During the second devotional of the 2007-2008 school year, Isileli T. Kongaika told audience members as they develop characteristics of charity they will be a force to spread peace internationally, as President David O. McKay prophesied over 50 years ago.
'Without doubt, my brothers and sisters, our purpose here at this university is to fulfill this prophetic vision to become international peacemakers. To you…I extend this invitation," the vice president of student life said.
The biggest challenge facing this goal is not accepting racial and cultural differences, Kongaika said. "How about asking yourself this question: Do you, as an international peacemaker, still have an issue with this, because somebody is different?"
The remedy to this problem can be found in developing characteristics of charity, he said. Kongaika read from the Book of Mormon and said that prayer is key in developing charity. "The formula, then, for developing charity: P+S=C. That's the formula: pray earnestly…serve…and undoubtedly, we will be blessed with the gift of charity."
The formula was simple enough to stick in some students' minds and encourage them to take action."I really liked [the formula] because that's the whole goal of this life… by learning to serve others and prayerfully doing it, one day we will become like [the Savior]," said Mathoni McCormick, an elementary education major from Tacoma, Washington.
Kongaika told stories to illustrate his points, and used his vibrant personality to convey enthusiasm for the topic. "I hope you are excited and thrilled to know that you have been recruited to be on the Lord's team, to help carry out His work and His glory," he said.
Some students likely identified with the speaker's enthusiasm, and this, too, motivated action. "It gave me more of a drive, like kindling on the fire," said Michael Parker, a junior from Bakersfield, California.
As Kongaika wrapped-up his address, one message remained clear: developing charity will help followers see others as children of God rather than segregating them according to culture.
"With the love of God, we are color-blind…to race. When we look through the eyes of Christ and His love, we see no national boundaries."