Sunday is always a special day in Samoa. Yesterday was the first Sunday of the month - special in itself - but it was also the first since the earthquake and massive tsunami brought disaster.
Among the thousands flocking to churches all over the islands were New Zealand couple Kerry and Lynne Martin, whose daughters Rebecca and Petria were killed.
They were joined in their grief at the Matafele Methodist Church in Apia by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who stopped to meet them and express his condolences. In turn, Mr Martin offered his own condolences to the Prime Minister, as well as thanking him for the nation's support of his family.
Mourners sat quietly in their seats, staring at the front and fanning themselves.
One elderly woman with a black scarf draped over her shoulders stood and calmly walked to the front of the church, where she laid a single floral wreath before turning around, revealing her red eyes.
Looking up at the altar, where a single wreath lay, Mrs Martin cried softly as the first hymn rang out before the pastor addressed the congregation.
"Blessed are those who weep, for they will rejoice," the Rev Oka Fauolo said.
Speaking directly to the relatives of those who lost loved ones, the elder said: "We feel the pain, we feel the grief and the sorrow.
"Many of us have lost those who were dear to us - children, parents, brothers and sisters - whole families. Even though we havebeen affected by this disaster, we, Samoa- as a nation - believe that God still livesand will continue to take us through."
Heads bowed as prayers were said, with the common theme of encouragement and faith. The church choir, with purple scarves tied around their necks, also sang out a message, with the words translating as "let us all be strong".
A large-scale funeral and memorial service will be held on Thursday, followed by a mass burial at Tafa'igata, where up to 100 people will be interred in a grave set to become the focus of a memorial cemetery.
Speaking to reporters after the church service, Tuilaepa said it was a sad fact that many foreigners died in the disaster, as well as over 100 locals.
"We are deeply saddened at the loss of their loved ones. They have come to spend a good time here but instead have caused loss to their families. We do hope that their bodies are [found] and that their families are here."
How you can help
Pacific Cooperation Foundation
Deposits can be made at at any Westpac branch. All the money raised will go to the Samoan Government
Red Cross
- Make a secure online donation at redcross.org.nz
- Send cheques to the Samoan Red Cross Fund, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144
- Call 0900 31 100 to make an automatic $20 donation
- Make a donation at any NZ Red Cross office
ANZ bank
Make a donation at any ANZ bank branch, or donate directly to the ANZ appeal account: 01 1839 0143546 00
Oxfam
- Make a secure online donation at
Oxfam.org.nz
- Phone 0800 400 666 or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 600 20
