Free resources about the Samoa Apia Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Video interviews with returned missionaries
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
Samoa Apia Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Samoa Apia Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
Samoa Apia Mission
P.O. Box 608
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
United States
Phone Number: 685-64-156
Mission President: President Reed C. Tolman
Samoa Apia Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Samoa Apia Mission (LDS). To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Apia Mission:
Videos with Samoa Apia RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Samoa Apia Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
LDS-Friendly Videos about Samoa
Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about Samoa. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about Samoa, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.
Samoa Apia Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Apia Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
Samoa Apia Mission Groups
Here are Samoa Apia Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Apia Mission.
- Samoa Apia Mission Facebook Group (319 members)
- Apia Returned Missionaries Haleck 2008-11 Group (240 members)
- Apia Mission Reunion (Pres and Sister Pe’a) Group (73 members)
- Apia Mission President Treglown Alum Group (36 members)
- Samoa Apia Mission 2 Facebook Group (20 members)
- Samoa Apia Mission 1980-1984 Group (18 members)
- Samoa Apia Mission Facebook Group (18 members)
- Apia Mission Returned Missionaries Group (5 members)
Samoa Apia Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Samoa Apia Mission!
Shirt designs include Apia Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Apia missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Apia Mission gifts
Samoa Apia Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Samoa Apia Mission.
- 2014-2017, Reed C. Tolman
- 2011-2014, Johnny Leota
- 2008-2011, Vincent O. Haleck
- 2005-2008, Paul Burton Price
- 2002-2005, Rendal Broomhead
- 1999-2002, Sua’u’upa’ia K. Pe’a
- 1996-1999, Henry Mataali’i
- 1993-1996, Lini Too
- 1990-1993, Clifton Treglown
- 1987-1990, Polisi Fitisemanu
- 1984-1987, Maligi Ti’a
- 1981-1984, R. Carl Harris
- 1977-1981, Leuli Uiva Teo
- 1977-1977, Faaesea P. Mailo
- 1974-1977, Patrick L. Iuli Peters
- 1971-1974, Ralph G. Rodgers
- 1968-1971, R. Wayne Shute
- 1965-1968, Burton H. Price
- 1961-1965, J. Phillip Hanks
- 1957-1961, Charles I. Sampson
- 1953-1957, Howard B. Stone
- 1951-1953, Earl S. Paul
- 1948-1951, Golden H. Hale
Samoa and American Samoa LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 75,971 (Samoa), 16,621 (American Samoa)
- Missions: 1 (Samoa)
- Temples: 1 (Samoa)
- Congregations: 140 (Samoa), 40 (American Samoa)
- Family History Centers: 18 (Samoa), 4 (American Samoa)
Helpful Articles about Samoa
Samoa Apia Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Samoa Apia RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.
When did you serve?
- 1972-1973 (Salamina)
- 1989-1990 (Nive)
- 1992-1994 (Zack)
- 1997-1999 (James)
- 1999-2000 (Jakeo)
- 2004-2006 (Matala)
- 2003-2005 (Matthew)
- 2003-2005 (Talatofi)
- 2006-2008 (Nathan)
- 1990-1992 (Benjamin)
- 1990-1991 (Militini)
- 1985-1986 (Sileiloga)
- 1983-1984 (Leinati)
- 1987-1988 (Puletele)
- 1973-1974 (Salamina)
- June 1971-December 1972 (Pavitt)
- 1970-1971 (Dick)
- 1990 to 1991 (Militini)
- 1977-1979 (Uele)
What areas did you serve in?
- Savaii n Upolu. (Salamina)
- Apia and Savaii. (Nive)
- Uopu, Savaii and American Samoa. (Matala)
- Nu’usuatia, Si’umu, Moto’otua, Ma’agiagi, Pu’apu’a. (Matthew)
- Iva 2 ward, Safotu, Paia, Vailuutai Pesega 5 and Mission Training Center. (Sileiloga)
- Falelatai, Maagao, Pesega, Neuafu, Faala, Iva. (Puletele)
- Aleipata, Lauli’i, Motootua, Pesega, Lotomau, Saleaula, all over Savaii. (Salamina)
- Fasitoouta, Asau, Manua, Mapusaga, Pago Pago, Falefa, Sauniatu, Saleimoa. (Dick)
- Lotopa, Malie, Salaimila, Vailuutai, Nuusuatia, Falefa, Saleimoa. (Uele)
What were some favorite foods?
