BYU–Hawaii Devotionals & Speeches

Latest Episodes:

Epiphany–A Conviction to Follow the Savior Jesus Christ | President HIcken | October 21, 2025 Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

President J. Ray Hicken
Mission President of the Hawaii Laie Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brigham Young University–Hawaii
President Hicken highlights the importance of personal epiphanies that strengthen conviction and commitment to Jesus Christ. He shows how moments of realization deepen discipleship and inspire greater devotion.
Patricia S. Hicken and President J. Ray Hicken currently serve as Mission Leaders of the Hawaii Laie Mission. 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. President Hicken brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education and has held numerous leadership roles within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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A Sacred Investment | David A. Fonoimoana | October 14, 2025 Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

David Fonoimoana teaches that weekly campus devotionals represent a sacred investment, inviting the campus community to pause and make space for spiritual growth. He emphasizes that attending these gatherings enables individuals to recognize God’s influence in daily life and professional choices. He encourages all to seek and follow spiritual promptings to help build the Lord’s Kingdom.
“When we stop everything, classes, meetings, emails, projects, we create space for something eternal. It’s a moment for all of us – students, faculty, and staff – to refocus on the spiritual aspect of our campus.”
David holds an MBA from the University of Hawaiʻi and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University. Outside of work, he has served on the Laie Community Association board for the past five years, helping address local concerns and support the community he calls home. He currently serves as a Young Men’s leader in his ward and finds joy in mentoring youth both spiritually and professionally. He enjoys strengthening families, supporting students, and finding ways to turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth.
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To Know God, To Know Ourselves | Elder Jared V. Ormsby | September 30, 2025 Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Elder Jared V. Ormsby
Area Seventy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
Elder Jared V. Ormsby teaches that to know God and Jesus Christ is to act in faith, hear His voice, and live with covenant confidence. He outlines five principles: offering our hearts and receiving His grace, acting in faith and receiving His miracles, hearing His voice and receiving His plan, covenanting confidently and receiving His love, and remembering Him and receiving Him. As we do, we come to know Christ and discover our true identity as children of God.
"As we receive Christ, we not only come to know Him, but we also come to know our true identity as children of God, children of the covenant, and disciples of Jesus Christ." –Elder Jared V. Ormsby
Elder Jared V. Ormsby was named an Area Seventy and a member of the Eighth Quorum of the Seventy at the April 2023 general conference. He has served as a full-time missionary in the Japan Nagoya Mission, high councilor, counselor in the New Zealand Wellington Mission presidency, and stake president. Professionally, he is a self-employed barrister with degrees in accounting and law from the University of Canterbury.
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, on October 19, 1978, Elder Ormsby married Stephanie Farrington in 2005. They are the parents of three children and currently reside in Gold Coast, Australia. BYU–Hawaii devotionals are now available wherever you listen to podcasts.
#ChooseChristDaily #ComeUntoChrist #StrengthInChrist #BYUHDevo
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Becoming a Lifelong Disciple of Jesus Christ | Elder Wan-Liang Wu | September 23, 2025 Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Elder Wan-Liang Wu
General Authority Seventy Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (September 23, 2025)
Elder Wan-Liang Wu emphasizes that true discipleship comes through daily faith, repentance, covenant keeping, and centering life on Jesus Christ. Using the stories of Helaman’s stripling warriors and Alma the Younger, he illustrates that discipleship is not defined by where it began, but by continual devotion, obedience, and transformation through the Savior’s Atonement. His message concludes with an invitation to pray, serve, attend the temple, and make discipleship the highest priority in preparation for the Second Coming.
"“…Make your discipleship your highest priority….Come unto Christ, and offer [Him] your whole souls,” and help others also to come unto Christ. If you do this, I promise you that you will feel the Savior’s love more abundantly in your lives, each day."
Wan-Liang Wu was born in Tai Pei, Taiwan. He married Marcela B. Castellani in 1995. They are the parents of three children. Elder Wan-Liang Wu was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the April 2025 general conference. At the time of his call, he had been serving as president of the Chile Antofagasta Mission.
#ChooseChristDaily #ComeUntoChrist #StrengthInChrist #BYUHDevo
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Confidence in the Presence of God | Laura Tevaga | September 16, 2025 Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Laura Tevaga
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Advancement Vice President
Advancement Vice President Laura Tevaga shares how to gain confidence in the presence of God. Drawing on President Nelson’s teachings, she reminds students that this confidence is available right now, not in some distant future. Through prayer, trust in God’s timing, recognition of His love, and noticing the angels He sends, she assures students they can grow into the people God wants them to become. Her invitation to students: don’t wait. Begin today by praying, serving, forgiving, and loving more fully so you can stand before God with confidence. “One of the greatest truths we can ever grasp is that God’s love is personal, infinite, and unwavering.” Laura Tevaga
Laura Moana Tevaga has served as BYU–Hawaii’s advancement vice president since January 2022, overseeing Marketing and Communications, University Events, Alumni Relations, University Scheduling, and Philanthropies. With over 30 years of experience in media, marketing, and nonprofit fundraising, she is known as a strategic, team-oriented leader who has guided successful campaigns and strengthened organizational purpose. A graduate in broadcast communications with an Executive MBA from BYU, Laura is originally from Chicago and now lives in Hawaii with her husband, Nofoa, and their two children.
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Living with the Spirit | Sister Monica S. Kauwe | September 9, 2025 Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Sister Monica S. Kauwe reminds students that living with the Spirit requires daily choices: attending church, fulfilling callings, reading the Book of Mormon, and standing in holy places.
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Sister Monica Kauwe, born and raised in Provo, Utah, holds a degree in chemical technology and previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Choose Excellence | President John S.K. Kauwe III | September 9, 2025 Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

