My dear brothers and sisters, Aloha! I’m very humbled and grateful for this opportunity since I’m normally on the other side of the camera documenting the devotional every week. It’s a blessing to be able to share some words with you, especially to the students of this university who are so dear to me. These words come from my heart.
Just like many of you, I was a student here several years ago, and I can personally relate to a lot of the struggles and miracles you may have experienced on your journey that brought you here to BYU–Hawaii. I can also relate to the struggles and miracles you might be facing now in this special time of your life. I know for sure that you’re not here by chance and that the Lord was able to lead you here by His hand. I am incredibly grateful for this institution and the opportunity I was given to study here.
My parents played a big role in to who I am today. They were raised in the Catholic faith in Brazil. My mom was one of seven children, and she was only able to finish elementary school as she had to start working at a clothing factory at the young age of 11 to help her family financially. My dad also had to stop school to start working as a bellboy at a hotel when he was still a young teenager. I remember when I was young seeing my dad going to school for adults at night after work to get his high school diploma. My parents were introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ after they were married and had their first child. For some reason, they felt that they were not ready to be baptized, but my mom said that if one day she would join any church to raise her young family, it would be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A few years passed, and my parents were in the car on their way to the hospital for my mom to give birth to their second child which was me, when she saw two missionaries of the Church walking on the street. She asked my dad to stop the car because she needed to talk to them. My dad stopped the car, she called the missionaries over and told them that she was going to the hospital to give birth, she would be back home in a few days, and she wanted them to come to her house because she wanted to get baptized in their church.
A few months later, my parents were baptized. The Church was still very young in Brazil, but it was growing exponentially.
Soon after my parents got baptized, several members, including the young adults, helped to build the first chapel where we lived. They even made the blocks that were used in the construction of the chapel. As a young convert, my mom would help by making meals to bring to the members and the youth that were helping in the construction of the chapel. The chapel was completed and dedicated in 1976. Elder James E. Faust, then serving in the Presidency of the Seventy and presiding over the South America Area, attended the dedication. He had been one of the early missionaries in Brazil. [1] When announcements were made to build a temple in São Paulo, Brazil, members across the South America were given the charge to raise 30 percent of the temple construction costs during a time of great inflation. It was a period of tremendous sacrifice for many on that continent. Faithful members donated "precious possessions" to sell and use the cash to financially help build the São Paulo Brazil Temple. [2] President Faust told of a faithful Argentine member who had a gold dental bridge extracted to help raise money for the temple. Besides selling their gold and jewelry, members donated their savings and cut back on daily expenses to help fund the temple. Even children and youth got involved, selling their toys and personal possessions.
Each of the four stakes in São Paulo at that time raised the equivalent of nearly $150,000 U.S. dollars. [3] Member volunteers helped with construction efforts of the temple as well, including building the neighboring meetinghouse and creating 50,000 blocks of exterior stone, which was a mixture of small marble chips into white cement. The first temple in South America was finished in São Paulo Brazil in October 1978. A couple of years later, my parents were sealed to their three children in the São Paulo Temple. I was very young, but I remember to this day, walking into the sealing room and seeing my parents in white holding hands at the altar in the temple. Over the years, the Church has grown tremendously in Brazil. Since its beginnings in 1929— more than 95 years after the first converts were baptized in 1929, the Church in Brazil has 1.5 million members, with 288 stakes, 37 missions, 11 temples in operation and 13 more temples announced or under construction for a total of 24 temples. [4]
I’m very grateful for the sacrifice of these early saints, especially grateful for my parents for raising us in the gospel, which my mom describes as one of the best things that could have ever happened to our family. Last March, while my parents were here in Hawaii visiting us, they met one of the missionaries who baptized them in Brazil, Elder Toby Osborn who just happened to be here in Hawaii on vacation with his wife. Even though my parents were never able to attend college, they gave us the best life education one could possibly get. They taught us how to work hard, how to be strong during hardships and to have faith, to recognize the hands of our Heavenly Father in our daily lives and to always have a heart full of gratitude. Still to this day my parents are never afraid to share their feelings about the church with everyone they meet.
