BYU–Hawaii Devotionals & Speeches

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Two Trees, Two Powers, One Purpose | Kate McLellan | January 27, 2026 Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Kate McLellan
Associate Professor of the Faculty of Sciences
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (January 27, 2026)
Kate McLellan, Associate Professor of Health & Human Sciences, testifies that opposition in all things is part of God’s plan and that opposing forces work together for growth and balance. Using scripture and examples from education, family life, and eternal roles, she emphasizes that men and women are equal partners with complementary responsibilities. The message concludes by recognizing that balancing these forces strengthens faith and shows that all things point to God.
“All things denote there is a God, including the opposing forces that shape who we become.” – Kate McLellan
Kate McLellan is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Sciences at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, where she teaches health and human science and mentors students in research. A 2001 BYUH graduate with a BS in Exercise & Sports Science, she ran on the university’s cross-country team and held a music scholarship for bass clarinet while a student.
Dr. McLellan earned her PhD in Physical Rehabilitation from Loma Linda University and brings extensive clinical research experience to her work. At BYUH she focuses on topics like physical and mental health, especially among Polynesian and Asian students, and is actively involved in studies aimed at improving health outcomes.
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Joy Through the Holy Ghost | Ammon Kau | January 20, 2026 Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Ammon Kau
Puna Hawaii Stake President
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (January 20, 2025)
Ammon Kau, Stake President of the Puna Hawaii Stake, teaches that enduring joy comes through the Holy Ghost, who enlightens the mind, brings peace, and directs life-shaping decisions. He shares real experiences from education, marriage, missionary service, and temple worship to show how acting on spiritual promptings prepares individuals for blessings and leads to divine guidance. Students are encouraged to trust the Spirit consistently to live a joyful, Christ-centered life.
“I have learned that it is better to do what I have been impressed to do, even if the outcome is unclear than letting the moment pass and regret my lack of action. When I do as I am prompted, I feel peace no matter the outcome. Peace that I acted upon inspiration.” –Ammon Kau
Ammon Kau is the Stake President of the Puna Hawaii Stake on Hawaii Island, where he lives and practices as a pediatric dentist in Hilo. He served a mission in the California San Francisco Mission, earned a bachelor's degree in business entrepreneurship from BYU, and completed dental school and pediatric residency training through the University of Missouri–Kansas City and Lutheran Medical Center on Oahu. He and his wife, Ruth, were childhood friends, married in the Laie Hawaii Temple, and are the parents of five children.
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Allow the Lord to Nudge You | President R. Kelly Haws | January 13, 2026 Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

R. Kelly Haws
Acting President of Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (January 13, 2025)
Acting President R. Kelly Haws encourages students to allow the Lord to nudge their lives, reminding them that miracles follow when spiritual promptings are recognized and acted upon. By living with purpose, consecration, and excellence, and responding quickly to inspiration, students can experience the Savior’s power and direction at BYU–Hawaii.
“If we quickly respond to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, the day of miracles has not ceased on this campus or in our lives.” –President R. Kelly Haws
R. Kelly Haws is the acting president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, bringing decades of leadership experience in the Church Educational System and a lifelong commitment to faith-based education. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with students, educators and Church leaders worldwide, focusing on strengthening testimony, learning and service.
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Pray Every Day | Sister Connie Haws | January 13, 2026 Jan 13, 2026

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Connie Haws
Acting First Lady
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (January 13, 2025)
Sister Connie Haws, Acting First Lady of BYU–Hawaii, invites students to pray every day, teaching that consistent, sincere prayer invites guidance, peace, and the influence of the Holy Ghost in academics, relationships, and personal decisions. Lives are expanded when God is allowed to lead daily, and blessings become clearer through faithful communication with Heavenly Father.
“If we pray daily and openly to our Heavenly Father, we begin to see more clearly the blessings He is sending in our lives.” –Sister Connie Haws
R. Kelly and Connie Haws serve at BYU–Hawaii as Acting President and Acting First Lady during President John S. K. Kauwe’s medical leave. They bring extensive experience in the Church Educational System and encourage students to seek the Savior’s guidance through daily prayer and responsiveness to the Holy Ghost.
BYU–Hawaii devotionals are now available wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Introductory Remarks | Elder Clark G. Gilbert | January 13, 2026 Jan 13, 2026

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Elder Clark G. Gilbert
General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of the Church Educational System
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (January 13, 2025)
Elder Clark G. Gilbert shares the love and confidence of the First Presidency and Church Board of Education, formally announcing a temporary leadership transition to support President John S.K. Kauwe III’s healing. The university was reminded of its shared mission, the strength of working together, and faith that the Lord continues to guide BYU–Hawaii during this season.
“When we involve the Lord as we work together, miracles will happen.” –Elder Clark G. Gilbert
Elder Clark G. Gilbert is a General Authority Seventy and serves as Commissioner of the Church Educational System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has previously served as president of BYU–Idaho and as CEO of Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media.
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From Drifting to Discipleship | Dr. Brad Smith | November 25, 2025 Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

