BYU–Hawaii Devotionals & Speeches

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All Things Both Spiritual and Temporal | Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran Feb 26, 2026

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Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (Tuesday, May 21, 2024) Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran emphasizes the unique integration of secular and spiritual education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He shares personal experiences of overcoming educational challenges through establishing priorities and patterns rooted in spiritual foundations. Elder Ojediran stresses the importance of making and honoring covenants with God, which guide us toward eternal life and exaltation. He encourages students to seek both temporal and spiritual knowledge, establishing patterns that build character and integrity to lead and serve others.
"The priorities and patterns we establish and uphold in temporal and spiritual things will guide us in our journey of lifelong discipleship of Christ."
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Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 4, 2020. He has served in various roles, including branch president, bishop, stake president, and counselor in a mission presidency. Professionally, Elder Ojediran holds a bachelor's degree in botany, a master's in business administration, and several accounting and finance qualifications. He has worked for Shell Nigeria in various financial management positions and is currently the Assistant Executive Director of the Temple Department and Second Counselor of the North America West Area Presidency.
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There Is a Lad Here | Trevor Wilson Feb 26, 2026

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Trevor Wilson Senior Associate Athletic Director at Brigham Young University Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (May 14, 2024) BYUH Alumnus Trevor Wilson testifies of the power of keeping the commandments and moving forward with faith in today's devotional. His message reassures students that no matter how small their offering to the Lord may be, He will receive it lovingly and multiply it.
"In the case of the lad with five loaves and two fishes, the Lord was not looking for someone who had fish and bread, he was looking for someone who had faith."
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Trevor Wilson attended BYU Hawaii from 1989-1992, where he played basketball and ran cross-country. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from BYUH in 1992 and holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from BYU. Trevor has worked as a junior high and high school principal, an assistant men’s basketball coach at Weber State University, and is currently a Senior Associate Athletic Director at BYU. He also serves as a YSA Stake President in Syracuse, Utah.
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Marriage and Dating- Let's Talk | President John S.K. Kauwe III and Sister Monica S. Kauwe Feb 26, 2026

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President John S.K. Kauwe III and Sister Monica S. Kauwe University President and First Lady of Brigham Young University–Hawaii Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (April 08, 2024) President and Sister Kauwe emphasized the importance of family and marriage in God's eternal plan. They encouraged BYU–Hawaii students to adopt proactive and principled approaches to dating, emphasizing clear communication, consent, and the necessity of personal preparation for a fulfilling marriage and family life through adherence to God's commandments.
"The foundational principle of dating and covenant marriage is personal preparation." For the full transcript, please visit: https://speeches.byuh.edu/devotionals. To view BYUH's dating resources, please visit: https://president.byuh.edu/dating
John S. K. Kauwe III, the eleventh president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, took office in July 2020, supported by his wife, Monica S. Mortensen, and their five children. With a rich background as a BYU professor, department chair, and dean, President Kauwe is also a renowned scientist with significant contributions to Alzheimer's disease research, holding over 120 peer-reviewed papers and several patents. Alongside his academic and administrative duties, Kauwe serves as an Area Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflecting his deep commitment to faith and leadership. His and Monica's dedication to family and faith deeply influence their leadership, making them a source of inspiration at BYU–Hawaii.
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Is There Hope Smiling Brightly Before Us? | Kevin Schlag Feb 26, 2026

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Kevin Schlag Operations Vice President of Brigham Young University–Hawaii Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (April 08, 2024) Kevin Schlag reminds students of the importance of hope found through Christ. He encourages young adults to move forward optimistically, aligning their lives with the will of God. His message teaches about the intertwined relationship between faith and hope, highlighting how they support each other.
"Sometimes our bright hope dims because of challenges or failures. But as we press forward, especially with a steadfastness in Christ, we persevere."
Kevin Schlag served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the France Bordeaux Mission, later moving to French Guiana and finishing in Martinique. Post-mission, Kevin attended BYU in Provo, where he met his wife and graduated with a Communications degree. In 1996, he joined BYU-Hawaii as the advisor for the school newspaper, Ke Alaka’i. He transitioned to the university's webmaster and now serves as the Operations Vice President. Kevin has lived in Hawaii with his growing family since 1996 and has been actively involved in community service, including roles on the Laie Community Association board and as stake president of the Laie North Stake.
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"These Things Shall Give Thee Experience" | Khumbulani Mdletshe Feb 26, 2026

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BYU–Hawaii alumnus Khumbulani Mdletshe shares powerful experiences as a student that shaped his perspective in life and desire to serve others. He invites students to think about their own experiences and ask themselves, "To what extent are these experiences preparing you for what lies ahead?"
"In most cases, our experiences are made up of little things, but the accumulation of those little experiences can cause the mountains to move."
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Khumbulani Mdletshe was named to the Third Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from BYU–Hawaii, a master’s degree in education from BYU, and a PhD in education management from Rand Afrikaans University. Brother Mdletshe began his career in education research before joining the Church's educational system in 1997. He has served in numerous Church roles, including missionary, bishop’s counselor, branch president, and mission president’s counselor.
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Three Blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ | Elder Kim B. Clark Feb 26, 2026

