas Day…
“Gob bless and stay safe everyone”
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