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Devotionals

Enter to learn, go forth to serve

"Enter to Learn and Go Forth to Serve" - Elder Charles Goo

My Brothers and Sisters, Aloha!

And for those students who speak Chinese, Jou Sahn or Jau An

I would like to thank the President’s council for giving me this opportunity to speak to you today and I would like to begin by giving a little history about my family and pay tribute to my parents. Most of you are familiar with the Goo’s Plantation Store in the Hukilau Marketplace at the Polynesian Cultural Center. If some of you have not seen it yet, here is a picture of it. And here is a picture of my father’s old store. Which was located on the corner of Lanihuli Street and Naniloa Loop where our home now stands, which was built 27 years ago.

The store at PCC not only uses our family name but also has a replica of the old Juke Box which was there. This was where many of the youth hung out and played their favorite songs. For 25 cents you could play 6 songs and their favorite snack was pake cake and soda. My father was asked to move to Laie when this university first started in 1955 to open a Snack Bar for the students and also a General Merchandise Store. He closed the Snack Bar after three years when the campus was completed. He operated the store for almost 30 years.

During this time my father never lost faith in his customers. He often extended credit knowing he would never see his money. He was compelled by his own good fortune to help others. Some people said he was Laie’s one-man Relief Society.” My father had a sense of humor as he had a sign on the back wall of the store which he claimed was an Old Indian Saying which read:

“You ask for trust, I no give.

You get mad.

Then I give you trust.

You no pay.

I get mad.

Better you get mad...better we be friends.”

My father also served as a Branch President here on campus for a married student branch. He was very active in the temple and served as an ordinance worker and a sealer for many years. At the age of 80 he and my mother served their third mission as temple missionaries in the Hong Kong China Temple. My parents certainly set a great example for us to follow and I am so grateful to them and for my family members, especially my wife, children, their spouses, grandchildren, my siblings and their families. Now to the topic which I have chosen for today,

“ENTER TO LEARN GO FORTH TO SERVE”

I would like to share a personal experience in which I learned the value of serving others. This happened when I was called to serve as a young missionary back in 1965. I served in the Southern Far East Mission with headquarters in Hong Kong. After catching my last wave here at the Hukilau Beach and was then set apart by the Stake President, I went directly to Hong Kong by myself. Even though I am of Chinese ancestry I did not speak any Chinese which made it very difficult since there was no MTC in those days.

In Hong Kong I saw beggars on the street and even small children in ragged clothes begging for money. Seeing this made me wonder and question why they were suffering so much. Why was I born and raised in Hawaii where I had everything that I needed as to food, clothing and shelter. It seemed to me that God was unfair. It bothered me so much that I decided to talk to my Mission President. I shared my concern with him and he asked me if I had read the book, “The Challenge”, which was one of the books required for all missionaries to read along with” Jesus the Christ” and “Articles of Faith”.

I told him that I had not yet read it and he asked me to read it and then go back to visit with him. While reading the book I came across this statement made by Elder Alvin R. Dyer that answered my question.

How else can be explained the apparent inconsistencies in the birth of people?

Without a knowledge of the gospel plan, a man, if he thought of these things, would become hardened. But there is a plan that governs all, for life upon this earth is not the beginning. We are here in this life by virtue of what we have been before. This is a matter of vital concern because it helps us to understand that we enjoy our position because of what we have done in the pre-mortal life. Upon visiting with my Mission President again, he shared with me that we are born here to a specific family, a specific place and at a specific time based on our performance in the pre-mortal world.

The prophet Alma stated this in the Book of Mormon:

"And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such."

After sharing this scripture with me, he told me the fact that I was born in Hawaii and those children whom I saw were born in Hong Kong or China did not make me better than them.

He further taught me that I now had a greater responsibility to share the Gospel with others and then he had me read another scripture:

"For of him unto whom much is given much is required."

After the visit with my Mission President I began to ponder and realized that I was given much and now it was required of me to serve with all of my heart, might, mind and strength. I made up my mind then that I would consecrate myself to the Lord not only while on my mission but also throughout my whole life. I vowed that I would accept every calling in the Church and do my very best to magnify it.

In 1991 I suffered a heart attack and while I was home recovering, Elder John Groberg came to our home and called me to serve as a member of the Stake Presidency here on campus. Under the circumstances it was easy to say “no”. But since I committed myself to be a consecrated member of the church and I accepted the calling. After I was sustained and set apart by Elder Groberg he asked that I remain seated and he said:

“I feel I need to give you another blessing, a blessing of health. I feel very strongly that your missionaries are all praying for you at this time.”

He then proceeded to bless me with health and strength that I may fulfill my calling. With that special blessing I was able to serve with a grateful heart and reap the many blessings of serving the Lord and the students here on campus.

Now, my brothers and sisters, what does this have to do with us here today at BYU-Hawaii?

First of all, you have been valiant in the pre-mortal life. And because of that you are either born into an LDS home or are converted and are in the household of God. And we have all made a sacred covenant with the Lord when we were baptized. You are special and you belong to this chosen generation.

