BYU–Hawaii Devotionals & Speeches

Latest Episodes:

Caring for Those in Need | W. Christopher Waddell | October 13, 2026 Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell
Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotiona
At devotional, Bishop W. Christopher Waddell teaches that caring for those in need is a divinely appointed responsibility of the Church and an essential part of following Jesus Christ. Drawing from global humanitarian efforts and experiences responding to disasters in Türkiye, Syria, and Lahaina, he shows how Church resources and individual acts of service help relieve suffering and bless communities around the world. He encourages students to follow the Savior’s example by recognizing opportunities to serve, using their talents, and remembering that even small acts of kindness can make a difference.
“The most important thing I invite you to do is to pray and ask God how he can use you, and then for you to act on the promptings you receive.”
— Bishop W. Christopher Waddell
Bishop W. Christopher Waddell serves as the Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this role, he helps oversee the Church’s temporal affairs, including humanitarian and welfare efforts, Church finances, facilities, and resources that support the Church’s divinely appointed responsibilities.
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No One Breaches Alone | Jaime Lopez | October 6, 2026 Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Jaime Lopez
Facilities Management Director
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
Jaime Lopez teaches that no one is meant to face life’s challenges alone and that God places people in each other’s lives to support, strengthen, and create opportunities for one another.
Drawing from military service, family experiences, and the example of the Savior, he shows how faith, preparation, and standing beside others can help create a path toward Jesus Christ. He reminds students that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Breacher, opening the way through His Atonement and inviting each person to help others find that path.
“Sin, sorrow, weakness, injustice, pain, and ultimately death are not obstacles that we can simply work hard enough to overcome. We needed someone who could go before us and create a way where there was no way. Jesus Christ did that for us.”
— Jaime Lopez
Jaime Lopez serves as the Facilities Management Director at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Before joining BYU–Hawaii, he served 26 years in the United States military, including service with a Security Force Assistance Brigade in Afghanistan. His experiences in military service, family life, and supporting a son with special needs have shaped his perspective on faith, service, and the importance of helping others create a path forward.
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I Am a Witness | Luke J. Nichols | September 29, 2026 Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Luke J. Nichols
Host of Outdoor Boys YouTube Channel and Young Men Advisory Council Member
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
Luke J. Nichols teaches that evidence of God’s existence can be found through the testimonies and experiences of countless witnesses. Drawing from experiences as a missionary and criminal defense attorney, he shares personal accounts of miracles, divine guidance, and feeling God’s love for people facing serious challenges. He reminds students that Jesus Christ is the Savior, that no one is beyond the reach of His love and Atonement, and that each person can seek a personal witness of God and the truth of the scriptures.
“The evidence exists: God lives, Jesus is our Savior and the scriptures are true. The witnesses are many and each of you can pray to God to know the truth for yourselves.”
— Luke J. Nichols
Luke J. Nichols is the host of the Outdoor Boys YouTube Channel and a member of the Young Men Advisory Council. Before creating YouTube videos, he worked as a criminal defense attorney for 11 years, representing approximately 2,000 people during his legal career. His experiences in law, missionary service, and family life have shaped his testimony of God, Jesus Christ, and the scriptures.
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Discovering God's Purpose Along the Way | Abraham Manutai | September 22, 2026 Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Abraham Manutai
Food Services Director
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
At devotional, Abraham Manutai teaches that God can guide lives in unexpected ways as individuals follow Him and discover their purpose along the way. Drawing from his journey through education, career changes, family, and Church service, he shares how small acts of service and faithful choices can change lives and prepare individuals to lead. He reminds students that the opportunity to live and lead begins now, through their homes, communities, professions, and callings.
“The opportunity to live and lead is right here before you. Don’t wait until you graduate or get settled into your profession to start living and leading.”
— Abraham Manutai
Abraham Manutai was raised in Kaimukī and graduated from Moanalua High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi in 2011 and serves as the Food Services Director. He is married to Larie Kuulei Langi Manutai, and they are proud parents of their son, Alapati.
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Choosing the Lord Again and Again | Tialei Scanlan | September 15, 2026 Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Tialei Scanlan
Associate Professor
Faculty of Business & Government
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
At devotional, Tialei Scanlan teaches that choosing the Lord again and again brings strength, peace, and lasting blessings through life’s challenges. Drawing from experiences with faith, service, education, and family, she shares four ways to choose the Lord: through life’s challenges, feelings of inadequacy, lifelong learning, and personal priorities. She reminds students that consistent efforts to follow the Savior, serve others, continue learning, and make time for spiritual growth can strengthen faith and increase personal capabilities.
“I know that as you choose the Lord again, and again you will be blessed. Your path will be guided, and you will be able to accomplish things that you could have never accomplished on your own.”
— Tialei Scanlan
Born in Guam and raised in Orem, Utah, and Laie, Hawaii, Tialei Scanlan holds an MBA from the Shidler College of Business and a Ph.D. in Learning Design & Technology from the College of Education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She has taught at BYU–Hawaii for over eight years and lives with her husband and their four children.
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Upon the Rock of Our Redeemer | John S.K. Kauwe III and Monica S. Kauwe | September 8, 2026 Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