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Elder Kim B. Clark Emeritus General Authority Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (March 19, 2024) Elder Kim B. Clark addresses three blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in his devotional today. His counsel surrounds the blessings of personal redemption, the blessing of divine succor, and the blessings of divine light.
"When we turn to Christ and act with faith in Him to repent of our sins, Jesus uses His power to strengthen us through the ministry of the Holy Ghost. Thus, the succor He offers us can nourish, lift, and strengthen us spiritually."
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Elder Kim B. Clark was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 4, 2015, and served until October 5, 2019. He was previously president of Brigham Young University–Idaho (2005-2015) and a member of the Fifth Quorum of the Seventy in the Idaho Area (2007-2014). Elder Clark earned his BA, MA, and PhD in economics from Harvard University and was a faculty member and dean at Harvard Business School. His Church service includes roles as a missionary, elders quorum president, bishop, and high councilor.
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Divine Love and Temple | Jihae Kwon Feb 26, 2026

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Jihae Kwon Associate Professor of Faculty of Arts & Letters Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (March 5, 2024) Professor Jihae Kwon shares how her faith was strengthened and her perspective enlightened when performing temple and family history work for her ancestors. Additionally, she testifies of the Lord's work on the earth being accomplished through increased global access to temples.
"We can rest all our worries and troubles in the temple and be embraced by God's love, mercy, and peace. It symbolizes the ultimate love and mercy of God and His Son, Jesus Christ."
Jihae Kwon holds a BFA in illustration and graphic design from the University of Utah. After a decade as a graphic designer, she earned an MA in Art and the Book from the Corcoran College of Art and Design and an MFA in Graphic Design and Visual Experience from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her artist books have been exhibited at prestigious venues, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is actively involved in graphic design, book arts, and printmaking, with a focus on lithography and letterpress printing.
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Put the Lord First & The Blessings of Personal Revelation | Ken and Barbara Niumatalolo Feb 26, 2026

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Ken and Barbara Niumatalolo BYU–Hawaii Alumna Head Football Coach at San José State University Brigham Young University–Hawaii (February 27, 2024) Ken and Barbara Niumatalolo share personal experiences about always turning to the Savior and trusting the Holy Ghost and the Lord's plan.
"The Lord's promptings and revelations may not always come in the time and way that we expect. But, if we are worthy they always come in the best time and in the best way." - Ken Niumatalolo
"When you put the Lord first, everything else falls into place. When you begin with the end in mind, your choices become the right ones." - Barbara Niumatalolo
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Brother Ken Niumatalolo, a native of Laie, served a mission in the California Ventura Spanish-speaking mission and graduated from the University of Hawaii, where he played quarterback. He recently served as Stake President of the Annapolis Maryland Stake and has been coaching college football for 35 seasons, including 15 seasons as Head Football Coach at the Naval Academy, where he became the winningest coach in its history. He now coaches at UCLA. Sister Barbara Niumatalolo, raised in Guam, graduated from BYU-Hawaii in 1988 with a BS in Business Management. She lived in Honolulu while working at the University of Hawaii and moved to Annapolis, Maryland, in 1995 when her husband began coaching at the United States Naval Academy. Over 25 years in Annapolis, she served in numerous Church roles, including Relief Society President, Stake Young Women President, early morning Seminary teacher, Stake Public Affairs Director, and Communication Director for the Washington DC North Coordinating Council.
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"Let God Prevail" Believing That the Lord Knows Your Struggles and Will Send His Miracles | Sarah Jane Weaver Feb 26, 2026

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Sarah Jane Weaver Executive Editor of the Church News of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (February 20, 2024) Sara Jane Weaver gives a beautiful devotional drawing parallels between life's experiences and the biblical story of Peter walking on water toward Jesus. Like Peter, we experience doubts and challenges that sway us from our faith in the Lord. However, she encourages listeners to let God prevail in their lives and seek divine guidance through prayer, service, and compassion. We can overcome doubt and believe in God's ability to see, save, and provide miracles.
"Sometimes our faith stops the rain. Most often, however, our faith gives us the power to endure the storm."
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Sarah Jane Weaver is the executive editor of the Church News. Since 1995 she has covered, among other things, the Church’s welfare services, Church Education and social issues impacting Latter-day Saints. Her favorite assignments include reporting on temple dedications and writing about members around the world. Sarah graduated from BYU with a degree in journalism and history and served as editor in chief of the BYU student newspaper, the Daily Universe. Before joining the Deseret News staff, she completed a Pulliam Fellowship at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Who Are You? What Is Your Mountain? | Andre Hippolite Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

During today's devotional, Andre Hippolite emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity and relational connections. Drawing from his Māori heritage, he shares the concept of 'pepeha,' illustrating how acknowledging one's mountain, waka, and tribe provides a sense of belonging and strength. Through stories of his parents' sacrifices for education and examples from BYU–Hawaii alumni, Professor Hippolite reminds us of the divine truths that God is our Father, we are His children, and He has a unique work for each of us.
"Embrace who you are, your culture, and all the good that comes from it. Recognize your mountain. As you recognize your mountain you will have clarity in your royal identity."
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Andre Hippolite is an Assistant Professor and Program Lead of the Social Work Program. He holds a Masters of Social Work from BYU-Provo and completed his undergraduate studies at BYU-Hawaii. His research interests include Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Indigenous models of practice. With experience in both Aotearoa, New Zealand, and the United States, he has worked extensively with individuals coping with Severe Mental Illness and Substance Abuse problems.
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