- Faalifu kalo, palusami. (Salamina)
- Taro, palusami, koko Samoa, oka. (Nive)
- Taro and palusami, pisupo, Koko rice, supo eso (Zack)
- Ulu, palusami, talo, i’a. Who am I kidding everything was lelei!!! (James)
- Pani popo. (Jakeo)
- Falai elegi annd cocoa Samoa. (Matala)
- Roast pig, fresh coconut, Koko Alaisa, Supo Esi, Palusami. (Matthew)
- Oka (raw fish), Taro, Breadfruit, Corned beef, Fish, Lobster U’u (Coconut crab). (Nathan)
- Taro. (Militini)
- Taro.palusami.falai eleni .ulu tunu.vaisalo.faausi.sua ia. (Sileiloga)
- Pilikaki with saimini. Seafood with koko Samoa. (Leinati)
- Koko Samoa. Faalufu Kalo. Fish. (Puletele)
- Coco Samoa, faalifu kalo and fa’i. Palusami. (Salamina)
- Everything!!! (Dick)
- Taro. (Militini)
- Raw fish, taro corn beef. (Uele)
What was a funny experience?
- When the kids would swing the bridge as we crossed it in Sili. (Salamina)
- When an old man tried to convince me that eating sea was delicious, by slurping it straight from a cup, but looked like snots got all over his face….ewww! (Nive)
- My companion trying to kick at a barking dog while wearing ankle weights right after it had rained. (Zack)
- Falling in mud. (Jakeo)
- Got severe diarrhea multiple times from the contaminated water. Went to the bathroom in my pants more than once. It’s only funny in retrospect. (Nathan)
- One family chased their dogs to bite us but the dogs just laid there without any movement or noise. (Sileiloga)
- The way brother Agavale would say my last name instead of Sis Fonoti it would be Sis Funky. (Puletele)
- When I would cross the rope bridge in Sili, it would swing and I would be so scared. (Salamina)
- My third companion (eight weeks into my mission), loved to play volleyball with the family we lived with. He did that rather than proselyte each day. I debated whether or not to tell my Mission President. I decided not to, but rather used the time for the next two months we were together to study and memorize my six discussions. My first two junior companions ended up being missionaries I went there with. (Dick)
- When people lied to you and your companion. (Militini)
What was a crazy experience?
- When we were walking and the dogs would come after us, we could feel their breath by our feet, but they never bit us. (Salamina)
- When my companion and I hiked up to a family’s home for our fafaga, and the family’s cow nudged my back, scared the living daylight out of me! (Nive)
- When a small hurricane hit. (Zack)
- Riding the boat to aunuu was always crazy. (James)
- A cyclone. (Jakeo)
- One time, on our Preparation Day, my zone decided to go to a large tree, that had vines hanging from it. Of course, we all had to do the Tarzan yell, and swing from the vines. The vines could’ve broken at any time, but thankfully, they were strong. (Matthew)
- Had a drunk guy and his wife come to our house on Ta’u, Manu’a. He got sad telling us a story and pulled out a gun. I thought he was going to shoot us, but he just told us a sad story that involved the gun. His wife was very embarrassed. (Nathan)
- When we visited the S.D.A. pastor’s house. He was very upset with us, calling us names and letting his big dogs chase us but in the end of everything that happened during our visits, he let us in his house and accepted the gospel along with his family. They were baptized and became strong members of the church. (Sileiloga)
- When you are in the van with your zone trying to rush to a baptism and you hit a pig crossing the road…thank you for dinner. (Puletele)
- When we would walk on the street and the dogs would bark and run to bite us but they never did. (Salamina)
- I was called, with my companion, Fatu AhSoon, to travel from Tutuila to Manu’a. We were caught in a tropical storm when the little boat we were traveling in lost power. It was 2 am in the morning and we were at the mercy of the sea. We were driven by the storm for seven hours before they could restore power to the boat. I remember in the black of the night that little boat thrown from the height of the waves to the depth of each trough for seven hours.I was never so glad to touch dry ground as I was when we reached the island of Olosega in Manu’a. The Lord was watching out for us that night. (Dick)
- The crazy / dangerous experience was when we’re in the cave in Paia. My companion and I went in there to observe what was going on in that cave, guess what- there’s a lot of Unsolved Mystery in that cave. (Militini)
What was a spiritual experience?
