SAMOA – The story of a young mother claiming to be carrying the marks – or stigmata – of Jesus Christ’s suffering continues to dominate the national discussion in Samoa.

Since the story was posted online 23-year-old stigmatist, Toaipuapuaga Opapo Soana’i, and her family have become the subject of ridicule and threatening remarks from some Samoans.

But many others believe what happened to the CCCS pastor’s daughter on Easter Friday is a genuine message from God.

The Samoa Observer newspaper canvassed people on the streets of Apia this week and just about everyone interviewed believed it was a true miracle.

La’auli Laupepa said: “I do believe in it, because we
are a Christian country and
this is not the first time signs like these have been revealed in our country.

“In my own personal opinion it’s not the person that’s delivering the message but it’s the message that the person is delivering, so I believe in God and if this is his will through this young lady then I think we should all prepare ourselves.”

Faafiafia Sua said: “I believe in what she said especially with her testimony that she saw heaven and hell, I am a Christian myself and everything she said is all in the Bible.

“We have to prepare ourselves for the coming again of Jesus and so if this is the servant of God then I think we should all believe in what she is saying.”

Tomasi Sakaio said: “If this was a vision from God then we ought to believe in it and prepare ourselves for his coming again. I believe in what she said and the message that she is sending out to the people and I am ready for the coming again of Jesus.”

Aumatagi Soonafai said: “I have only heard what people say but I haven’t seen it with my own eyes, but even though I haven’t seen I believe in it.

“Let’s not look at the person that delivering the message but the message itself. We are all waiting for the coming again of Jesus and if God chose her to be his messenger then I think we should listen and believe in what she is saying.”

Daisy Paulo: “There is an important message in this and through this young lady, we all have different opinions but as for me I believe in her. What’s important is that she is a blessed child to experience this at her age and for her to have the confident to go out and spread the word despite what people say.”

On the Samoa Observer’s Facebook many of the comments are not so believing.

June-Nia Seau posted: “False prophets will make these Samoan people fall. There is no other God except the one who sent His only son Jesus Christ. My God I am so ashamed of what these people are doing. People please stop this nonsense and have respect.”

Isalei Ruby Leota posted: “Stigmata is not Godly its demonic. False prophets will rise and do all sorts of things including miracles using Gods name to prove his lies – watch out for false prophets, they come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

Emma Neru Samoa posted: “She did not do this to herself; however, I do not agree with people kissing and bowing to her feet.” Nina Patu posted: “Demonic forces are at work with this
girl. Hope she receives God’s healing. May the Lord save her in Jesus’ name.”

Merita Logova Amituanai posted: “She was acting as Jesus in a church play what if she purposely inflict these markings to fit the role she was playing? She needs to go home and wash the dishes, feed her kids and be a mum.”

Angel Bourne Roberts posted:
“This girl needs a real life – wanna be like Jesus but will never be. Someone please wake her up from that stupid disgusting nightmare.”

Daisy Metuli Joseph Sheck posted: “Come on people we should know that God can do anything so what more do we want to see to prove the truth. God bless all the unbelievers.”

Perise Tevaga Laulu posted: “If God choose her then that’s it. If you don’t believe then let Toa be. Keep up the good work Toa. Cheers gal.”

- PNC/Samoa Observer