Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The well-known and inspiring Scripture Proverbs 31:30 was penned over 2000 years ago, yet its words still ring true today when on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 9:50pm, God’s faithful Handmaiden, His most beautiful servant, a courageous First Lady who inspired thousands to the Salvation of Jesus Christ epitomized the words of the wise one, “Charm is deceitful, Beauty is vain,  But a woman who Fears the Lord is to be Praised!”  PASTOR AMY WENDT-TAVAI heard her Creator declare, “Well done, My good & faithful servant, enter into My Kingdom!”

 “Pastor Amy” as she was affectionately known to many, also “Mom Amy”, “Faletua Amy,” “Tinā Amy”, is the Co-founder of the ALOFA TUNOA GLOBAL MINISTRY with her beloved husband of 48 years, Bishop Dr. Elia Tavai Esera, Afioga i le Anoalo, Atiumaletavai.  Alofa Tunoa Ministry first started in American Samoa, in 1993.  The Ministry has grown & flourished to many congregations in the United States as well as New Zealand, Australia, Independent Samoa and headquarters, main campus in Lepuapua, Leone, American Samoa.  Thousands have come to the Salvation of Jesus Christ listening to Pastor Amy Wendt-Tavai’s sermons and teaching of God’s Holy Word, the Bible on the Alofa Tunoa Ministry’s radio programs as well as the “live” streamline broadcasts on television and on-line Ministry.

Perhaps best known as the gorgeous half-caste  lady from Apia who is always talking about JESUS, Pastor Amy is the daughter of Heinrich Wendt of the Maualaivao family of Malie village and Sao of Sapapalii, Savaii.  Her mother Luisa Fruean of the Pātū family of Vaiala and Asi of Moata’a in Vaimauga.  Her papālagi “Wendt” side is of German and British descent; her elder brother is the world renown Samoan writer, Tuaopepe Albert Wendt.  Despite her regal biological lineage, Pastor Amy was most humbled by her heritage in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and nurturing the souls of the people of Samoa for the Kingdom of God.  

It was this same love that propelled her to succeed in leading the AGLOW International American Samoa chapter for the past over 10-years as Vice President of Leadership.  AGLOW International is a worldwide Prayer Ministry in 180-countries, founded by Jane Hansen Hoyt and a few housewives in Seattle, Washington who purposed to lead groups of women in fervent Prayer and intercession for their communities, the nation of America and the whole world to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

This was Pastor Amy Wendt-Tavai’s passion for the women of Samoa, to elevate their Prayer lives, to promote their walk in Christ and serving others by serving the Lord.  In times of personal heartache and public turmoil, Pastor Amy was steadfast and firm in Christ’s teaching, “To forgive others so that we may be forgiven.”  It has been her mantra that many have followed, and surely have blessed all those she has come in contact with.   To Forgive is Divine.

The beautiful “Teine mai le Motu”, the afakasi beauty who captured the hearts of many in American Samoa and the world over, has now received her crown of glory from the Master she served faithfully and joyfully for many years.  

Pastor Amy is survived by her dearest husband, the esteemed Bishop Dr. Elia Tavai Esera, Afioga i le Anoalo, Atiumaletavai.  Her eldest son Rev. Heinrich Elia Tavai, daughter in law Adrianna Tavai; her youngest son Vocalist and popularly known songwriter who endears his precious Mom as his inspiration, Elijah Jared Tavai.  Grandchildren Sharon, Judah, Abigail, Amyelia, Elia and Eden.  Her beloved Alofa Tunoa flock worldwide as well as her Aglow International American Samoa Fellowship.  

The Bible proclaims, “Auē, ua maliliu toa, ua maumau ai aupega ole taua!”  (“Oh how the mighty have fallen, the weapons of warfare have perished.”).  2Samuel 1:27.  And in our own Samoan culture that Pastor Amy held dear to her heart with highest regard…… “Ia pa’ū se toa, toe tū se toa!”  “May a mighty warrior fall and another to rise in her place!”  For the Glory of GOD!

Deepest condolences ile Afioga ile Anoalo, Atiumaletavai Bishop Dr. Elia Esera Tavai; their children & grandchildren.  The Alofa Tunoa Global Ministry & all those whose lives, Pastor Amy touched.

Manuia lau malaga ile nu'u tumau, auauna lelei e, ma le fa'amaoni.