Juan Escalante
Assistant Professor and EIL Director
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional

Juan Escalante teaches that conversion is a lifelong journey of coming unto Jesus Christ through faith, patience, and daily discipleship. Drawing from his personal conversion story, family trials, and experiences with grief and growth, he emphasizes that discipleship is not about perfection but about continually turning to the Savior. He invites listeners to trust Christ's grace, embrace steady spiritual progression, and find strength in knowing that the Savior walks with them through every challenge.

“Come unto Him as you are. Walk with Him. Be patient as He changes you. Trust Him enough to keep going.” - Juan Escalante

Juan Escalante is an assistant professor and director of the English and an International Language (EIL) at BYU–Hawaii. He began his journey at BYU–Hawaii as a student, earning a bachelor’s degree in TESOL Education in 2015, then completed a master’s in TESOL at BYU in 2018, where he conducted eye-tracking research on second language reading behaviors during testing. He later returned to BYU–Hawaii as visiting faculty and worked as a skill area supervisor at BYU’s English Language Center, teaching ESL and coordinating community programs. His experience also includes teaching at Utah Valley University, with research focused on technology-enhanced language learning, teacher training, and language assessment. He and his wife, Kathryn, are the parents of two young daughters.

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#BYUHawaiiDevotional #Discipleship #ComeUntoHim #SpiritualGrowth #WalkWithHim

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Verna Tukuafu
International Area Manager - Pacific Area, BYU–Pathway Worldwide
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional

Verna Tukuafu teaches that becoming who God intends us to be requires faith, resilience, and trust in Jesus Christ through every season of life. Drawing from her personal experiences, she emphasizes that challenges, loss, service, and education can all become opportunities for growth when viewed through the Savior’s perspective. She invites listeners to trust the Lord’s timing, remain faithful in difficult circumstances, and allow Him to shape them into disciples prepared for greater purpose and joy.

“Through Jesus Christ, we really can do hard things. Not because we are strong on our own. But because He strengthens us.” - Verna Tukuafu

Verna Tukuafu currently serves as Area Manager for BYU–Pathway Worldwide in the Pacific Area. Born in Kahuku, Hawaiʻi, and raised in Tonga, she is a graduate of Brigham Young University–Hawaii and earned a master’s degree in business administration. Verna and her late husband, Sione, raised three children, and she continues to inspire others through her leadership, faith, and lifelong commitment to education and discipleship.

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#BYUHawaiiDevotional #FaithInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #TrustInTheLord #BecomingThroughChrist

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James R. Rasband
Commissioner of the Church Educational System
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional 

Elder James R. Rasband teaches that truth, whether gained through education or the gospel, leads to greater freedom, clarity, and purposeful living. He emphasizes that commandments are given as loving guidance rather than restrictions, and testifies that while truth makes individuals free, Jesus Christ ultimately makes them “free indeed” through His Atonement.

"We need the truth because the truth makes us free. And to know the truth, we need the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." - Elder James R. Rasband

Elder James R. Rasband was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 2019. He served for three years as a counselor in the Asia North Area Presidency, three years as an Assistant Executive Director in the Temple Department and was recently appointed Commissioner of the Church’s Educational System.
 
 #BYUHawaiiDevotional #PerfectBrightnessOfHope #FaithInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #WalkwithChrist

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Stephanie Robertson
Library Director and Assistant Professor at BYU–Hawaii
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional

Stephanie Robertson teaches that feeling overwhelmed is a shared part of life, and that growth comes not from removing every burden, but from learning how to move forward with faith in Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that progress often happens in small, faithful steps, and that hope develops as we continue turning to the Savior, even in uncertain seasons. She invites students to recognize that they are never alone, and that angels, both seen and unseen, are placed in their lives to strengthen and support them.

“The goal is not to eliminate feelings of being overwhelmed from our lives. The goal is to learn how to walk through it with the Savior.” – Stephanie Robertson

Stephanie Robertson is the library director at the Joseph F. Smith Library and an assistant professor at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. She holds a master’s degree in English with an emphasis in composition and rhetoric and a second master’s degree in library and information science with an emphasis in academic librarianship, both from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She has taught at BYU–Hawaii since 2008 and continues to support students through teaching, research, and library leadership.

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#BYUHawaiiDevotional #PerfectBrightnessOfHope #FaithInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #WalkwithChrist

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Asa Smibert
Field Associate Administrator (Seminaries and Institutes of Religion)
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional

Asa Smibert teaches about the story of the widow of Zarephath and how faith in God provides strength during difficult times. The message emphasizes trusting the Lord, using agency righteously, serving others, and remaining faithful even when life feels uncertain or challenging. He invites listeners to continue following gospel principles, develop holy habits, and allow God to shape their lives through trials and discipleship.

"When you feel this spiritual stretch, please trust that while God is asking more of you, He is doing so because He is not yet finished lifting you." – Asa Smibert

Asa Smibert is a University of Queensland alumnus, having earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in education and a Master of Leadership with a focus on strategy and innovation. He once aspired to become a heart surgeon, but he felt impressed in his mission to work on hearts in a different way by becoming a teacher. He and his wife, Karen, are the parents of four sons, and together they share a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a commitment to helping others experience spiritual transformation.

