Breaking the Cycle 

Emmanuel Seumanutafa Motu is 19 years old and a soldier of The Salvation Army Apia Corps (Church) in Samoa Region. Emmanuel has a strong call to preach the Word of God to his generation and encourage them to choose a different future by living good lives. He is also passionate about breaking the cycle of addiction in his family and community.  

I was born in 2005 on the big island of Savaii in Samoa. I have five siblings, and we were raised in Falealupo, my mother’s village where I went to primary school. My faith journey began when a Palangi (non-Samoan) man called Max came to our village and started a Bible study in his home. My parents named one of my brothers Max because of his positive influence on our family. I was around 11 years old when I accepted Jesus and knew that God had a plan for my life and would help me on my journey. 

In 2016, we moved to Apia because of some family troubles. My mum wanted a brighter future for her children, and living in Apia meant better schools and jobs and a good place to live. I made it to year 10 before leaving school in 2019 to get a job. My dad was an alcoholic and when he had too many beers there would be trouble and fights in our family. I needed to help at home, both physically and financially.  

An invitation 

One day, my aunty invited my family to Apia Corps. I always stayed home on Sundays to prepare the Sunday lunch, but later when my brother invited me to a youth service, I went, and I loved it! All the youth were leading, and I thought this is the opportunity God had provided for me to serve and connect with the church. Mum always encouraged us in our faith. ‘Whatever plans God has for us, there is hope,’ she said.  

I feel closest to God in my faith when I am worshipping and reading the Bible. I also love going to the prayer meetings at Apia Corps. Like a lot of young people, the internet is a key aspect that helps me in my faith. I find YouTube very helpful because I can listen to lots of other preachers, as well as my corps officers.  

I also love to serve in practical ways, like working bees and market days, and I help at Sunday school and junior soldiers. I’m a youth leader and a Bible study leader and I love sharing the Word of God at youth services. I also learn from the elders in our corps who have a lot of knowledge about life and faith to pass on. All of this has made me very solid in my faith and given me a strong foundation for my journey. 

A life-changing decision 

I became a soldier of The Salvation Army Apia Corps in November 2023. I was 19 years old, and my family couldn’t believe it. They were shocked that I was ready to be a soldier at such a young age. But where I live, a lot of young men live dangerous lives. They don’t go to school or work and alcohol and drug addiction is a big problem. I wanted to have a different life—a good life.  

When my dad passed away it was hard. I want to break the cycle of addiction in our family. I want to lead our family in a different way, God’s way. Since becoming a soldier there have been so many blessings in my life and I know God has good plans for me. 

In 2024, I was blessed to go to Niusila (New Zealand) for the first time for the MORE youth leaders’ conference. I gained many new friends from around the territory. The most important and valuable thing I learnt was to be bold and confident in my faith, so I can encourage our youth and help them grow and develop in their journeys with God. 

Last year I began study at the National University of Samoa. I did an introductory English course, and I plan to keep studying in 2025. 

At youth councils in July, a youth leader asked us what we wanted to do in the future. Most of the other young people said they wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer, but I love to preach and so I want to be a pastor. I also want to help young people make good choices and turn away from drugs. There is a better life for them with God and through service in The Salvation Army. God has so many blessings to give. This is my testimony!