Brad Smith
Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, BYU–Hawaii
Brad L. Smith teaches that God’s creations testify of His love and invite His children to seek truth with both faith and intellect. Drawing on experiences in marine biology, research, and mentoring students, he outlines four principles for recognizing God’s hand in the natural world: observe with intention, remain teachable, seek truth through both spiritual and scientific means, and use knowledge to bless others.
He testifies that as individuals explore creation with humility, curiosity, and faith, Heavenly Father deepens understanding, strengthens discipleship, and guides His children to discover their divine purpose.
“Just like the o‘io seeks the right environment to grow, your transformation is sustained by settling in places of light, learning, and spiritual nourishment” –Brad Smith
Dr. Smith currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, where he teaches biology and mentors undergraduate research in areas such as marine biology, physiology, genetics, and molecular ecology. His work includes leading research projects in aquatic conservation, population genetics, and environmental monitoring, with contributions to peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.
He earned both his Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and his B.S. in Zoology from Texas A&M University, and previously served as a Postdoctoral Associate and Graduate Research Fellow at Texas A&M University Galveston.
Outside the classroom, Smith serves as a Primary teacher in his ward and supports student life through club advising and committee leadership. Originally from Texas, he now resides in Lāʻie, where he enjoys diving, outdoor adventuring, marine research, and mentoring students in scientific exploration.
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He is Listening | Brooke Peterson | November 11, 2025 Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Brooke Peterson
Director of Marketing and Communication,
BYU–Hawaii Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
Brooke Peterson shares that God is always listening and delights in hearing from His children. Drawing from personal experiences of answered prayers, loss, and trials, she teaches four principles of prayer: pray with specificity, pray with vulnerability, pray with the expectation that He will answer, and pray in faith.
She testifies that by praying intentionally and acting in faith, Heavenly Father guides, strengthens, and helps His children grow through every experience.
“You are His child. That gives you every right to ask for the righteous desires of your heart, and every reason to expect that He will answer.” –Brooke Peterson
Brooke Peterson currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Communication at BYU–Hawaii and as the Primary president in her ward.
Previously, she was the Director of Marketing at BYU-Pathway Worldwide, where she led campaigns that significantly boosted brand visibility and enrollment while also contributing to digital marketing, enrollment, and communications strategy across global teams. She also led global communication strategies at American Airlines, focusing on recognition, community relations, leadership, and high-profile events, earning hundreds of media placements.
Peterson holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from BYU–Idaho and an MBA from BYU’s Marriott School of Business.
She and her husband, Marc, enjoy traveling. She has visited all 50 U.S. states and five continents, spending time outdoors, and running with their Airedale Terrier, Archie. Deeply committed to her faith, Peterson encourages all to pray intentionally, act in faith, and trust that our Heavenly Father is always listening.
#HeIsListening #FaithInChrist #Prayer #BYUHDevo
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Divine Entanglement: Exploring Light, Spirit, and Prayer | David Bearss | November 4, 2025 Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

David Bearss
Chief Executive Officer of Halia Therapeutics
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
David Bearss explores the relationship between science and faith, illustrating how the principles of quantum physics reflect eternal truths about divine light and connection with God. His message emphasizes that every soul is eternally linked to the Creator through the light of Christ, which transcends time and distance. He concludes with his testimony that God’s awareness and love remain constant and unbroken for all His children.
“I testify that you are never alone. No matter how distant heaven might feel, no matter how complex your struggles, no matter how imperfect your faith, you are entangled with the Divine.”
David Bearss is the Chief Executive Officer of Halia Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. He received his Ph.D. in Cell and Structural Biology from the University of Texas Health Science Center and completed postdoctoral training at the Institute for Drug Development in San Antonio, Texas.
Prior to leading Halia, Bearss served as a faculty member at several institutions including Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and the University of Arizona, where he mentored students and advanced translational research. Bearss has founded 8 biotechnology companies and has discovered 18 drugs that have advanced into clinical trials for cancer and many other diseases.
A committed disciple of Jesus Christ, Bearss served in many callings in the church and served as a full-time missionary in the England London South Mission, an experience that continues to shape his personal and professional life. BYU–Hawaii devotionals are now available wherever you listen to podcasts.
#LightOfChrist #DivineConnection #FaithInChrist #BYUHDevo
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He Shall Direct Our Paths | Brett Okland | October 28, 2025 Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Brett Okland
President, Okland Construction
BYU–Hawaii Devotional October 28, 2025
Brett Okland shares how "He shall direct our paths" and four spiritual rules to guide your life:
1: The journey is meant to be enjoyed.
2: Know that you are on your own unique path.
3: Keep pressing forward.
4: There is safety in your covenants.
Brett Okland has served as President of Okland Construction, a fourth-generation family-owned company, since 2010. Under his leadership, the company continues to grow while remaining true to its purpose of “creating remarkable experiences. Brett and his wife, Kristen, are the parents of four children and one daughter-in-law. They love spending time together traveling, recreating, and playing tennis. Together, Brett and Kristen currently serve in a University of Utah Young Single Adult Ward.
BYU–Hawaii devotionals are now available wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Carrying Burdens Together | Sister Hicken | October 21, 2025 Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Sister Patricia S. Hicken
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Mission Leader of the Hawaii Laie Mission
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (October 21, 2025)
Sister Hicken compares a camel’s daily act of kneeling before its master to the way individuals can turn to Jesus Christ for relief from life’s burdens. She emphasizes that Christ, the Master, understands every person’s struggles and makes burdens lighter through His Atonement.
“It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that enables us to bear the burdens we carry and keep walking...” - Patricia S. Hicken
Patricia Sumsion Hicken and President James Ray Hicken currently serve as Mission Leaders of the Hawaii Laie Mission. Before their mission, Patricia served as a Relief Society instructor. Together, they are the proud parents of three exceptional children and the delighted grandparents of five marvelous grandchildren who are the joy of their lives.
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