BYU–Hawaii Devotionals & Speeches

Juan Escalante Assistant Professor and EIL Director Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional Juan Escalante teaches that conversion is a lifelong journey of coming unto Jesus Christ through faith, patience, and daily discipleship. Drawing from his personal conversion story, family trials, and experiences with grief and growth, he emphasizes that discipleship is not about perfection but about con...

Verna Tukuafu International Area Manager - Pacific Area, BYU–Pathway Worldwide Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional Verna Tukuafu teaches that becoming who God intends us to be requires faith, resilience, and trust in Jesus Christ through every season of life. Drawing from her personal experiences, she emphasizes that challenges, loss, service, and education can all become opportunities for...

James R. Rasband Commissioner of the Church Educational System Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional  Elder James R. Rasband teaches that truth, whether gained through education or the gospel, leads to greater freedom, clarity, and purposeful living. He emphasizes that commandments are given as loving guidance rather than restrictions, and testifies that while truth makes individuals free, Je...

Stephanie Robertson Library Director and Assistant Professor at BYU–Hawaii Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional Stephanie Robertson teaches that feeling overwhelmed is a shared part of life, and that growth comes not from removing every burden, but from learning how to move forward with faith in Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that progress often happens in small, faithful steps, and that hope...

Asa Smibert Field Associate Administrator (Seminaries and Institutes of Religion) Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional Asa Smibert teaches about the story of the widow of Zarephath and how faith in God provides strength during difficult times. The message emphasizes trusting the Lord, using agency righteously, serving others, and remaining faithful even when life feels uncertain or challengi...

Kala Kau Student Life Vice President Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional Kala Kau teaches that life is meant to be experienced as a classroom rather than a courtroom, where growth comes through learning, reflection, and turning to Jesus Christ instead of being defined by mistakes or judgment. He emphasizes that each stage of life offers lessons that shape who we are becoming, and that stude...

Sister Connie Haws Acting First Lady Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional Connie Haws teaches that Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation is the “ultimate road map,” providing clear direction, purpose, and assurance through life’s uncertainties, with Jesus Christ as the perfect guide who leads safely through storms and back to God. R. Kelly Haws builds on this foundation by emphasizing that eve...

President R. Kelly Haws Acting University President Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional R. Kelly Haws teaches that drawing closer to Jesus Christ brings healing, peace, and strength in every season of life. Through the example of the woman who touched the Savior’s garment, he shows that even one small act of faith can make us whole. R. Kelly Haws invites listeners to seek more Jesus by reme...

Jeff Christensen  Associate Professor, Faculty of Business & Government; Director, Center for Hospitality & Tourism  Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (April 7, 2026)    Jeff Christensen teaches that Jesus Christ is the “perfect A,” illustrating that lives come into harmony only when aligned with Him through His Atonement. He shows that the Savior restores what is out of tune, ali...

Jeff Christensen  Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies  Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (April 7, 2026)    Jeff Christensen teaches that Jesus Christ is the “perfect A,” illustrating that lives come into harmony only when aligned with Him through His Atonement. He shows that the Savior restores what is out of tune, aligns desi...

Daniel Sharp  Professor of Faculty of Culture, Language & Perfoming Arts  Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (March 24, 2026)    Daniel Sharp teaches that the Atonement of Jesus Christ serves as the central turning point of eternity by overcoming the effects of the Fall, ensuring resurrection, and offering all mankind a return to God’s presence. He explains that through the Atonement,...

President Billy Casey  President of the Laie Hawaii Temple  Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (March 17, 2026)    President Billy Casey teaches that the rising generation is reserved to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that individuals are called to be a light to the world by choosing to be peacemakers, sharing the Aloha Spirit, and growing throu...

Elder Ronald M. Barcellos  General Authority Seventy  Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional   Elder Ronald M. Barcellos teaches that a testimony of Jesus Christ is the most powerful weapon against evil. Referring to the war in heaven, he explains that we overcame Satan through the Savior’s Atonement and “the word of [our] testimony,” and that we must gain and strengthen that testimony again i...

