1987
A New Leader Appointed
Pastor Elder Dr. Pati Vaeao becomes the 2nd President of the First Samoan Full Gospel Pentecostal Church following the passing of Rev. Mataifale Toeaina.
Founded in 1962 in San Francisco, First Samoan Full Gospel Pentecostal Church has grown into a Spirit-led, global movement; united by faith, grounded in the Gospel, and connected across generations and nations.
The First Samoan Full Gospel Pentecostal Church was founded on 11 November 1962 in San Francisco, California, through the calling of Rev. Mataifale Toeaina and his wife Lefefe Toeaina. What began as a single congregation led by seven faithful families has grown into a Spirit-led, Christ-centred global ministry rooted in truth and unity.
Born from a powerful spiritual revival in California during the 1960s, the movement began with Bible studies and worship in homes before holding its first official service at Good Samaritan Church in San Francisco. As the Holy Spirit moved, many Samoan believers embraced this vibrant Pentecostal expression of faith and began sharing it with their families and communities.
Today, the church has expanded to over 60 branches across American Samoa, Samoa, Hawaii, mainland USA, Australia, and New Zealand — but the heart remains the same: to glorify God, live by His Word, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Born in Ofu, Manu’a in 1925, Rev. Mataifale Toeaina lived a humble life before moving to the United States in search of a better future. Unknown to many, God was preparing him for a greater purpose. Without formal theological training, he was chosen by God through a powerful prophecy during a revival service in Oakland. This divine confirmation led to his obedience and lifelong service as the church’s first President and spiritual leader.
Mataifale was known for his humility, resilience, and love for people. His ministry expanded beyond the United States, with new branches established in American Samoa and Ofu, Manu’a, making it a truly international Samoan Pentecostal movement.
In 1965, Lefefe Toeaina travelled to Fagatogo, American Samoa, to begin ministry work that would become the second branch of the church. What started in a family home soon expanded, and by 1968, the Peteli Church in Nu’uuli was dedicated, even after surviving a devastating hurricane during its early construction.
From the very beginning, this ministry has been built on faith, community support, and a shared vision to honour God across generations. Today, our church is a home for all, multigenerational and multicultural, welcoming people from all walks of life. Whether it’s Sunday school for children, youth fellowship, or fellowship for elders, there’s a place for everyone to grow, serve, and belong.
As we continue to build in American Samoa and beyond, we hold firmly to our foundations while raising up the next generation, carrying forward a legacy of faith, leadership, and unity.
Pastor Elder Dr. Pati Vaeao becomes the 2nd President of the First Samoan Full Gospel Pentecostal Church following the passing of Rev. Mataifale Toeaina.
The church purchases land in Ottoville, Tafuna to establish its official headquarters in American Samoa.
The Administration Building and President’s Residence are completed and dedicated in January 1992. The Social Hall is dedicated in July of the same year.
Four new districts are added, bringing the total to eight as the ministry continues to grow.
A centre for theological training is launched to equip future leaders and strengthen the spiritual foundation of the church.
A new two-storey education building is constructed to support learning and ministry development.
A dedicated space is built to support the growing work of the Women’s Ministry within the organisation.
Peteli Academy Elementary School is established, providing education grounded in faith and values.
The Peteli Temple is built at the headquarters in Tafuna, becoming a central place of worship and gathering.
Three more districts are established, bringing the total to eleven, with continued global outreach.
A new church branch is established at the headquarters in Tafuna. Pastor Pati Vaeao departs from Nu’uuli to lead the new branch, continuing to guide the church’s growth.
Since 1987, many new churches, ordained preachers, and ministry leaders have joined the organisation, expanding its reach worldwide.
From a single church in San Francisco to a worldwide ministry, the First Samoan Full Gospel Pentecostal Church continues to grow, spreading the Gospel and reaching Samoan communities around the globe.
The legacy of Rev. Mataifale Toeaina and the leadership of Pastor Pati Vaeao live on through the faithfulness of its members, the strength of its mission, and the power of God’s Word.
“What God has started, no man can destroy.”