On the recordJanuary 13, 2010
It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome Rev. Samuel Tialavea to the Chamber today. Rev. Tialavea, or ``Sam'' as he is popularly known in our Samoan community, is from my home district in American Samoa. Rev. Tialavea is currently the General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, a position he has held now for some 8 years. He was appointed Secretariat of the Partnership Consultation Committee on Ministry and Mission of the United Church of Christ and the Congregational Christian Church, again, a post he has held for some 8 years now. This is a historic occasion for my district. To my knowledge, Rev. Tialavea is the first ever Samoan to give the opening prayer to begin a regular House congressional session. I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge Rev. Tialavea's lovely wife, Fa'aipoipoga, who is present with us in the gallery.
