Kahalu'u Ward Message 1/26/25
- Kahaluu Bishop
- Jan 25
- 4 min read
Aloha Kahalu’u Ward,
Little over two years ago I remember writing one of my first ward messages talking about watching Maddux Villardi open his mission call to Italy via Zoom. Fast forward two years later and hearing Elder Villardi’s mission stories, the humble conversions of his brothers and sisters in Italy, and ultimately the conversion that took place inside of him was exciting to hear. Our ward has been blessed with many youths choosing to serve a mission and to see the transformation that takes place in two short years is a testimony and a reminder to me of the truthfulness of the gospel.
The choice to stop everything that person is doing, and dedicate their lives 100 percent to the lord may seem like a sacrifice at the time, but ultimately it's an investment with great returns.
It reminds me of the Youth Theme for 2025 taken from the Doctrine and Covenants 6:36, which reads, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”
Young Men General President Steven J. Lund said he learned from a motorcycle policeman friend the secret to keeping those huge machines upright on the highway is to “look where you want to go, and the motorcycle will go where you are looking.”
Similarly, to “look unto Christ means that we look to Him in the way we might look to a compass or landmark or road sign,” President Lund said. “Looking means little if we choose not to follow directions. We are truly looking to Him only when we are willing to follow His commandments.”
We can learn a lot from this theme as youth and adults. As we focus on Christ our doubts and fears will dissipate and we will draw closer to Him and His will.
Ben Hirokawa
Executive Secretary Kahalu'u Ward
Sacrament Meeting Schedule & Program
Jan 26, Sunday 11 AM - Sacrament Meeting Program: CLICK HERE
Zoom Link for Sacrament Meeting available upon request. Contact Bishop Tano or Bro. Hirokawa. Don't be afraid to ask. We are happy to accommodate you.
Announcements
Missionary Meals: January Calendar needs attention please. Elder Vongphakdy & Elder Ellsworth need meals and visits! Please sign up to meet with the Elders using this MEAL CALENDAR, or call them at (808) 379-8012.
Sign up to get free church magazines delivered to your home: CLICK HERE
Jan 26, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Jan 26, Sunday 6:30 pm - SED @ Bishop’s House
Jan 29, Wednesday 6-8:30 pm - Kahalu'u Chinese New Year event @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Jan 31, Friday 6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Feb 2, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Feb 5, Wednesday 6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Feb 5, Wednesday 6:30 pm - Primary Activities @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Feb 5, Wednesday 6:30 pm - Temple Family History @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Feb 12, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Feb 16, Sunday 1 pm - Youth Council @ Bishops Office
Feb 16, Sunday 6:30 pm - SED @ Bishop’s House
Feb 19. Wednesday 6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Feb 19, Wednesday 6:30 pm - Primary Activities @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Feb 19, Wednesday 6:30 pm - Temple Family History @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Missionary Corner
This past Sunday we had a devotional for the Primary in the evening and had a mini ward party following the devotional. As we sat there, I had the feeling that there was something that was gonna happen but I couldn't place my finger on what it was. I kinda blew it off when all of a sudden we were told there was a woman outside asking for us frantically. Confused and curious as we were, we got up to figure out what was going on when we met the woman in the hallway. It was a Maori woman in about her late thirtys who asked us for a blessing for her foot. Nothing too crazy, just your textbook blessing. We went into a side room to give her the blessing and as we talked with her a bit, she began to explain a bit more to us about her situation.
She was about to be put on trial and most likely serve time, she was struggling with substance problems, had family troubles, and just about everything else you could think of. But once again, after being out for about 20 months, meeting people like this isn't exactly anything new. We proceeded to go on and give her the blessing, my soa anointed and I gave the blessing. As I gave the blessing I just felt an overwhelming rush of the spirit pour through me to her as I gave very specific details within her blessing that definitely weren't from me. When I finished giving the blessing she came to shake my hand with tears filled in her eyes before she quickly left the room and seemingly disappeared. In that moment when she shook my hand, I looked at her face & saw the faces of friends and family that I know who are struggling and are in need of the comfort that comes from the gospel. It shook me up a bit in all honesty and I had to take a second before we left the room.
As we were walking home that night, I realized that moments like that are the reason that I'm still out here on the mission. People like that who need a light within their own personal darkness is exactly why I'm out here serving in New Zealand. The reason that I share that story family and friends, is because we each have our own light to share with others. Whether it's the light and power of the Priesthood or the simple light of love within us, there are those out in the darkness that need that light in their lives. This holiday season is the perfect time to even more so share that light and that love with all those around us. Let your light shine and don't dim it for nothing n nobody. Alofa aku,
Elder Afualo
Email me: mason.afualo@missionary.org
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