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#BYUHawaiiDevotional #Refinersfire #FaithInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #facingchallenges

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Kala Kau
Student Life Vice
President Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional

Kala Kau teaches that life is meant to be experienced as a classroom rather than a courtroom, where growth comes through learning, reflection, and turning to Jesus Christ instead of being defined by mistakes or judgment. He emphasizes that each stage of life offers lessons that shape who we are becoming, and that students carry their own devotional messages through the experiences they live every day.

“Life is not meant to be a courtroom where we feel judged or defined by our mistakes. Jesus Christ has already paid the price, so we do not need to dwell on regrets or disappointments.” - Kala Kau

Kala Kau is the Student Life Vice President at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, joining the university in 2020 after serving in multiple student affairs leadership roles at Brigham Young University, including director of student wellness and associate dean of students. His work focuses on helping students pursue their best selves through Christ-centered education, wellness, and leadership. He holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from Seattle University and BYU and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hong Kong.

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#BYUHawaiiDevotional #LifeAsAClassroom #FaithInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #Learn

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Sister Connie Haws
Acting First Lady
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional

Connie Haws teaches that Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation is the “ultimate road map,” providing clear direction, purpose, and assurance through life’s uncertainties, with Jesus Christ as the perfect guide who leads safely through storms and back to God. R. Kelly Haws builds on this foundation by emphasizing that even small, consistent efforts to draw closer to Jesus Christ—like reaching to touch His garment—bring healing, strength, and renewed hope, making a life centered on “more Jesus” the key to both daily peace and eternal progress.

“Jesus Christ is the perfect way back to Heavenly Father. He is the perfect guide. And He has made the way possible because of His personal, infinite atonement.” - Sister Connie Haws

Connie Haws brings a background of faith, resilience, and hard work. She earned a cosmetology degree and successfully owned and operated her own business for eight years. Raised in a family of all girls, she developed a love for the outdoors through fishing and hunting adventures with her father. She and R. Kelly Haws were married in the Salt Lake Temple and are the parents of three children, with their youngest currently studying at Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

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#BYUHawaiiDevotional #Atonement #LightTheWayHome #ThroughTheStorm #GuidedByFaith

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President R. Kelly Haws
Acting University President
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional

R. Kelly Haws teaches that drawing closer to Jesus Christ brings healing, peace, and strength in every season of life. Through the example of the woman who touched the Savior’s garment, he shows that even one small act of faith can make us whole. R. Kelly Haws invites listeners to seek more Jesus by remembering His name, reaching for Him daily, and making Him the first and last thought in their lives.

“... As we walk with Him, we will have renewed strength, refreshed hope, and reinvigorated confidence.” - President R. Kelly Haws

R. Kelly Haws brings a lifetime of leadership, global experience, and dedication to religious education. Raised in Utah, he and Sister Haws have spent significant time in Laie and Washington, D.C., with experiences shaped by Church service, education, and travel to more than 50 countries. For over three decades, President Haws has served in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the Church Educational System, helping guide religious education worldwide.

#BYUHDevotional #JesusChrist #ComeUntoChrist #FaithInChrist #SeekMoreJesus #HeLives

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Jeff Christensen 
Associate Professor, Faculty of Business & Government; Director, Center for Hospitality & Tourism 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (April 7, 2026) 
 
Jeff Christensen teaches that Jesus Christ is the “perfect A,” illustrating that lives come into harmony only when aligned with Him through His Atonement. He shows that the Savior restores what is out of tune, aligns desires with God’s will, and magnifies even small, willing efforts. Jeff Christensen invites listeners to realign their lives with Christ through repentance, forgiveness, and intentional daily action. 
 
“When we place what little we have into the Savior’s hands, our efforts, our talents, our willingness to serve Him are amplified.” — Jeff Christensen 
 
Jeff Christensen is an Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies at BYU–Hawaii. He spent 24 years in global hospitality leadership and has traveled to 108 countries, using his experiences to teach how travel can foster understanding, service, and positive change. He and his wife Debbie are parents of three and strive to live Christlike values in their work and daily life. 

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Jeff Christensen 
Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (April 7, 2026) 
 
Jeff Christensen teaches that Jesus Christ is the “perfect A,” illustrating that lives come into harmony only when aligned with Him through His Atonement. He shows that the Savior restores what is out of tune, aligns desires with God’s will, and magnifies even small, willing efforts. Jeff Christensen invites listeners to realign their lives with Christ through repentance, forgiveness, and intentional daily action. 
 
“When we place what little we have into the Savior’s hands, our efforts, our talents, our willingness to serve Him are amplified.” — Jeff Christensen 
 
Jeff Christensen is an Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies at BYU–Hawaii. He spent 24 years in global hospitality leadership and has traveled to 108 countries, using his experiences to teach how travel can foster understanding, service, and positive change. He and his wife Debbie are parents of three and strive to live Christlike values in their work and daily life. 

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