Ammon Kau 
Puna Hawaii Stake President 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (January 20, 2025) 


Ammon Kau, Stake President of the Puna Hawaii Stake, teaches that enduring joy comes through the Holy Ghost, who enlightens the mind, brings peace, and directs life-shaping decisions. He shares real experiences from education, marriage, missionary service, and temple worship to show how acting on spiritual promptings prepares individuals for blessings and leads to divine guidance. Students are encouraged to trust the Spirit consistently to live a joyful, Christ-centered life. 


“I have learned that it is better to do what I have been impressed to do, even if the outcome is unclear than letting the moment pass and regret my lack of action. When I do as I am prompted, I feel peace no matter the outcome. Peace that I acted upon inspiration.”  –Ammon Kau 


Ammon Kau is the Stake President of the Puna Hawaii Stake on Hawaii Island, where he lives and practices as a pediatric dentist in Hilo. He served a mission in the California San Francisco Mission, earned a bachelor's degree in business entrepreneurship from BYU, and completed dental school and pediatric residency training through the University of Missouri–Kansas City and Lutheran Medical Center on Oahu. He and his wife, Ruth, were childhood friends, married in the Laie Hawaii Temple, and are the parents of five children. 

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Elder Clark G. Gilbert 
General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of the Church Educational System 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (January 13, 2025) 
 
Elder Clark G. Gilbert shares the love and confidence of the First Presidency and Church Board of Education, formally announcing a temporary leadership transition to support President John S.K. Kauwe III’s healing. The university was reminded of its shared mission, the strength of working together, and faith that the Lord continues to guide BYU–Hawaii during this season. 
 
“When we involve the Lord as we work together, miracles will happen.” –Elder Clark G. Gilbert 
 
Elder Clark G. Gilbert is a General Authority Seventy and serves as Commissioner of the Church Educational System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has previously served as president of BYU–Idaho and as CEO of Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media. 

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Connie Haws 
Acting First Lady 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (January 13, 2025) 
 
Sister Connie Haws, Acting First Lady of BYU–Hawaii, invites students to pray every day, teaching that consistent, sincere prayer invites guidance, peace, and the influence of the Holy Ghost in academics, relationships, and personal decisions. Lives are expanded when God is allowed to lead daily, and blessings become clearer through faithful communication with Heavenly Father. 
 
“If we pray daily and openly to our Heavenly Father, we begin to see more clearly the blessings He is sending in our lives.” –Sister Connie Haws 
 
R. Kelly and Connie Haws serve at BYU–Hawaii as Acting President and Acting First Lady during President John S. K. Kauwe’s medical leave. They bring extensive experience in the Church Educational System and encourage students to seek the Savior’s guidance through daily prayer and responsiveness to the Holy Ghost. 
BYU–Hawaii devotionals are now available wherever you listen to podcasts. 

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R. Kelly Haws 
Acting President of Brigham Young University–Hawaii 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional (January 13, 2025) 


Acting President R. Kelly Haws encourages students to allow the Lord to nudge their lives, reminding them that miracles follow when spiritual promptings are recognized and acted upon. By living with purpose, consecration, and excellence, and responding quickly to inspiration, students can experience the Savior’s power and direction at BYU–Hawaii. 


“If we quickly respond to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, the day of miracles has not ceased on this campus or in our lives.” –President R. Kelly Haws 
 
R. Kelly Haws is the acting president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, bringing decades of leadership experience in the Church Educational System and a lifelong commitment to faith-based education. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with students, educators and Church leaders worldwide, focusing on strengthening testimony, learning and service. 

 


 

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Brad Smith
Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, BYU–Hawaii

Brad L. Smith teaches that God’s creations testify of His love and invite His children to seek truth with both faith and intellect. Drawing on experiences in marine biology, research, and mentoring students, he outlines four principles for recognizing God’s hand in the natural world: observe with intention, remain teachable, seek truth through both spiritual and scientific means, and use knowledge to bless others.

He testifies that as individuals explore creation with humility, curiosity, and faith, Heavenly Father deepens understanding, strengthens discipleship, and guides His children to discover their divine purpose. 

“Just like the o‘io seeks the right environment to grow, your transformation is sustained by settling in places of light, learning, and spiritual nourishment” –Brad Smith

Dr. Smith currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, where he teaches biology and mentors undergraduate research in areas such as marine biology, physiology, genetics, and molecular ecology. His work includes leading research projects in aquatic conservation, population genetics, and environmental monitoring, with contributions to peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.

He earned both his Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and his B.S. in Zoology from Texas A&M University, and previously served as a Postdoctoral Associate and Graduate Research Fellow at Texas A&M University Galveston.

Outside the classroom, Smith serves as a Primary teacher in his ward and supports student life through club advising and committee leadership. Originally from Texas, he now resides in Lāʻie, where he enjoys diving, outdoor adventuring, marine research, and mentoring students in scientific exploration.

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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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