Introduction / History

The Samoan people are indigenous Polynesians whose culture and language have played a foundational role in the development of Eastern Polynesian societies. Samoa is considered one of the oldest Polynesian cultures, with oral traditions and genealogies tracing back thousands of years. European contact began in the 18th century, and Christian missionaries arrived in the 1830s, leading to widespread conversion. They live on the Pacific Islands of Samoa, American Samoa, and Fiji. Others have migrated to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

The first Samoans to migrate to the United States did so in the 1950s. Most live in California or Hawaii, though some are in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Samoans in the United States are often serving in the military. They are known for being NFL football players; many have made it in this sport. There are Samoans in the music industry. Others have been elected to public office.

Samoan society is deeply communal, structured around extended families (aiga) and governed by a chiefly system (fa'amatai). Cultural values emphasize respect, hospitality, and communal responsibility. Traditional arts such as tattooing (tatau), dance (siva), and storytelling remain vibrant.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Christianity is central to Samoan identity. The dominant denomination is the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, followed by Roman Catholics, Methodists, and Latter-Day Saints. Churches are prominent in every village, and Sunday worship is widely observed. Christianity has been integrated with traditional values, and many Samoans view their faith as inseparable from their cultural heritage.

What Are Their Needs?

Samoans need revival fire to stir them to take the gospel to the lost in the U.S.

Prayer Items

Pray for strong Christians to disciple others among the Samoan youth.
Pray for unity and spiritual vitality among churches across denominations.
Pray that Samoan believers will be mobilized for missions within the Pacific and beyond.

Scripture Prayers for the Samoan, American in United States.

References

AI generated by Copilot.
https://alchetron.com/Samoan-Americans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoan_Americans