President John S. K. Kauwe III
University President
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
Sister Monica S. Kauwe
First Lady
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
President John S. K. Kauwe III and Sister Monica S. Kauwe share messages of faith, healing, and peace through prayer, reminding students that they are children of God and that His plan of happiness for them is real. They emphasize the blessings of being children of the covenant and disciples of Jesus Christ, encouraging students to show Christlike love, remain grateful, and trust in the Savior’s guidance and comfort. They remind BYU–Hawaii students to recognize the blessings surrounding them and move forward with faith and gratitude.
“You are a Child of God. The plan of happiness that He prepared for you is real. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement are central to that plan and to your salvation and eternal happiness.” - Sister Monica S. Kauwe
President John S. K. Kauwe III and Sister Monica S. Kauwe serve as the University President and First Lady of Brigham Young University–Hawaii. President Kauwe specializes in Alzheimer’s disease genetic research and serves as the 11th president of BYU–Hawaii, where he has served as university president for six years. President and Sister Kauwe are the parents of five children. Their oldest son, Sai, is currently serving a full-time mission in Hamilton, New Zealand.
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Come Unto Christ as You Are | Juan Escalante | June 16, 2026 Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

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 continually turning to the Savior. He invites listeners to trust Christ's grace, embrace steady spiritual progression, and find strength in knowing that the Savior walks with them through every challenge.
“Come unto Him as you are. Walk with Him. Be patient as He changes you. Trust Him enough to keep going.” - Juan Escalante
Juan Escalante is an assistant professor and director of the English and an International Language (EIL) at BYU–Hawaii. He began his journey at BYU–Hawaii as a student, earning a bachelor’s degree in TESOL Education in 2015, then completed a master’s in TESOL at BYU in 2018, where he conducted eye-tracking research on second language reading behaviors during testing. He later returned to BYU–Hawaii as visiting faculty and worked as a skill area supervisor at BYU’s English Language Center, teaching ESL and coordinating community programs. His experience also includes teaching at Utah Valley University, with research focused on technology-enhanced language learning, teacher training, and language assessment. He and his wife, Kathryn, are the parents of two young daughters.
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Becoming More Through Christ in Every Season | Verna Tukuafu | June 9, 2026 Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

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 growth when viewed through the Savior’s perspective. She invites listeners to trust the Lord’s timing, remain faithful in difficult circumstances, and allow Him to shape them into disciples prepared for greater purpose and joy.
“Through Jesus Christ, we really can do hard things. Not because we are strong on our own. But because He strengthens us.” - Verna Tukuafu
Verna Tukuafu currently serves as Area Manager for BYU–Pathway Worldwide in the Pacific Area. Born in Kahuku, Hawaiʻi, and raised in Tonga, she is a graduate of Brigham Young University–Hawaii and earned a master’s degree in business administration. Verna and her late husband, Sione, raised three children, and she continues to inspire others through her leadership, faith, and lifelong commitment to education and discipleship.
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The Truth Will Make You Free | Elder James R. Rasband | June 2, 2026 Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

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, Jesus Christ ultimately makes them “free indeed” through His Atonement.
"We need the truth because the truth makes us free. And to know the truth, we need the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." - Elder James R. Rasband
Elder James R. Rasband was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 2019. He served for three years as a counselor in the Asia North Area Presidency, three years as an Assistant Executive Director in the Temple Department and was recently appointed Commissioner of the Church’s Educational System.
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A Perfect Brightness of Hope | Stephanie Robertson | May 26, 2026 May 26, 2026

Show notes

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 develops as we continue turning to the Savior, even in uncertain seasons. She invites students to recognize that they are never alone, and that angels, both seen and unseen, are placed in their lives to strengthen and support them.
“The goal is not to eliminate feelings of being overwhelmed from our lives. The goal is to learn how to walk through it with the Savior.” – Stephanie Robertson
Stephanie Robertson is the library director at the Joseph F. Smith Library and an assistant professor at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. She holds a master’s degree in English with an emphasis in composition and rhetoric and a second master’s degree in library and information science with an emphasis in academic librarianship, both from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She has taught at BYU–Hawaii since 2008 and continues to support students through teaching, research, and library leadership.
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