Growing up as a teenager in Brazil I was the only member of the church in all the schools I attended. It was not always easy, especially in high school. I was not only different physically, the only one with red hair and freckles in my entire school, but also very different in my beliefs because of the gospel. I’m sure a lot of you can relate to this, feeling completely out of place in many circumstances, having to walk away from a circle of friends when you felt uncomfortable, or leaving a party where you knew you didn’t belong. After a while, some of my school friends started to change their behavior, at least when I was around, they would apologize after swearing or try to use cleaner language when they were around me. Talking about the gospel with friends slowly became easier because they would ask me about it after noticing there was something different about me. I also started to learn to appreciate my different physical appearance and my red hair and freckles, it was ok to be different. Sometimes I would invite my close friends to come to church activities, and because of that, a couple of my friends were baptized in the church.
In his talk, “Be an Example and a Light”, President Thomas S. Monson references a list from the Apostle Paul of “attributes of a believer”. He states that, “we are to be pure, which means that we are clean in body, mind, and spirit.” It’s not an easy task in the world today because as he mentions, “coarse comments seem to have become a staple of television, movies, books, and music.” It takes effort. So how can we be an example in spirit? President Monson said, "To me that means we strive to have in our lives kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, and goodwill. These qualities will provide for us a spirit which will touch the lives of those around us.” [5]
I see these qualities in your spirits, the amazing students I have been blessed to associate with during the last 26 years I have been at BYU–Hawaii. It's that special feeling I have when I’m around you, a feeling that makes me want to follow your example. You radiate the Light of Christ.
Moments like that remind me of the beauty in the world—and sometimes, my thoughts turn to nature. Have you ever thought about whales? Let's watch a video captured by a former BYU–Hawaii student, Braden Geddes, this footage that we are about to see reminds me how much I love watching the humpback whales that regularly migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii during the winter months for breeding, calving, and nursing their young. They’re huge, powerful, and completely at home in the ocean. They spend their entire lives in the vast deep ocean, traveling far. But here’s the thing: whales aren’t fish. They’re mammals. And even though they live in the water, they are not of the water. Why? Because they breathe air. They have lungs, not gills. No matter how deep they dive, they must always return to the surface for air. If they don’t, they are unable to breathe. For instance, whales may not survive if they become entangled in fishing nets, lines, or other marine debris. A whale that is ill, old or injured may lack the strength to swim to the surface, which can result in suffocation. [6] I would like to compare it to trying to be a disciple of Christ in today’s world. You’re living in it, navigating its expectations and the pressures we face daily. But just like the whale, you weren’t made to stay submerged in it.
We were made for the air—for the breath of God.
If we try to live day after day without prayer, and the spiritual nourishment we need, we begin suffocating spiritually. It may not be obvious right away; but our faith and our testimony will start to lack the strength we need to rise up to the surface.
Every time we "surface"—when we pray, go to devotional, church, the temple, and renew our covenants, pausing in the middle of our day to talk to Heavenly Father—we’re breathing. We are reconnecting with the Savior, our source of life. Like a whale breaking through the surface, we were made to rise above the noise and breathe in the Spirit of God.
When I turned 18 and had graduated high school, I had an experience that strengthened my testimony of the Lord guiding me with His hand. I had also just graduated from seminary and was a little excited that I didn’t have to wake up early in the morning anymore. My bishop called me to his office and extended a calling for me to be an early-morning seminary teacher. I remember telling the bishop that I was too young for such a calling, I would be teaching my church friends that were almost my age. I felt inadequate, but I accepted the calling to serve. That meant I would have to wake up at 4:30 in the morning, prepare my lesson, and pick up some youth for seminary because they lived far from the chapel.
During that same time, one of the airlines in Brazil was hiring, and I wanted to apply so I could have the benefits to travel the world. Again, I was 18 and I had never stepped foot on an airplane before. One of the requirements for the job was to speak fluent English, and my English was not that great; it was really bad. I had never taken any classes besides the basic English classes in high school. There was no Duolingo or EnglishConnect at that time, but someone gave me some cassette tapes for a course to learn English.
As I prepared for the job interview and English tests required for the job, I would listen to those tapes all day long on my headphones and even in my sleep. I was determined I could learn something in my sleep. I remember praying to Heavenly Father to help me to learn the language so I could pass the written and listening tests and the face-to-face interview in English.
I decided I wasn’t going to apply to be a flight attendant because of the difficult work schedule, but instead I applied for an eight-to-five job at the airline’s ticket office so I could continue teaching seminary and attending college to continue my studies. Somehow, by some amazing miracle, I passed the test after studying for only a couple of weeks, and I was able to answer all the questions and hold a conversation in English during my face-to-face interview.
