Pray for 350 on Saturday 24th

Letter to Samoa Observer

Care for environment PDF Print E-mail
Friday, 16 October 2009 15:26

Dear editor - I would like to congratulate Reverend Upolu Va’ai (letter to the editor 11/10/09) for his theological reassurance about our Christian God as a loving God and for re- directing our attention to the fact and facts of our own human capabilities for destruction of our natural environment as contributory causes to earthquakes, tsunamis and of course climate change.

Indeed there is already a wealth of information about man-made earthquakes particularly in geophysical literature for those who are interested.
As for climate change - scientists say we have gone over the safe limit of 350 parts per million CO2.

As a result of our collective global human activity, we have excreted 387ppm into the atmosphere and we need to come down to the safe level of 350.
>Next week on Saturday 24th October is a designated day to focus the world on the number 350 and particularly to seek accountability from the world governments for a safe and responsible global treaty, when they meet in December in Copenhagen (see www.350.org).

While we are recovering from the devastation of September 29, I suggest that next week on Saturday 24th October that our prayers focus on the number 350.

That we pray about our excessive greed for profit and material things and our irresponsibility to care for the environment that have resulted in death, destruction, poverty, political asylum seekers and much problems.

Ia manuia lava Samoa.
Ma lo’u fa’aaloalo,

Meripa Weir
Keen Samoan Watcher from Abroad

God's miracle amidst the horror of September 29

Be strong in your faith Samoa

Meripa Weir
to samoaobserver



Dear Editor,

At times such as this week in Samoa, it is hard not to blame God. It is hard to see that in the midst of all the loss, the devastation, and the destruction by the force of nature, there indeed was a miracle - that the whole of Samoa was not wiped out. Things could have been considerably worse on a national scale.
As I read scientific analysis of what happened, by tsunami and earthquake experts and learned about the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', I became more aware that the earthquake in Samoa and the earthquake in Sumatra arise out of the 'pacific ring of fire' and that there must be a link.
However as I read further to understand why there was not enough warning about this week's tsunami in Samoa and if there was any link between the more devastating earthquake in Sumatra, I find that the scientists need to do more research to provide me with direct answers.
To me and my faith-based thinking, there is only one, conclusion. For Samoa, the diversion of the forces of nature within the 'pacific ring of fire' was indeed a miracle. It was indeed a saving act and I thank God for the miracle.
I pray that Samoa and its Constitution based on christian principles live on and guide our nation into the future.

Take care Samoa.
God Bless

Ma lo'u fa'aaloalo lava

Meripa Weir

(Keen Samoan Watcher from Abroad)

September 29 Samoa's frightening earthquake and fatal tsunami

Life was normal on Monday 28 but by mid morning on Tuesday 29 September Samoa was suffering the shock of unbelievable devastation,destruction and incredible loss of lives. The emotional shock was felt around the world as news of the earthquake and the killer tsunami was instantly transmitted.

It is so sad for our small nation. So many villages wiped out. So many families have no homes and so many people have been killed. Many tourist resorts have been destroyed.

It is Samoa's time of need.


Time to share PDF Print E-mail
Friday, 02 October 2009 09:50

Dear editor - We feel your shock at the unexpected devastation, utter destruction, and great loss
We mourn with you all who have lost loved ones, may their loved ones rest in peace, and their memory live on.

We pray for all who are injured, in pain and added grief and sorrow.
We pray for strength and courage for all those faced with the task of saving lives or attending to the needs of others.

We pray for Samoa’s leaders in
government, church, and village to make the right decisions to keep our nation together.

We pray for the welfare of helpers coming in from outside to ease the burden on our under resourced nation.
We pray for peace and tolerance in Samoa’s time of need.
We pray for God’s loving hand to prevail over our beloved Samoa

Meripa Weir and Friends of Samoa
(Feeling your pain from abroad, Brisbane )