The arrival of the western missionaries in the 1800s brought about a lot of changes in Samoa, especially on the culture and society as  whole. In 1828, the first European Methodist missionaries arrived in Samoa, but soon returned without breaching their gospel, due to civil unrest in the islands. However, the arrival in 1830 of pioneer missionary, John Williams, in the “Messenger of Peace” ship, at Sapapalii village on Savaii, started the spreading of Christian faith to the Samoan people. John Williams was received by one of the paramount chiefs in Samoa, King Malietoa Vainuupo, hence the reason why the missionaries had less difficulty in converting the Samoans to the Christian faith. Also, the Samoan war goddess, Nafanua, according to Samoa legend, had earlier prophesied that a new religion would come to Samoa and end the rule of the old gods. The strong influence of the missionaries and their teachings, have made the Samoan people to this day devoutly religious and with much time and resources devoted to church activities.

My Samoa Tours provide tours that take in many uniquely-designed and built churches in many villages throughout Samoa, as well as the many places of religious significance scattered around the islands.