Kahalu'u Ward Message 10/26/25

The last time I bore my testimony in sacrament, I talked about two young men who had once been part of our youth program years ago in a previous ward. After returning home from their missions, both were recently married, and one had just become a new father. While sitting with them at a party, I overheard them say that their missions were “the best two years” of their lives in front their new wives. Later, I kindly pulled one of them aside and reminded him that while I’m sure those two years were awesome, his most important mission had just begun—being a faithful husband and father, raising his family in the gospel, and living his covenants every day.

The mission field is an amazing place. It helps young men and women come closer to the Lord and learn what it means to serve. But those lessons are only the beginning. Too often, young people go out to serve because of expectations—from parents, peers, or church leaders. They leave on borrowed light, strengthened by the testimony of others. Yet one of the most important purposes of a mission is to gain their own testimony, to come home rooted and grounded in Christ.

The Prophet Alma taught, “And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God⁠? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?” (Alma 5:14).

A mission offers that opportunity for change. It is not just about bringing others unto Christ; it is about ensuring that the missionary themselves is converted unto Him. Elder Quentin L. Cook taught that knowing and fulfilling the missionary purpose “impacts everything they do”. The Preach My Gospel manual reminds us that our true mission is to “invite others to come unto Christ... and endure to the end”.

That “enduring” part is what happens after they get home. Returning missionaries must see their post-mission life not as the finish line, but as the continuation of their covenant path. Baptizing many souls, becoming district or zone leaders or APs, or achieving weekly goals doesn’t matter if the missionary returns home and drifts from the faith. The mission doesn’t end when the name tag comes off, just as much as the adversary doesn’t stop at the airport. The mission should transform into a lifetime of service, discipleship, and faithfulness. 

The real mission is the one we live every day: choosing Christ, loving and leading our families, and ministering to others. Whether in our callings, our homes, or our quiet acts of kindness & service, our purpose remains the same, to follow Jesus Christ, strengthen our testimony, and help others come unto Him. 

It is my prayer that we remind all of our returned missionaries, both young & old, of this truth: your mission was never meant to be the best two years of your life, but the best two years for your life.  Those years prepared you for a lifetime of faith, covenant keeping, and joyful discipleship in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Kyle Nitahara

EQ President, Kahalu'u Ward

Sacrament Schedule & Program 

• Oct 26, Sacrament Meeting Program:  CLICK HERE

  Zoom Link for Sacrament Meeting available upon request. Please contact Bishop Tano or Bro. Hirokawa. Don't be afraid to ask. We are happy to accommodate you. 

Announcements

Tithing Settlement Appointments Sign Up:  CLICK HERECome to the Savior Concert & Open House

Please fill out this form HERE to sign up to sing.

Primary Choir - children ages 8-11yrs - Rehearsals 2x/mo on Sundays 5p-5:45p, stake center.

Oct 26

Nov. 9,16 

Youth Choir - youth 12-18yrs - Rehearsals Sundays 5p-6p, stake center.

Oct 26

Nov 2

Nov 9

Nov 16

Relief Society/All Stake Choir - adults 18+yrs - Rehearsals Sundays, 6-7p stake center

Oct 26, Nov 2, 9, 16 - Combined

• Oct 26, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Oct 28, Wednesday  6:30 pm - Valiant Activities (Boys) @ Kaneohe Stake Center 

• Oct 28, Wednesday  6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Oct 28, Wednesday  6:30 pm - Temple & Family History Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Nov 1, Saturday 4:30- 6 pm - Stake Leadership Meeting  @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Nov 1, Saturday 7:00 - 8:30 pm - Saturday Evening Session  @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Nov 2, Sunday 10 am - Kaneohe Stake Conference @ Kaneohe Stake Center

Ward Annual Events

Nov 12, RS Closing Social

Dec 13, Saturday - Ward Christmas Party (YM/YW in charge)

• Missionary Meals:   Calendar needs attention please. Elder Hirshi & Elder Cannon need meals and visits! Please sign up to meet with the Elders using this MEAL CALENDAR, or call them at (808) 379-8012.

Ward Zone Lists

Find your Zone: CLICK HERE