- When you see a change in someone you are teaching and see them enter the waters of baptism. (Salamina)
- My whole mission was a spiritual experience—Heavenly Father’s love, guidance, and protection— I was able to safely return home. (Nive)
- Seeing people’s lives change when they felt the Spirit and wanted it in their lives permanently. (Zack)
- Everyday was amazing. (James)
- Baptizing. (Jakeo)
- Se. (Matala)
- I saw multiple miraculous healings from priesthood blessings. I saw prayer change the way companions treat each other. I saw a few miraculous conversions. (Nathan)
- I believe in the power of PRAYER. It is the only way for me to know the answers to all my questions about serving my Heavenly Father and leads us to families who need to hear the gospel. (Sileiloga)
- It was when we were at my first area and work was difficult. A minister accused us missionaries for his daughters illness. I saw the power of prayer and the priesthood blessing from the Elders as we knelt in faith to give her priesthood blessing. (Puletele)
- Being able to see a whole family be baptized and see them in tears after. (Salamina)
- I was called with my companion, Fatu AhSoon, to travel from Tutuila to Manu’a. We were caught in a tropical storm when the little boat we were traveling in lost power. It was 2am in the morning and we were at the mercy of the sea. We were driven by the storm for seven hours before they could restore power to the boat. I remember in the black of the night that little boat thrown from the height of the waves to the depth of each trough for seven hours.I was never so glad to touch dry ground as I was when we reached the island of Olosega in Manu’a. The Lord was watching out for us that night. (Dick)
- First have faith, second pray. Always third, fast. (Militini)
What are some interesting facts about the Apia Mission?
- Even though you are young and scared to death of facing a matai or faifeau, and your Samoan is not that perfect, you know the Spirit will help you get your message across. (Salamina)
- It was extremely strict, but bearable. No makeup, no cameras, no jewelry, hair had to be in ONE French braid, buddy-system ALWAYS, (even when going to the bathroom). (Nive)
- We were fed by members every day. Lived in “houses” 10′ x 6′. Walked everywhere we went, no bikes or cars, or phones. (Zack)
- The Samoans and Tongans loved the missionaries. (James)
- It’s hot. (Jakeo)
- The islands are pretty small and the population is small. Areas are very small and only require walking most of the time. Missionaries have probably been to every home in the country at some point and a large percentage of people have been baptized in the LDS church at some point, but are now inactive. There are lots of mixed member families, which is where all the missionary work comes from. (Nathan)
- Great zone leaders, great preparation days. Spiritual conferences. Great district. Fun activities for any kind of missionary conferences. Everyone works together. Great spiritual parents. Great food. Everything perfect. (Sileiloga)
- We lived with non-members and paid them. (Salamina)
- Choose the right things. (Militini)
What was the weather like?