President Ezra Taft Benson said,

“In all ages, prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it—you are a marked generation. …

For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord. Some individuals will fall away, but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its Head—even Jesus Christ.

While this generation will be comparable in wickedness to the days of Noah, when the Lord cleansed the earth by flood, there is a major difference this time: [it is that] God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest … children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly.”

You will be the future leaders of the church worldwide. Make no mistake about it, the Lord has guided you here for a reason and that reason is to help prepare you to administer and to bless humanity throughout the world.

What an awesome responsibility and you have much to look forward to. In the October 2003 general conference Pres. Hinckley made this declaration:

"God bless you, my dear young friends. You are the best generation we have ever had. You know the gospel better. You are more faithful in your duties. You are stronger to face the temptations which come your way. Live by your standards. Pray for the guidance and protection of the Lord. He will never leave you alone. He will comfort you. He will sustain you. He will bless and magnify you and make your reward sweet and beautiful. And you will discover that your example will attract others who will take courage from your strength."

What a glorious promise spoken by the prophet of the Lord. During my 34 years on this campus and serving in various positions such as Associate Dean of students and several years as Stake President, I met many students from all over the world. In visiting with them I found a common element in each of the students. I found that they were guided here by the Lord and they were not here by chance. If I were to talk to you today most of you have a story to tell as to how you came here. Many of you may recall the nerve wracking time when you went to the US consulate to be interviewed for your visa. All of you whether from foreign countries or the mainland or even from Hawaii may also recall the many prayers in which you so earnestly pleaded to the Lord to help you to get here. Now that you are here what is your plan to follow our school Motto of “Enter to learn, Go forth to serve”.

Seeking an education is a noble and a worthwhile pursuit. It will provide you the opportunity to gain knowledge, self-confidence and a career in the future. The more important element to your success in life depends greatly on your spirituality and your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and your relationship with Him. Someday when you leave this campus I hope you don’t just take with you a degree but also many experiences of service which has strengthened you and enabled you to serve worldwide in blessing the lives of many. I would like to share with you some examples of former students who have entered here to learn and they went forth to SERVE. They are all personal friends of ours and been great examples to us.

The first one is:

Eni Hunkin and his wife, Hinanui

After graduating from Kahuku High School he attended this institution for 2 years and then transferred to BYU where we were roommates. He then completed his Juris Doctorate and Masters of Law degrees. He served in many positions in the American Samoa government including Lieutenant Governor and as a member of the United States House of Representatives for 26 years. He was a Ranking member of several committees in Congress. He was an active member of the Church and was instrumental in assisting the Church in obtaining recognition in several Asian and Pacific countries. He loved playing the ukulele and singing. He passed away this past February. The next example is Sosaia Paongo and his wife, Marie. He and his wife and children are our good friends. After graduating from CCH he returned home to Tonga and served there in the Church Schools for over 30 years as a teacher, principal, school administrator and rugby coach. He also served in many callings in the church including serving as a Bishop and a Stake President. After returning to Laie several years ago, his wife, Marie, worked with us in the International Student Services Office. They are now living in Utah and he is serving as a Stake Patriarch. And I must add he is an avid Golfer.

Another example is Sam Wong and his wife Carol. We have known the Wongs for many years.

I remember when Carol graduated and went back to Hong Kong and after meeting Sam they both returned for him to receive his degree. After completing his education they returned to Hong Kong and set up his consulting business and began serving in the Church. He served as a Bishop, Stake President, Area Seventy in the Asia area and is now serving as a member of the First Quorum of Seventy. His current assignment is serving as the President of the Canada Vancouver Mission which they started this past July.

The last example is: Stanley Wan and his wife Katheen. He was in our campus ward and served as our Ward Executive Secretary. I have always admired him for his diligence in keeping a daily journal which he still continues. After returning to Hong Kong he served in many Church positions such as Bishop, Stake President, Mission President, Area Seventy and as the Church’s China Administrator Unit Director. He is now retired and living in Hong Kong and Utah. I also remember him as the Ping pong champion when he was at school. These are only a few examples of the many thousands of students who have entered here and went forth to serve.

Here are a couple of other examples. A few years ago on a visit to San Francisco we attended the Chinese ward. When we walked in we were amazed to see so many BYU-Hawaii alumni. The most gratifying thing was to discover that most of the leadership of the ward was comprised of all BYU-Hawaii alumni. You cannot imagine the pride as well as the joy we felt in our hearts as we watched them in action in providing leadership there in San Francisco.

We recently served a mission in New York among the Chinese. While there we met with some of the alumni. In the Brooklyn Chinese branch, the Branch President, Jeremy Yau, is an alumnus as well as his wife Kristy. In the Flushing Chinese ward, the Bishop is Hanson Chan along with his wife, Amanda, and they are both alumni. We are so proud of these alumni who are carrying the legacy of this campus wherever they go. Someday it will be your turn to take this legacy of service throughout the world. This is the power of BYU-Hawaii and the Aloha spirit all of you have experienced here, will go with you wherever you go. Now you must prepare yourselves by consecrating your life to the work of the Lord and He in turn will bless you abundantly.

