I am of Samoan heritage, and was born in New Zealand, which makes me a New Zealand Samoan. The 1st of June is the Samoan Independence day and on the weekend we celebrated 57 years of freedom from the New Zealand Government. Samoa actually became an independent nation on the 1st of January 1962, but we celebrate it on the 1st of June.

The reality is that no one enjoys being oppressed. I have never heard a wife say, “I really enjoy my marriage, my husband treats me like a prisoner, he locks me up in my room all week and he only lets me out for church, he makes all of my decisions for me, he spends all of our money and gives me nothing, and I absolutely love that feeling of being a slave.”

The sad thing today is that even though we live in a free country like Australia, so many people are suffering under the oppression of loneliness, depression, relational conflict, divorce, financial hardship, domestic violence, drug addiction, low self-esteem, unforgiveness, selfishness, pride, arrogance and the list goes on.
Jesus sums up our situation today when he says in John 8:34, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” We are living in an age where we are all addicted to ourselves, and it’s not making our families, communities and world a better place.

The good news is that Jesus goes on to say in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” 

No matter what we may be struggling with, and regardless of how oppressed we may feel by outward and inward forces, Jesus can give us the power to be set free. Call out to Jesus today, and he will help you to make this your Independence Day.

God bless,
Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai
Chaplain