Dr. Matthew Bowen   Professor and Director of Religious Education at BYU–Hawaii  Brigham Young University–Hawaii David O. Mckay Lecture (March 10, 2026)    Dr. Matthew L. Bowen teaches that through His suffering and feeling of abandonment on the cross, Jesus Christ experiences the depths of human pain so that no one is truly forsaken. He emphasizes that through covenants, the sacrament, and temple...

Joseph Plicka explores how embracing complexity and duality—the power of and over or —can lead to deeper understanding, better communication, and more meaningful lives. Discover how shifting your mindset can unlock new possibilities in work, relationships, and personal growth. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/byu-hawaii-devotionals-speeches--6571006/support . Vi...

Arlene Sewell encourages listeners to trust in God’s power to overcome life’s biggest challenges. Discover how strong faith can transform obstacles into opportunities and inspire miracles in your own journey. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/byu-hawaii-devotionals-speeches--6571006/support . Visit byuh.edu to learn more.

President Benjamin Hanks shares powerful lessons from the Maui wildfires, showing how Jesus Christ walks with us often before we recognize Him. A message of hope, healing, and the quiet miracles found along the way. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/byu-hawaii-devotionals-speeches--6571006/support . Visit byuh.edu to learn more.

Jenet Erickson beautifully shares how we each belong to a divine family with eternal ties. Through personal stories and gospel insights, she reminds us of our identity as children of God and the sacred connections we share. Discover how understanding our place in God's eternal family can bring strength, purpose, and hope in everyday life. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.co...

David Glen Hatch explores the immeasurable worth of every human soul. Through heartfelt reflections and biblical insights, he reminds us that each life carries eternal significance and divine purpose. Join us as we uncover the profound love God has for us and the powerful impact one soul can have on the world. Perfect for daily encouragement and spiritual growth, this devotional will renew your se...

Francis and Lanett Ho Ching share inspiring messages titled "Changing Forever the Better" and "I Will Go and Do Willingly." They invite listeners to embrace personal growth and discipleship by choosing to act with faith and willingness. Through heartfelt stories and scriptural insights, they encourage us to become better each day and follow God’s plan with a willing heart. Become a supporter of th...

In this BYU–Hawaii devotional, Aaron Shumway shares how the word “nevertheless” in the scriptures teaches us to choose faith in the face of difficulty. Through thoughtful examples and personal insight, he invites us to trust in God, even when life is uncertain. This message reminds us that nevertheless, we can move forward with courage and discipleship. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://...

Elder Michael John U. Teh of the Seventy shares personal experiences, scriptural insights, and messages of hope centered on trusting God's timing and seeking His guidance in our lives. With a focus on faith, discipleship, and enduring through trials, each episode encourages Latter-day Saints and all listeners to recognize the quiet, consistent ways the Lord provides help from heaven. Become a supp...

Join President Finau Hafoka and Sister Lucy Hafoka in this inspiring devotional as they explore the profound truth that our growth and discipleship are defined not just by knowledge, but by our actions and who we become. Through personal stories and gospel insights, they encourage listeners to live their faith actively, allowing their choices and character to reflect their beliefs. This uplifting...

David Whippy encourages listeners to embrace compassion and understanding in their interactions with others. Drawing on personal experiences and gospel principles, he highlights the power of empathy in building stronger relationships and fostering a Christlike spirit in our communities. With wisdom and kindness, David reminds us that by being more compassionate and understanding, we not only uplif...

Isaiah Walker shares his personal journey and insights on the power of legacy and the importance of making an impact at BYU–Hawaii. Drawing from his experiences and faith, Isaiah emphasizes the lasting influence we all have on those around us, encouraging students to live with purpose and leave a legacy that aligns with the values of the gospel. Tune in for an uplifting message about creating a me...