This very familiar scripture states: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” I can testify to you that this is true because I have experienced it over and over again. Seek to fulfill that which is spiritual in your life and the rest will be added unto you. To help us focus on what is important in our lives and to prepare you for a life of service, I have come up with four suggestions.

# 1 Temple Attendance

My wife and I recall the days when we saw students passing our home on their way to the temple especially on Saturday mornings. It was such a beautiful sight to see all these handsome young men and beautiful young women dressed in their Sunday best walking up the hill to enter the House of the Lord to do the work of saving souls. The temple is like a magnet which draws the faithful to enter the Lord’s house and in it they will find peace, joy and personal revelation to bless their lives.Our Heavenly Father loves us and He has built temples for us to bless our lives. We need to strive to make Temple Worship a Pattern in our lives.

Elder David A. Bednar said in the last October conference.

“A principal purpose of the temple is to elevate our vision from the things of the world to the blessings of eternity. Removed for a short time from the worldly settings with which we are familiar, we can 'look to God and live' by receiving and remembering the great and precious promises whereby we become partakers of the divine nature “.

President Monson said,

“Now my brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace.

President Monson also stated that, “I would counsel you to go often. Doing so will strengthen marriages and families.”

President Packer said, “The Lord will bless us as we attend the temple. We will be blessed in all of our affairs. We will be eligible to have the Lord take an interest in our affairs both spiritual and temporal.”

This certainly includes blessing us is your school work, financially, socially and in all aspects of your lives. As you attend the temple be sure to pay close attention to the covenants which you make with the Lord and to make every effort to keep those covenants. A covenant comes with promises from the Lord but it also comes with obligations on our part. Fulfill your obligations and the Lord will fulfill His promise to bless and to guide you.

Since our temple in Laie is so close and in walking distance we should follow Elder Richard G. Scott’s example by going once a week. We could do a half hour of initiatory one week, sealing’s for half an hour the next week and then an endowment session every 3rd week. Those of you who are not endowed could do baptisms once a week and the baptistery is open on Tuesdays thru Fridays from 7-9 am and 2-4 pm for walk-ins. I would also recommend that those students who have been endowed become temple ordinance workers and you can serve a 4 hour shift once a week. There is always a need for ordinance workers. Sister Goo and I serve on the Friday evening shift and we love the students we serve with.

#2 Take advantage of your education here on this campus and be diligent in pursuing your education.

How many hours should you study out of class for every hour spent in class? I strongly recommend that you spend two hours of study out of class for every hour you spend in the class room. So for example if you are carrying twelve credit hours, you should be studying at least 24 hours per week or on the average of 4-5 hours per day, Monday to Friday. You should write up a daily schedule so you can block in the times you are in classes, studying for your classes and other times for work and extra-curricular activities. You should also remember to use the power of the Holy Ghost in your studies and remember to pray before and after you study.

#3 Serve a mission.

Our former Prophet, Spencer W. Kimball answered this question, “Should every young man fill a mission? And the answer has been given by the Lord. It is “Yes.” Every young man should fill a mission. The Lord said: “Send forth the elders of my church unto the nations which are afar off unto the islands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; call upon all nations, first upon the Gentiles, and then upon the Jews.”

A mission is not a casual thing, it is not an alternative program of the Church. Every man should also pay his tithing. Every man should observe the Sabbath. Every man should attend his meetings. Every man should marry in the temple and properly train his children, and do many other mighty works.” In other words, it is a commandment of the Lord for young men to serve a mission.

#4 Find opportunities to serve others.

A few years ago Bill Shum was a student here on campus. Bill wore a tag on his shirt which said “My name is Bill Shum. What can I do for you? Bill used to cut hair for free for anyone who wanted one. Bill found great joy in giving service to people. We too can find joy in service by being aware of others’ needs. If you see your roommate or friend who is struggling with school work offer to tutor them. When the spirit whispers to you that someone could use a kind word or a helping hand to lighten their load, follow that prompting and reach out to help. There are many opportunities here for you to serve on this campus. May I suggest that each day you pray for the spirit to guide you to those who may need your help? When you do this now at your age it will someday be second nature to always reach out to help. You will be a blessing to many and the answers to many prayers.

I bear you my testimony that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ both live and they answer our prayers. Our Savior died for each one of us and as we pray often and serve Him our lives will be blessed. I love them and I know that we will be blessed even more as we keep the commandments and serve with all of our hearts, might’s, minds and strengths.

May we always remember that we are born here to this earth by virtue of what we have been before? And may we always remember our School Motto, "Enter to learn, Go forth to serve." I love you all, and may the Lord bless and guide you all in all that you do and say. Thank you everyone and I share this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.