Brooke Peterson
Director of Marketing and Communication,
BYU–Hawaii Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional

Brooke Peterson shares that God is always listening and delights in hearing from His children. Drawing from personal experiences of answered prayers, loss, and trials, she teaches four principles of prayer: pray with specificity, pray with vulnerability, pray with the expectation that He will answer, and pray in faith.

She testifies that by praying intentionally and acting in faith, Heavenly Father guides, strengthens, and helps His children grow through every experience.

“You are His child. That gives you every right to ask for the righteous desires of your heart, and every reason to expect that He will answer.” –Brooke Peterson


Brooke Peterson currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Communication at BYU–Hawaii and as the Primary president in her ward. 

Previously, she was the Director of Marketing at BYU-Pathway Worldwide, where she led campaigns that significantly boosted brand visibility and enrollment while also contributing to digital marketing, enrollment, and communications strategy across global teams. She also led global communication strategies at American Airlines, focusing on recognition, community relations, leadership, and high-profile events, earning hundreds of media placements.

Peterson holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from BYU–Idaho and an MBA from BYU’s Marriott School of Business.

She and her husband, Marc, enjoy traveling. She has visited all 50 U.S. states and five continents, spending time outdoors, and running with their Airedale Terrier, Archie. Deeply committed to her faith, Peterson encourages all to pray intentionally, act in faith, and trust that our Heavenly Father is always listening. 
#HeIsListening #FaithInChrist #Prayer #BYUHDevo

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David Bearss
Chief Executive Officer of Halia Therapeutics
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional 

David Bearss explores the relationship between science and faith, illustrating how the principles of quantum physics reflect eternal truths about divine light and connection with God. His message emphasizes that every soul is eternally linked to the Creator through the light of Christ, which transcends time and distance. He concludes with his testimony that God’s awareness and love remain constant and unbroken for all His children.

“I testify that you are never alone. No matter how distant heaven might feel, no matter how complex your struggles, no matter how imperfect your faith, you are entangled with the Divine.”

David Bearss is the Chief Executive Officer of Halia Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. He received his Ph.D. in Cell and Structural Biology from the University of Texas Health Science Center and completed postdoctoral training at the Institute for Drug Development in San Antonio, Texas.

Prior to leading Halia, Bearss served as a faculty member at several institutions including Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and the University of Arizona, where he mentored students and advanced translational research. Bearss has founded 8 biotechnology companies and has discovered 18 drugs that have advanced into clinical trials for cancer and many other diseases. 

A committed disciple of Jesus Christ, Bearss served in many callings in the church and served as a full-time missionary in the England London South Mission, an experience that continues to shape his personal and professional life. BYU–Hawaii devotionals are now available wherever you listen to podcasts.

 #LightOfChrist #DivineConnection #FaithInChrist #BYUHDevo

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Brett Okland
President, Okland Construction

BYU–Hawaii Devotional October 28, 2025

Brett Okland shares how "He shall direct our paths" and four spiritual rules to guide your life:
     1: The journey is meant to be enjoyed.
     2: Know that you are on your own unique path.
     3: Keep pressing forward.
     4: There is safety in your covenants.

Brett Okland has served as President of Okland Construction, a fourth-generation family-owned company, since 2010. Under his leadership, the company continues to grow while remaining true to its purpose of “creating remarkable experiences. Brett and his wife, Kristen, are the parents of four children and one daughter-in-law. They love spending time together traveling, recreating, and playing tennis. Together, Brett and Kristen currently serve in a University of Utah Young Single Adult Ward.

BYU–Hawaii devotionals are now available wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Sister Patricia S. Hicken
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 
Mission Leader of the Hawaii Laie Mission
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (October 21, 2025) 


Sister Hicken compares a camel’s daily act of kneeling before its master to the way individuals can turn to Jesus Christ for relief from life’s burdens. She emphasizes that Christ, the Master, understands every person’s struggles and makes burdens lighter through His Atonement.

“It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that enables us to bear the burdens we carry and keep walking...” - Patricia S. Hicken 

Patricia Sumsion Hicken and President James Ray Hicken currently serve as Mission Leaders of the Hawaii Laie Mission. Before their mission, Patricia served as a Relief Society instructor. 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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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. 
_____

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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