Many of you have also received the gift of tongues while serving a mission, and/or to be here at BYU–Hawaii earning a university degree in a second language. You may be preparing to serve a mission in another language and feel anxious about learning a new language. In Preach My Gospel chapter seven it says, “Be patient as you prayerfully study and practice the language. Trust that the Spirit will help you as you make a diligent effort. Have faith that you can have the gift of tongues help you and those you teach.” [7]
I got the job at the airline and started working there immediately after high school. This job would later have a great impact on my life. I worked full time at the airline during the day and attended industrial design classes at night. But after one semester, I realized that waking at 4:30 a.m. to teach seminary and getting home after midnight by city bus after my university classes wasn’t sustainable. Financially, this arrangement was also very hard because what I made working full-time was barely enough to pay for my college tuition. I was burned out, and I had to make a decision.
I had to either stop teaching seminary or quit school. Again, I offered a sincere prayer and asked Heavenly Father for His help and guidance. Going to college was one of my dreams, but I had a strong impression that I had to quit school so I could continue teaching seminary and working full-time.
At the April 2025 general conference, Bishop Gérald Caussé shared,
“When circumstances beyond our control prevent us from fulfilling the righteous desires of our hearts, the Lord will compensate in ways that allow us to receive His promised blessings…Receiving these compensating blessings comes with certain conditions. The Lord asks us to do 'all we can' and to 'offer [our] whole souls as an offering unto him.' ” [8]
I have experienced these compensating blessings throughout my life, but especially while working for the airline. It gave me the opportunity to travel to many countries. Some of my favorite places to visit were Asia and the Pacific. These travels, that I normally did on my own, allowed me to meet amazing people. They also allowed me to learn about so many cultures and traditions, especially in the Polynesian Islands, and I developed a tremendous love for these places. One of the very first trips I took was coming to Hawaii. I was so impressed by the incredible people I met here, and I remember driving through the North Shore and seeing the beautiful Laie Hawaii Temple. I was so fascinated and remember thinking that one day I would like to get married in this temple. I went to the temple distribution center to buy some temple clothes, and the worker there was a very nice lady. She found out it was my first time in Hawaii, and she told me I must go visit the BYU–Hawaii campus and the Polynesian Cultural Center. I knew about BYU in Provo, but I had no idea there was such a thing as BYU–Hawaii, and I had never heard about the Polynesian Culture Center. She told me her son worked at PCC, and he would get me discounted employee tickets to go. I met the incredible students working at the PCC and saw the bright light they had in their eyes and smiles. I knew for sure that this was a special place.
Then I came to BYU–Hawaii and I felt something different. I felt such a special spirit on this campus. I had a strong impression that I needed to come back to attend school here.
I knew that my parents couldn’t help me financially to go to school at BYU–Hawaii, but I went back home and worked at the airlines for five years, saving up as much as I could with the hope I could come back someday and attend school here. I also continued to teaching seminary classes for those five years, and I have to say that I never felt as close to Heavenly Father and to my Savior as I felt during those years that I prayed and studied the scriptures in depth to teach my friends at seminary.
After five years of saving money to come to school at BYU–Hawaii, I quit my job at the airlines and used my last standby ticket to come to school here. I also brought my younger sister with me to school, and we worked together as tour guides at the PCC until she left for her mission.
On my way here, I went to Utah to prepare and to take the TOEFL English proficiency test, which was one of the things I was missing for my college application. It was there that I met my eternal companion, and he followed me here. After two years of dating, we were married in the Laie Hawaii temple. After I graduated, he started his studies and also graduated from BYU–Hawaii. Now my two older kids are also students at BYU–Hawaii. One is on his mission in Brazil at the moment, but he will be back this Fall.
When I look back, brothers and sisters, I recognize these miracles, I see the Lord's Hands in my life. I know He was blessing me by getting that job that would literally bring me here and would help finance my education, helping me to learn English, and preparing me spiritually by teaching seminary and strengthening my testimony of the gospel and of my dear Savior Jesus Christ. Going to school at the Lord’s university was the biggest blessing and opportunity in my life. Everyone had the same values I had and I was not only taught secular learning but also taught spiritually. I’m sure many of you experienced mighty miracles on your journey to BYU–Hawaii, where you saw and felt the hand of the Lord preparing you to come here and leading you to this special and sacred place.