President John S.K. Kauwe III encouraged us to “choose excellence” by using our moral agency wisely and being quick to observe: noticing, obeying, and acting on promptings. He urged students to care for their mental and physical health, take charge of their testimonies and learning, and build their futures.
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President John S.K. Kauwe III has served as the president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii since July 2020. Before his appointment at BYU–Hawaii, President Kauwe served as a professor, department chair, and dean at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He is an accomplished scientist having published more than 120 peer-reviewed papers and holding multiple patents for Alzheimer’s disease treatments that are currently under clinical development.
In addition to his academic and professional achievements, President Kauwe was sustained as an Area Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints one and a half years ago, where he serves with dedication and faith.
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Begin With the End in Mind | Vice President Michael Tejada | June 17, 2025 Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In his devotional address, Michael Tejada, Administrative Vice President, invites students to “begin with the end in mind.” He emphasizes that living purposefully by aligning daily habits with our eternal identity and goals leads to lasting joy and success. Drawing a parallel to an athlete’s disciplined routine, Tejada illustrates how consistent daily choices prepare us for eternal life with God. He concludes by encouraging students to reflect on their lives and rely on the Savior to help them reach their eternal goals.
"To begin with the end in mind is to live with purpose, to see beyond the moment, and to act today in ways that align with where we ultimately want to go—both temporally and eternally."
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Michael P. Tejada was appointed as the administrative vice president on May 1, 2024. As administrative president, Tejada leads the university’s administrative and financial efforts and oversees Human Resources, the Office of Compliance & Ethics, the Budget Office, and Financial Services. Michael Tejada is an alumnus of BYU–Hawaii, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He later earned a Master's of Accountancy from the University of Utah. Michael Tejada has deep connections to the Laie and Kahuku communities. Tejada attended Laie Elementary, Kahuku Elementary, and Kamehameha Schools. He and his wife, Maria, are the parents of five children.
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Connecting to God Through Personal Revelation | President William Tu'ifua | June 10, 2025 Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

In his devotional address, President William Tu'ifua, Stake President of the Laie Hawaii YSA 1st Stake, shares how building a strong spiritual connection with God is essential in today’s world. Drawing on his experience as an electrician, he compares high-voltage cable preparation to the way we prepare ourselves to receive personal revelation—through obedience, repentance, and sacred covenants. He emphasizes that the Holy Ghost can only guide us if we actively maintain our connection to God. With personal stories and prophetic counsel, President Tu'ifua invites all to act on promptings and trust the Lord’s timing.
“Brothers and Sisters, the Lord loves you. He is the Light. He wants that connection with you. Prepare yourselves and trust Him and His timing.”
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William Tauelangi Tu’ifua was born and raised in Tonga. In 1995, he moved to Lā’ie, Hawaii, to pursue his education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He served a two-year mission in the Philippines, Bacolod Mission, and upon returning shifted his career focus to the electrical trade. After completing his apprenticeship with Associated Builders and Contractors Hawaii, he became a journeyman electrician. With years of experience in the field, he is currently working as a superintendent for a construction company and is the owner of his own electrical contracting business. In 2003, William married his wife, Kristen, and together they have eight children, two of which are serving full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. William has served in various church callings, including primary teacher, elders quorum president, counselor in the bishopric, bishop, ward and stake temple and family history consultant, ward clerk, and is currently working as a temple worker.
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Behold, I Will Lead Thee by My Hand | Monique Saenz | June 3, 2025 Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In her devotional address, Monique Saenz reflects on how life’s challenges can become sacred opportunities for growth and transformation. Drawing from personal experiences, she testifies that trials are not punishments but rather essential parts of God’s plan to refine us and draw us closer to Him. She encourages students to pray daily, and trust in the Lord, knowing He will "will lead [them] by [His] hand."
"I know that if we have a sincere desire to seek Him, we will see His hand in our lives."
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Monique Ragazzo Saenz was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, in a multicultural family with roots in Spain and Italy. Passionate about art, she earned a Technical Degree in Art and Design by age 18 and later moved to Hawaii in 1999 to attend BYU–Hawaii, where she graduated with a BFA in sculpture in 2002. She later earned an MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 2010. For the past 23 years, Monique has served as BYU–Hawaii’s university photographer and adjunct faculty, teaching photography, drawing, and other art courses. She finds great joy working with the university’s diverse, faith-filled student body and has also served extensively with youth in the Church. Monique and her husband Pablo have four children and enjoy creative pursuits, family time, and traveling together.
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