Samoan gospel analogy

I shared this as a spiritual thought at a recent morning devotional at work. My boss, the vice president of BYU Hawaii, liked it well enough he requested I type it up. Apparently, he then shared it with the mission president, the area president, and the temple president, all of whom requested a copy and told Bro Neil to say thanks. I figure if they like it, maybe some of you might enjoy reading it too.

Just a little background information, I learned about this through my companion, Elder Puailoa. I shared this with 3 wards during my mission: 2 English, 1 Samoan. One ward in particular was quite moved by the talk I gave. A previously idle missionary ward, we were invited to 3 dinners that day, and the bishop really turned around. Anyway, here it is, enjoy! You can use your imagination to create the gospel connections.

Many of the Samoan people rely upon the ocean as a source of food to supplement their agricultural efforts to provide for themselves. At times, special occasions require a large amount of food to be acquired. Examples would be when other villages would visit for weddings, funerals, or the bestowing of chief titles. Some villages prepare for such occasions by using a fishing technique (faiva) called a fa'amo'a.

A conch shell is blown to assemble the 'aumaga or village men to the beach. They come with long sticks or machetes, usually one per hand. They line up in two lines along the beach, one on either end of the beach. At the signal, the men march into the sea single file, until the entire line is in the water and the front men have arrived at the reef. As the men walk, they slap their tools in the water, scaring all the fish into the center of the two lines. Then, the lines form a large circle, then begin to walk into a tighter circle, all while slapping the water and scaring the fish. When there is a tight circle, a few tautai, or skilled fisherman, then dive with their spearguns (faga me'i) and spear enough fish to feed the villiage and visitors.

The tautai could easily go solo fishing and perhaps get one or two fish, but certainly not enough to feed an entire villiage. Those not trained to fish couldn't get any food on their own. Only when they all work together is this great feat accomplished. Each member is critical. If one member of the 'aumaga stops slapping the water, the fish will escape through the gap left by his carelessness, wasting the entire group's efforts.

Applications:

This can be applied to missionary work, as we are all the 'aumaga and must do our part so that the tautai or full time missionaries can "catch" the greatest number of souls for our Father's kingdom. Jer. 16:16

We also learn the importance of everyone doing his duty in a community or organization. DC 107:99
Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.

I'm sure there may be even more lessons to be learned from this technique. Isnt it amazing how many symbols of the gospel can be found in everyday life!