Take advantage of the spiritual experiences you have available here that will bring you closer to Heavenly Father. Here at BYU–Hawaii you’ll be able to go to church, serve in your church callings, go to religion classes, attend devotional every week, serve others, and attend the temple. Say your prayers every day. Say your prayers before studying and before taking your exams. I did that many times, but more importantly, trust Him. Continue to seek Him. Many of us have days when we feel a little closer to heaven than normal. We also have difficult days when we struggle to feel His influence, no matter how hard we try. I know that if we have a sincere desire to seek Him, we will see His hand in our lives. When you’re feeling disconnected from the Savior and needing that breath of air, ask yourself, am I striving to find the Messiah on a daily basis? It’s not always going to be easy, and you’re going to face many challenges like I did. These challenges may include feeling homesick as you are away from home, feeling inadequate, language barriers, relationship issues, family problems back home, experiencing the loss of a loved one, infertility, financial worries, and the list goes on, but the Lord will be by your side.
In a recent devotional at BYU–Idaho, Elder Ulisses Soares gave an inspiring talk where he speaks of coming to understand the Savior and His love, let’s listen together:
VIDEO
"De of Rio de Janeiro in my home country, there is a majestic statue depicting the Savior with His arms outstretched. This magnificent monument has become one of the most recognizable images of Brazil. There are days when you can clearly see the image towering over the city. But there are times when the clouds roll in, keeping the statue from view. In those moments, to see that image requires rising above. To see it requires an uphill climb.
Oh my friends, how true this is with our Savior Jesus Christ. To come unto him, to discover his love, and to truly know who he is, requires each of us to rise above and take that uphill climb. The path to understanding the Savior and his love is individual, with its own ups and downs. But this journey will ultimately lead us to purity, peace, perspective, and purpose in our lives. Remember, my dear friends, that this sacred space between the Savior's arms is exactly the size and shape of our broken hearts, battered lives, wounded souls, and weary minds. Jesus ever wins His embrace to encircle us in His eternal love." [9]
When we place our burdens in his hands, Elder Soares said, “No matter how overwhelming and difficult our journey is, peace, healing, and recovery are possible. …Through the experiences of mortality, God is shaping us into who He knows we can become. Trials can humble us, help us grow spiritually, and remind us that we need the Lord’s help [and hand in our lives]. Trials can help us learn to appreciate times of peace. And most important, they give us opportunities to show the Lord and ourselves that we will be faithful. Life would be easier without trials of course, but we wouldn’t learn or grow much. When we remember this divine perspective, we can find comfort and renewed trust and strength in the Savior’s love to face life and its challenges…. The Savior understands our struggles, His heart is full of love and mercy, and He’s always ready to help. He’s the only one who can give us true hope, peace, and comfort in our trials, whether we face discouragement, weakness, or temptation.” [10] Brothers and sisters, are we willing to rise above and take that uphill climb?
“Hold tight to His hand, and He will guide you. He will inspire you where to go and what to do. Then, even though you’re facing challenges and even though you’re facing this crazy world pushing against you, you can go forward, and you can overcome.” [11]
Dear brothers and sisters, I would like to invite you to seek the Lord’s guidance in making decisions in your life at this important time, especially in school, career choices, about serving a mission, and finding your eternal companion. Listen to the Holy Ghost as you navigate life. The promise made by the Lord to Abraham is one promise He makes to all of us: “Behold, I will lead you by my hand.” [12]
I share my testimony that I do know that the hand of the Lord is on this very special university. I know that God lives and loves us and will guide and direct us if we are willing to have Him do so. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ our Savior, amen.
Notes
[1] “President James E. Faust remembered.” [News Story, Salt Lake City, August 14, 2007], newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org
[2] Scott Taylor, “Brazil in 1978: How a revelation and a temple changed everything.” Church News, June 7, 2018
[3] Jason Swensen, “Church marks 75 years in South America”, Deseret News, November 25, 2000
[4] Nei Garcia, “Facts and statistics: Brazil.” [Sao Paulo, Brazil], newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org
[5] Thomas S. Monson, “Be an Example and a Light,” Ensign or Liahona, October 2015
[6] Braden Geddes, “Whales” (video)
[7] Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ [2023], 143
[8] Gérald Caussé, “Compensating Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2025
[9] Ulisses Soares, “Drawing Strength from the Savior’s Love,” [Brigham Young University–Idaho Devotional], April 27 2025 (video)
[10] Ulisses Soares, “Drawing Strength from the Savior’s Love,” [Brigham Young University–Idaho Devotional], April 27 2025
[11] Ulisses Soares, “Take the Savior’s Hand,” New Era, September 2018
[12] Abraham 1:18