Lisa Fehoko

The scriptures are our Father in Heaven's letters, and there are times in our lives when we need to open the letters, communicate with Him, and understand what He is like and His concern for us, taught S. Michael Wilcox, CES Institute of Religion Instructor at the University of Utah and author, in his BYU-Hawaii devotional address, titled "Bread or Stones: Understanding the God We Pray to," on March 31. Wilcox's devotional speech was the first of three BYU-Hawaii Joseph Smith Lecture Series presentations he delivered throughout the week.

In this school we call life, teaching moments are not just by simple lectures in the [metaphorical] classrooms, but through other experiences, stated Elder Won Yong Ko, Philippines Area Presidency First Counselor, and member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in his devotional speech at BYU-Hawaii on March 24. Ko, a native of Korea and now living in the Philippines, spoke of "Heavenly Father's Divine Design," clarifying that God's Design, the Plan of Salvation, was tailored for each and every one of us.

Stephen K. Woodhouse, former President of LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah, addressed students, faculty, and staff at the BYU-Hawaii devotional on March 17. Woodhouse's speech, titled "Influence of the Holy Ghost," began with an introduction from his wife, Sytske Woodhouse. She set the tone for his talk by highlighting several milestones that have brought them, as a family, closer to the Lord.

Brigham Young University Idaho President Kim B. Clark delivered a moving speech about 'The Path of the Peacemaker' at the BYU-Hawaii devotional address on March 11. He began with a heartfelt greeting and then shared a promise that was given by Abraham: "[We] are the children of the prophets" and through us "all the kindreds of the earth [shall] be blessed." As Abraham’s children, Clark noted that we "are heirs to all the blessings, … commitments, and responsibilities of Abraham... [including] the works of peace."

Voi Ray Taeoalii, Stake President of the Makakilo Hawaii Stake, addressed the BYU-Hawaii faculty, staff, and the student body with an inspirational message, titled "Sustenance of Hope," at the Tuesday, March 3, 2009, devotional. He began his speech with a reminiscent thought: "Being here reminds me of the years that my wife and I lived in married student housing, drove a car that broke down regularly, and accounted for every penny, nickel and dime we earned. It was a time in our life that was challenging as you very well know." He recounted the difficulty of balancing school, family, work, and church callings; yet, the aftermath of experience taught him the need for these difficulties because "it is the power and patience of hope that can sustain us as we pursue our goals in life."

BYU-Hawaii Student Association President Hema Tatafu and Executive Vice President Janelle Cabucungan took turns sharing the podium to deliver a two-part devotional address on Tuesday, February 24, 2009. Their speeches centered on hope, unity, and the power of change; each gave inspiring counsel to the students, faculty, staff, and families of BYU-Hawaii.