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Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula speaking at the church service yesterday to begin the Pula and Pulu administration.
The service held at the Fagatogo Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa was led by Rev. Iasepi Ulu. His sermon was based on Mark Chapter 10 verse 17. “As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. Good teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 
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The reverend said God has given us the gift of choice.
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In his remarks, Governopr Pulaalii said when he met with staff of the ASG office in Honolulu two weeks ago to discuss their work and functions of the office, he told them that the most important thing he wanted them to remember from their discussion is their relationship with God.
And this is also his testimony to everyone, to have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Pula recalled a sermon by Rev. Iasepi at the funeral service of the late Afoa Leulumoega Lutu where he said that Afoa ran three times for governor and was defeated all those times in his villages of Fagatogo and Utulei.
He said when he first thought of running for governor, he sought the opinion of the Senate President Tuaolo as he was an experienced and seasoned politician. He met not just once, but a few times to discuss his desire to run for office with Tuaolo. Pula said he also approached Rep. Larry Sanitoa as Sanitoa’s name would be one of the first to come up as a potential partner.
He said he approached a few others about running with him but had no success. Then he called Matua Pulu Ae Ae Jr. from his home in Montana, and Pulu was quiet for a moment then said, “There was nothing wrong with the idea.”
Pula said he told Pulu not to say anything, but to wait until he was here on island and they would make an announcement. But, before the day was over, he got a call from Ella, Pulu’s daughter apologizing that Pulu had told Pago Pago village that they would be running in the gubernatorial election.
The Governor said jokingly, “Pulu didn’t obey me, and he’s still disobeying me.”
Pula told the assembly that he was moved by the Holy spirit to return home. And it was also Pulu’s testimony that he was moved by the spirit of God to accept Pula’s request to run for with him.
Pula also shared how his decision impacted his relationship with his wife Lois. He said his wife almost divorced him twice this year. He had promised that when he retired from his job they would travel; but instead, “ I decided to come here and do this,” he said.
Lt. Governor Pulu in his remarks said when he answered Pula’s request to run with him, he was thinking of Moses being anointed to lead the people of Israel from captivity and David being picked to defeat Goliath.
He thanked Rev. Iasepi for the spiritual counsel that would guide them and also the Fagatogo CCCAS choir for their beautiful singing. The Lt. Governor also said Governor Pula should heed the commandment about obeying your parents and to listen to him, as he was older than Pula.
Pulu took note that there were many empty pews in the church, unlike the filled to capacity crown that attended the inauguration ball the night before.
