The youth of the Alaska Samoan Church in Anchorage, Alaska, have been active in past outreach programs such as visiting the sick, donating clothes and necessities for those in need, and frequently coming together to build up each other individually. But on Feb. 10, 2018, the youth ventured further into Jesus’ promise in Matt. 25:40 — “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" — when they came together for a community project.
Disregarding the cold weather (the high temperature that Sabbath was a "balmy" 25 degrees), the group prepared lunch bags with reading materials and handed them to the homeless people residing temporarily at the Brother Francis Shelter, an emergency shelter for men and women in Anchorage. This experience not only impacted the homeless people, but it also built character for the young people. The residents received the Samoan youth warmly, their faces radiant with joy and hope as they were being ministered to through music, food and Scripture.
Despite the limited time and the shelter's rule against taking photos and videos, the images and personal experience felt by the youth can only be described as “priceless." Understanding the command to “go ye therefore and teach all nations” can only begin when we step out of our comfortable church pews and go out in the cold to give ourselves in service for those in need.
Nerisa Tupa'i Mamea helps prepare food for the youth outreach.
Brother Francis Shelter serves the homeless of Anchorage, Alaska.
Youth leader Jeremiah Pasi coordinated the outreach effort.
