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Laughing Samoans

Posted on Mar 02, 2010

The 360 Youth Ministries of the Papatoetoe Seventh-day Adventist Community Church (PAPSDA) in Auckland, New Zealand, invited Tofiga Fepulea'i from the' Laughing Samoans' to speak about his life and work in a program called "Does God Have A Sense of Humor?" Tofiga held the rapt attention of over 500 South Auckland youth at a church run event.

Tofiga believes humor is a medium through which life messages can be shared with young people, especially Pacific young people, that otherwise wouldn't reach them. "Laughter always works better than waving fingers," he said with a grin as he demonstrated some largely exaggerated finger wagging. "Pacific culture has a lot to do with laughter, and storytelling. It's a good way to get messages across."

The team at PAPSDA transformed the church into a Pacific paradise with a beach, falé, and washing line containing jandals, socks and an oversized pair of pink-spotted pantaloons in the nature of the event. The 360 crew greeted the young people who crowded into the sanctuary at the doors with brightly colored leis and even brighter smiles.

"It was a really spiritual experience and I think that's what young people today need to realize - hanging with God isn't boring, it's actually a whole heap of fun!"

Tofiga spoke about the challenges of his parents, who moved over from Samoa, his first experiences of being on stage as a young boy in church, and his search to find purpose in his life. "I was on the dole for five years. With $120 a week, I thought I was da man!...But I was empty...eventually I realized I had to go back to where I started from, in the church, and that's where I remembered my love for making people laugh."

"No gift is too small for God to use...My father wanted me to be a pastor, but I have spoken to him and I know he accepts what I do now." Today Tofiga travels the world with The Laughing Samoans. He's done shows in Alaska, London, and all the big cities in Australia. He encouraged the youth present to do what they love and use their talents.

Papsda member Ronny Davidson, who first talked to this popular funny man about speaking for 360, said Tofiga's gift for making people laugh is from God. The verse he is talking about was Proverbs 17:22, which says, "a cheerful heart is good medicine" (NIV).

"Respect is the key", Tofiga said. "In life and...when you're climbing the ladder of success, you have to respect those around you. After all if you fall, they're the ones you're gonna pass on your way, and if you've shown them respect, they're gonna help you."

After the program Tofiga proved that he lives by that creed, staying for over an hour to talk with young people, pose for photos and sign autographs.

By Shannon Seyb - Papatoetoe Seventh-day Adventist Community Church
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