In the midst of concert tour through the island of Western Samoa in the South Pacific, Kristin and Carol were asked to help a child born without a face. The baby pictured to the left was the catalyst that inspired Kristin to create THORN Ministries. Kristin formed the foundation to help raise funds to save this precious child's life.

As fate would have it, Gordon died on the way to the plane which was to carry him to the States for surgery. This, however tragic, did not discourage but served to inspire Kristin to continue helping the disabled of Samoa. Between 1995 to present, she and a few of her dearest friends have gathered, shipped and distributed over 3 million dollars in medical aide to Samoa. In honor of Gordon, 900 wheelchairs have been gifted to the needy. The wheelchairs are gifts from God. Nothing has been purchased - simply gifted. The stories relating to this are, simply put, miraculous.

Kristin was sent to Samoa following the death of her parents. She was to sing for a conference and return home.

She had no idea that God would turn her sorrow to JOY!

Since the death of Gordan, Kristin began collection w/chairs and medical supplies for the poor. Between 1997-2001, over 1,000 of the disabled have received with chairs, funds have been raised to help the deaf and disabled children, programs have been launched to help the homeless and ultimately to teach the people of Samoa that God is love and wants us to extend love through works of mercy.

Introducing the THORN Ministries Executive Director of the South Pacific

 

Caroline Paul Ah Chong

Carol has been involved in THORN Ministries in Samoa since its inception. She is the backbone of the minstry there. She tirelessly strives to keep the vision alive and well. She leads all pilgrim missions thru Samoa/Savaii and is the key contact person for anything pertaining to THORN in the South Pacific.

Contact information: Phone 011 685-23788 or leave a message for Carol at 22-711 (Goldstar)

In October of 1998, in thanksgiving for the work Kristin had begun in Samoa, the Head of State (KING) of Samoa, bestowed Kristin the royal title of Tooa, thus making her Princess of Samoa.

To describe this moment is virtually impossible because it was so unexpected and very humbling. He stated to me , " A title is given by God and is not to be take lightly. A Princess is a servant of the people. Please do not forget your people of Samoa."

Chief Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II Gifts Kristin with the Royal Title of Chief Susuga Tooa Kristin Taylor

* I have since learned the cultural significance of this title. For an American to truly understand the Samoan culture it must be lived to be appreciated. To see the children look up to me for no other reason than I care for their loved ones is precious. I remember the days when my extending help to the disabled was frowned upon. Now, the children will see me and know that it is expected and good to help the poor and disabled. God's ways are divine!

In January of 2001, His Royal Highness bestowed THORN's Executive Director in Samoa, Carol Ah Chong with the High Chief Title "Papaliitele".

This establish Carol as Kristins' talking chief. In the villages where Kristin needs to be represented, Carol guides Kristin through the fa'a Samoa (Samoan Way.. or Culture). Carol is the key contact person in Samoa for all outreach. For information re: Samoan outreach please feel free to contact Carol via email. Click on the image above.

The Ministry Samoa

When you stumble upon someone who is suffering this much you feel so small and insignificant. When the Lord opens the doors for you to help that special someone you feel a sense of worth that cannot easily be described. Moti was one of our first teenagers who received help from THORN. He was gifted a with a chair, gel mattress, porta-pottie and supplies to heal his wound. God is Good!

Loto Taumafaii School

Deaf and disabled teens are given training in woodcarving, crafts and the arts in addition to sign language. Recently they have launched the 'Silent World Theater. The profoundly deaf students dance by feeling the vibrations of the music. They have been asked to travel to New Zealand and throughout Samoa.

One day we wandered into town and found this man sitting in front of a local store front. I was shocked to see a man in this condition and stopped to feed him. Later we found out no one really knew his true identity and that he had been wandering for years.

In response to this, THORN began a small feeding outreach called "Gethsemane" outreach. On Sundays, we gather and feed the mentally disabled homeless who wander the streets of Apia.

Recent Pilgrimage

Samoa, is a country founded on God. Their lives are centered around their relationship with Jesus.

To experience such faith is life changing. After 3 years of dedicating her life to the poor of Samoa, the Head of State of Samoa gave Kristin the royal title of Tooa (Princess). Kristin, seen here in full Samoan dress shares her love, her giftedness and her love for God by visiting the villages. This photo was taken the night the women of the village of Manase came together to welcome her guests from the 2002 pilgrimage.

Kristin performed her first official Samoan Siva, which is a dance the 'taupo' or village princess presents to the guests.

Would you like to share in this experience? Join us in 2008

If you would like to experience the peace and serenity of Samoa, in addition to learning how to do spiritual works of mercy, please click on the photo and request information about the 2008 pilgrimage to Samoa / Savaii. The cost is approx $3,000.00 US. This includes flights from Tampa/Los Angeles/Apia. Food, accommodations, meals, inland transport and all ceremonial gifting. A maximum of 16 people can accompany Kristin on each pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage includes visits to the villages, accommodations within villages. (We live in Samoan fales on the beach under the stars for 5 days and stay on the mainland at the Cardinal's retreat center) Experience the Cultural Mass*** (highlight of spirituality), Concerts by village children, Ceremonial welcomes by the village women's committees, Cava ceremony with the village matai's, participate in prayer/healing services throughout the country. Play time includes a visit to the Samoan blow holes, sliding rock and days at the beach!

Private Pilgrimages for small groups!

A group may request a private pilgrimage with Kristin in January or October for up to 16 guests.

The regularly scheduled pilgrimage is in June. (winter in Samoa). For information call. 813 741-0116

Tattooing

Tattooing is a beautiful part of Samoan Culture is done to show pride, courage and a belief in the Samoan way of life. It is a very painful process that is completed over weeks, and often months of continual tattooing. Once complete there is a huge celebration by the village family.

One day soon, Kristin may receive the female tattoo

This tattoo would be a sign of her deep commitment to the Samoan people for life. Although controversial, as well as painful, the tattoo is a decision that is not taken lightly. The tattoo is a very significant part of any cultural gathering. The taupo (or high chiefs daughter) exposes her tattoo during the ceremonial dance. This brings honor to the entire village she represents. In this same way, Kristin's tattoo would bring honor to the country she now loves and the family she represents.