- Hot or rainy. (Salamina)
- The sun was always hot, but it never bothered me and I never got sunburned, which still amazes me now, whenever I think about it, because now, I burn easily. Heavenly Father truly watches over His missionaries. (Nive)
- Hot and extremely humid. (Zack)
- Hot and humid. (James)
- It’s hot. (Jakeo)
- Hot. (Matala)
- Only two seasons there: Rainy season and dry season. Always hot (over 25 Celsius) and always high humidity (over 75%) year round. (Matthew)
- Either hot, humid and sunny… Or raining. Only two kinds of weather. People say walking around in the sun will make you sick. So will walking in the rain. I guess being outside is bad for you. (Nathan)
- It was great. No complaints. (Sileiloga)
- Hot. (Puletele)
- Hot, hot, and humid. (Salamina)
- The usual Samoa weather…rain.sunny, sometimes clear, blue skies and very hot…(Pavitt)
- I remember how hot it was walking the roads of Asau. It seemed like it rained every day when I served in Aleisa. (Dick)
- The weather was really hot.. (Militini)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- Friendly, faaaloalo, alofa, Loto maualalo. (Salamina)
- The experience was awesome! Some of my areas had no electricity, or running water, so I had to dig a whole in the sand, collect fresh, drinking water from there, then use the water still springing out of the same hole, to bathe. (Nive)
- Samoan people are very loving and happy. (Zack)
- So kind and giving. (James)
- The people there are very friendly, and would literally give you the shirt off their back, if you asked them to. (Matthew)
- Samoan people are very nice and welcoming. Almost anyone will invite you into their house. Almost nobody is hostile whatsoever. You will soon be more comfortable around Samoans than around Caucasians (palagi). They love to feed you and serve you hot cocoa. (Nathan)
- I love it with all my heart. The people are great and funny. The places are beautiful. Samoa is a place of love and humility. (Sileiloga)
- Members were so faithful and they really took care of the missionaries. But the people I can say varied. (Puletele)
- They were my own people and I was able to learn the language, culture and learn. (Salamina)
- Samoa is one of the most beautiful places on earth and the people would do anything in the world for a missionary. (Dick)
- I love it. (Militini)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- We packed light then, girls wore white blouses, dark skirts and sturdy comfortable shoes. (Salamina)
- Don’t take anything you don’t want to give away. (James)
- Bring a fan. (Jakeo)
- Despite the hot weather, packing a few warmer clothes (sweaters, long pants, etc) would be advised, for the cooler nights. (Matthew)
- The best pants are Dickie’s work pants with the reinforced knee. Don’t bring fancy slacks. Bring lots of pairs of socks. Keep most of them in the mission home in your suitcase and pull out a few pairs at a time. Get some closed toe sandals like Keen’s. Waterproof hiking sandals. Don’t bring anything expensive, like nice watches, etc.- it’s not a fashion show. Most people don’t even own shoes. Expect to give away most possessions before you leave. Bring a flashlight/headlamp, but keep it in your suitcase and only pull it out for emergencies. Bring a digital camera and lots of SD cards. If you can, bring a multi-tool like a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife (for opening coconuts, etc). (Nathan)
- Make sure you write your name on your clothes. Shorts sleeve and thin materials is better. (Sileiloga)
- It’s warm and humid so you don’t need any winter clothes. (Pueltele)
- Pack cool clothes, you don’t need any heavy wool clothing. Maybe one light sweater or jacket when it rains. Good shoes. (Salamina)
- Wear short sleeve oxford cloth white shirts, dark pants, and rubber soled shoes. (Dick)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- The blessing of learning how to read, write and speak my language fluently, strengthening my testimony, and sharing to help bring others the blessings of the Savior’s gospel. (Salamina)
- Increase or gain of a testimony of many aspects of the gospel. (Zack)
- Using Samoan and Tongan on the football field when I returned home. Also use my language quite frequently in my medical practice. (James)
- Best two years of my life. Awesome memories and some of my best friends ever are fellow Return Missionaries. (Nathan)
- Plenty, plenty blessings. Getting to know more about my culture, love the people that I served, more understanding about the Book of Mormon, more and more blessings but most of all is that I come to know more and recognize the love and joy of serving my Heavenly Father. Sileiloga)
- A lot both physically and spiritually…too many to name. (Puletele)
- Blessing of learning my language and seeing my testimony grow with every contact that we taught and people we met. Feeling their love and care for missionaries and all people. (Salamina)
- The blessings are countless. First of all, I made many close friends with many of my companions and members. There are also countless blessings the Lord has blessed me with since then, which were a result of my missionary service. (Dick)
- I know how to depend on myself, that means self-reliance. (Militini)
What are some skills you gained?
