Daniel Sharp 
Professor of Faculty of Culture, Language & Perfoming Arts 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (March 24, 2026) 
 
Daniel Sharp teaches that the Atonement of Jesus Christ serves as the central turning point of eternity by overcoming the effects of the Fall, ensuring resurrection, and offering all mankind a return to God’s presence. He explains that through the Atonement, Jesus Christ gains perfect empathy and authority to justly judge and succor humanity, having experienced all pain, temptation, and sin. He concludes that understanding the Atonement brings hope, inspires repentance, and enables lasting change through faith in Jesus Christ. 
 
“We study the Atonement not merely as an intellectual exercise, but because understanding the Atonement, the progress and hope that an empathetic Savior provides, can give us hope to change. It can comfort us. It will heal us. Of that, I testify.” — Daniel Sharp 
 
Daniel Sharp grew up in Canada, Thailand, and California. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at eighteen and served a mission in Campinas, Brazil. He is married to Carrie Rentz, and they have five sons and five grandchildren. Daniel earned a PhD in Religious Studies from Claremont Graduate University and has taught at BYU–Hawaii since 2011. 


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President Billy Casey 
President of the Laie Hawaii Temple 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (March 17, 2026) 
 
President Billy Casey teaches that the rising generation is reserved to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that individuals are called to be a light to the world by choosing to be peacemakers, sharing the Aloha Spirit, and growing through adversity. Students are invited to spend more time worshiping and serving in the temple to receive greater spiritual light, strength, and guidance. 


“The temple is a place of peace and power, and spending time there will literally change a person’s life.” — President Billy Casey 


President Billy George Casey Jr. was born in Lubbock, Texas, and raised in Hawaii. He graduated from Brigham Young University–Hawaii and served a mission in Veracruz, Mexico. He later worked for many years as a roofing and waterproofing contractor and served as Assistant Director and Construction & Design Manager for BYU–Hawaii Facilities Management. He and his wife, Kanani Casey, were married in the Los Angeles California Temple and are the parents of eight children and many grandchildren. They currently serve as President and Matron of the Laie Hawaii Temple. 


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Elder Ronald M. Barcellos 
General Authority Seventy 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (February 24, 2026) 
 
Elder Ronald M. Barcellos teaches that a testimony of Jesus Christ is the most powerful weapon against evil. Referring to the war in heaven, he explains that we overcame Satan through the Savior’s Atonement and “the word of [our] testimony,” and that we must gain and strengthen that testimony again in this life. He invites listeners to ask, seek, and knock through prayer, scripture study, and faithful obedience, promising that a growing testimony will protect them from doubt, deception, and the adversary’s attacks. 
 
“Brothers and Sisters, you were chosen by God to come to earth in these latter days because you were valiant in your testimony in the pre-mortal life.” — Elder Ronald M. Barcellos 
 
Elder Ronald M. Barcellos was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 2025. He has served in numerous Church callings, including full-time missionary in Brazil, bishop, stake presidency counselor, and mission president in Portugal. He studied business administration at São Marcos University in São Paulo, Brazil, and previously co-founded and led GreenMile, LLC. Elder Barcellos was born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1975, is married to Karin Spat Albino Barcellos, and is the father of three children. 
 


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Dr. Matthew Bowen  
Professor and Director of Religious Education at BYU–Hawaii 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii David O. Mckay Lecture (March 10, 2026) 
 
Dr. Matthew L. Bowen teaches that through His suffering and feeling of abandonment on the cross, Jesus Christ experiences the depths of human pain so that no one is truly forsaken. He emphasizes that through covenants, the sacrament, and temple worship, disciples remain connected to the Savior’s presence and are called to build Zion by seeking justice, serving others, and turning suffering into compassion. 
“Your Yes to God demands your No to all injustice, to all evil, to all lies to all oppression and violation of the weak and the poor.” — Dr. Matthew Bowen 
Dr. Matthew L. Bowen is a professor and Director of Religious Education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He earned his PhD in Biblical Studies from The Catholic University of America and is the author of several books and scholarly articles on ancient scripture. He and his wife, Suzanne, have three children and live in Lāʻie. 


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Joseph Plicka explores how embracing complexity and duality—the power of and over or—can lead to deeper understanding, better communication, and more meaningful lives. Discover how shifting your mindset can unlock new possibilities in work, relationships, and personal growth.

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Arlene Sewell encourages listeners to trust in God’s power to overcome life’s biggest challenges. Discover how strong faith can transform obstacles into opportunities and inspire miracles in your own journey.

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President Benjamin Hanks shares powerful lessons from the Maui wildfires, showing how Jesus Christ walks with us often before we recognize Him. A message of hope, healing, and the quiet miracles found along the way.

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Jenet Erickson beautifully shares how we each belong to a divine family with eternal ties. Through personal stories and gospel insights, she reminds us of our identity as children of God and the sacred connections we share. Discover how understanding our place in God's eternal family can bring strength, purpose, and hope in everyday life.

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David Glen Hatch explores the immeasurable worth of every human soul. Through heartfelt reflections and biblical insights, he reminds us that each life carries eternal significance and divine purpose. Join us as we uncover the profound love God has for us and the powerful impact one soul can have on the world. Perfect for daily encouragement and spiritual growth, this devotional will renew your sense of hope and mission.

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Francis and Lanett Ho Ching share inspiring messages titled "Changing Forever the Better" and "I Will Go and Do Willingly." They invite listeners to embrace personal growth and discipleship by choosing to act with faith and willingness. Through heartfelt stories and scriptural insights, they encourage us to become better each day and follow God’s plan with a willing heart.

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