Pres. Hunter emphasizes service is essential part of living gospel
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Service to mankind is a great character trait because it is part of living the gospel of Jesus Christ, President Howard W. Hunter of the Council of the Twelve said here July 1.
President Hunter addressed Church leaders, students and others at a fireside in the amphitheater of the Church-owned and operated Polynesian Cultural Center.Other General Authorities present were Elders Dallin H. Oaks and Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Council of the Twelve and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Seventy. The Brethren were in Laie to attend a board of trustees meeting of the Polynesian Cultural Center June 29-30.
"A well-rounded individual is one who can have the vision of service for those who follow after," President Hunter told more than 2,000 assembled in the amphitheater. "We are all members of the same family; we are all brothers and sisters. For that reason, giving service binds us together all over the world."
President Hunter complimented students of BYU-Hawaii who spend part of their time working at the Polynesian Cultural Center to pay expenses for a college education.
"I'm glad that you are willing to work and pay part of your expenses and not belong to a welfare state," he said. "By so doing, you give of yourselves to those who follow after."
President Hunter said since he has been serving in the Council of the Twelve, he has been privileged to work with young people at the Polynesian Cultural Center and at BYU's Jerusalem Center.
Giving service is the story of the Church, whose officers and members in the early days as well as today give so much. "It's been that way from the beginning," he said.
President Hunter said that Church officials look to the next generation to have more advantages than even this generation. He praised the late President David O. McKay for his visions of education for young people. The Polynesian Cultural Center was constructed during President McKay's administration.
"We are all children of God and we need to learn and teach the things that will lead to life eternal."
