Stewards of a Prophecy Fulfilled

This morning we took a quick trip to "Samoa" to pull weeds in the Polynesian Cultural Center.  We felt grateful we could, in a small way, be stewards of the legacy that ancestors of this area built through faith in Christ and sacrifice.  A short history below explains further. 

Working hard? or Hardly working?

Hey, Keep working over there!

Much like other places the Saints settled in the mid-1800s, Laie was a bit of a wasteland, unfertile and undesirable.  In 1865 the church purchased 6,000 acres of land for $14,000 for a gathering place of the pacific Saints.  They struggled to make it a success and were on the verge of giving up.  In a meeting held to discuss the problems, Elder Joseph F Smith (of the first presidency) encouraged them and declared a prophecy.  He said, "My brothers and sisters, do not leave this land, for this place has been chosen by the Lord as a gathering place for the saints of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hawaii nei.   Do not complain because of the many trials which come to you, because of the barrenness of the land, the lack of water, the scarcity of goods to which you are accustomed and the poverty as well.  Be patient, for the day is coming when this land will become a most beautiful land. Water shall spring forth in abundance, and upon the barren land you now see, the Saints will build homes, taro will be planted, and there will be plenty to eat and drink. Many trees will be planted and this place will become verdant, the fragrance of flowers will fill the air, and trees which are not seen growing on the mountains will be moved by the Saints and will grow in this place near the sea, and because of the great beauty of the land, birds will come here and sing their songs."  The fulfillment of this prophecy was not long coming as within a short time afterwards they discovered abundant water in artesian wells which were dug throughout the area.  (Today this aquafer provides much of the water for Honolulu.) 
    In 1919 the Hawaii Temple was dedicated, in 1955 the Church College of Hawaii (now BYU Hawaii) opened its doors.  Then by inspiration the church created the Polynesian Cultural Center to provide employment and a means whereby students throughout the pacific rim could gain an education at the school. 
    The PCC is truly a living legacy of the people who sacrificed in faith to build this wonderful, beautiful community which now hosts millions of people each year from all over the world.....