Groberg urges diaspora to preserve Tongan heritage [1]
Wednesday, October 26, 2016 - 19:05
An early Mormon missionary Elder John H. Groberg who served in Tonga from 1954 to 1957 has encouraged Tongans to hold on to their heritage and to remember the sacrifices of their ancestors. John Groberg’s mission in Tonga was the basis of the 2002 feature film, The Other Side of Heaven.
He spoke at a conference in Hawaii on Friday, October 21, hosted by the Mormon Pacific Historical Society at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Elder Groberg stated “As we study the history of Tonga and the Restoration, we should always look to those who sacrifice greatly, and be so thankful for all that they have done. At the same time, we should ask ourselves this question: What are our descendants going to see when they look back at me?”
He added, “We all have legacies, but for you who have that [Tongan] heritage, I want you to know that you have a responsibility to not let it die or even wane. I pray that all of us will increase the light that comes in our lives, and remember that we are part of the kingdom of God on earth.”
“Where there is great sacrifice, there come great blessings. One of the major challenges we have in our generation today is that people are forgetting more and more that basic principle. It’s sacrifice that brings forth the blessings of heaven, not entitlement. It’s hard work and its patience over long periods of time. It’s having, holding, believing and nourishing the truth for long periods of time."