- To not be afraid to speak in public, not be afraid to share the gospel. Be confident and happy. (Salamina)
- I’ve learned to roast koko Samoa. (Nive)
- Communication, teaching, Samoan language, patience. (Zack)
- Leadership, working threw hard times. Learning to live with companions with different likes and interests. Strengthened testimony mostly. (James)
- Rugby. (Jakeo)
- Speaking another language, overcoming my fear of speaking to complete strangers. (Matthew)
- Samoan language. Leadership skills. Conflict resolution (between missionaries). Patience. Patience is #1. (Nathan)
- Trust worthy, motivated, team worker, independant, loving, humble, strong, leader, powerful, kind, thoughtful, interesting, etc. (Sileiloga)
- Confidence to to speak in my own native language. (Puletele)
- How to make a saka, wash clothes by hand, make coco samoa, valu le kalo. Speak politely in Samoan. (Salamina)
- Learning to organize, being able to get along with other people….(Pavitt)
- I learned how to talk to and approach people. Good study and organizational skills. I learned to be very frugal. (Dick)
- The way that I approach church members especially, our new investigator… (Militini)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- Read my scriptures more. (Salamina)
- How material items are not yours, they are everyone’s in the islands. If you can’t share, you should stay home. (James)
- Dress for the weather. (Jakeo)
- I wish I was patient, especially with my Samoan companions. Don’t make them feel bad for being lazy or for breaking rules, just love them and try to motivate them to work harder. (Nathan)
- Praying…on my mission. Praying is the key to opening our day and ending our night. (Sileiloga)
- Study the scriptures more, listened in class in church. (Salamina)
- More of the language. (Dick)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Samoa?
- Read Proverbs 3:4-6. This scripture helped me in my mission. (Salamina)
- Don’t expect too many luxuries from your mission. The way of life is still very humble for many. (Nive)
- Learn the language and love the people. (Zack)
- All you need is love for the savior and love the people you serve. If you know nothing of love the Polys will beat it into you. Samoa – best mission on the planet! (James)
- You are going to have some difficulties with your companion, probably because of the language. Don’t get frustrated, just rely on Heavenly Father to help you get past the issue. (Matthew)
- Prepare spiritually. Be patient. Don’t expect your mission to be knocking doors all of the time. (Nathan)
- Have the desire to serve the people and to be an honest servant of the Lord..Put all your Trust in the Lord’s hands and He will guide you all the way. The mission field is for saving souls and t0 be an instrument in the hand ‘s of the Lord but not for taking as a mini vacation. (Sileiloga)
- Be prepared, be prayerful, be humble. (Puletele)
- Prepare for anything and everything. Study your scriptures and pray for Heavenly’s Father spirit. (Salamina)
- Have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph Smith. (Dick)
- I testify to you, when you put our Heavenly Father first and you willing to share Him with all your heart, He will provide everything for you. (Militini)
What was a funny language mistake?
- I accidentally said, “Faafetai lava le gasegase” after a meal, which means “Thanks for the illness”. (Nive)
- A palagi friend of mine who was put with a Samoan companion in his first area was taught that when he didn’t want any more Koko to say “Faafetai, ligi mai.” It actually means “Thank you, I’d like some more.” (Zack)
- The Polys will laugh at you for 2 straight years for speaking there language and they will also go to war for you if needed for your attempt to become more like them. They are amazing!!! (James)
- ‘Aloha’ instead of ‘talofa’. (Jakeo)
- I once tried to say I really need to pee (ua pa lo’u fia pi) but I accidentally said something vulgar (ua pa lo’u pi). My companions often tried to teach me swear words instead of the real words for things. It was all in good fun. People won’t get offended if you say something wrong. Never be afraid to talk. (Nathan)
- My companion when saying thank you for our evening meal blessed herself and should say I shall live from the Grace of God but instead she cursed herself. (Puletele)