Meeting Elder John L. Groberg

On May 4th we had the amazing opportunity to meet Elder Groberg.  Elder Groberg served as a missionary in Tonga from 1954-1957. His first companion, Feki, called him Kolipoki. That is what the Tongan people call him to this day.. The Tongans love and respect Elder Groberg.  Feki named him Kolipoki because the people couldn't pronounce Groberg. They don't have the letters "g"  "r" or "b"in their alphabet.

All the missionaries on Tongatapu, gathered in the Liahona Stake Center and waited for Elder Groberg. When he arrived the missionaries all filed out of the chapel, around the building and came back in where they could shake his hand. He greeted each missionary and found out where they were from and how long they had served. It was a great experience watching him interact with each missionary and see the love and respect he felt for them.

There was a missionary choir that sang "Hurray for Israel." It was beautiful, and in Tongan. Elder Groberg talked with the missionaries and spoke both in English and in Tongan. While speaking in Tongan he was very animated, and got the missionaries laughing many times. He was telling of some of his experiences as a missionary.

After the meeting we all gathered outside for a picture. I will have to get a copy of the picture of Elder Groberg with all the missionaries. But this is of some of the missionaries as they are waiting to be taken back to their areas.

That evening Elder Groberg spoke at a Fireside in the Liahona Gym.  The Elder behind him is President Makai, a counselor in the Mission Presidency.  [They live in the little house right across from ours.] 

Elder Groberg talked about putting forth effort. He said that the Lord counts our effort and He wants us to put forth more effort. We can tell we are making progress if what we are doing is difficult and if we are trying to overcome that difficulty.  He asked us if we are willing to dig in and say, "I will, I'll do it with a smile and I'll be happy."

It was a great experience to meet a man who has served the people of Tonga. He has served several missions here. He was the Mission President in Tonga for awhile. The people love him and they know that he loves them.  Love is so important as we serve our Father in Heaven.