Kahalu'u Ward Message 7/20/25

Strength to Serve—Why Our Physical Health Matters

Aloha Kahalu'u Ward Ohana!

In church, we often speak about the importance of spiritual wellness—and rightly so. Our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is the foundation for everything we do. But today, I’d like to continue our important 5th Sunday conversation we started last month —about our physical health, and why it matters deeply to the Lord.

We are spirit children of a loving Heavenly Father, sent to this earth to gain a body. That body is not just a shell or a temporary inconvenience. It is a sacred trust. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:15, we are taught that “the spirit and the body are the soul of man.” That means caring for our bodies is not separate from our discipleship—it is a part of it. As members of the restored gospel, we know that in order to fulfill our divine missions—to serve our families, our ward ‘ohana, and our communities—we must prioritize our physical well-being. We live in a time where physical health is often overlooked or pushed to opposite extremes in the "body positivity" movement. I know we’re all busy, and that we’re all tired. We might even feel like it’s too late. But I testify to you that it is never too late to begin again.

President Russell M. Nelson, a world-renowned heart surgeon long before he became our prophet, once said:

“Good physical health is vital to our eternal progress. How can we serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength if we neglect our bodies?” ("Self Mastery", GC Oct 1985)

That phrase—“with all our strength”—is found repeatedly in the scriptures. In fact, when Christ was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said we must love God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength(Luke 10:27). How can we give the Lord our strength if we’re constantly running on empty?

We are commanded in the Word of Wisdom not only to avoid harmful substances, but also to consume wholesome foods and treat our bodies with care. And in return, the Lord gives a powerful promise in Doctrine and Covenants 89:20:

“...they shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.”

This is not just a blessing of good health—it is a promise of revelation. When our bodies are stronger, our minds are clearer. When we feel better physically, we are better able to feel the Spirit, manage stress, and respond to promptings to serve. Energy and clarity are not luxuries; they are tools of discipleship. Now, I know that taking care of our bodies is not always easy. For many of us, it takes courage to even begin. But our Heavenly Father is patient. He doesn’t expect perfection—He expects progress. If all we can do today is go for a walk, stretch for five minutes, or say no to that soda, He honors that effort.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once said:

“We are infinitely more than our limitations or our afflictions!”And I would add: we are also more than our excuses. Through Christ, we can change. We can move. We can strengthen. We can become. ("Like a Broken Vessel", GC Oct 2013)

Brothers and sisters, if we want to bless others, we must strengthen ourselves. We cannot pour from an empty vessel. The Lord needs us—strong, healthy, and willing. Let us treat our bodies not with shame, but with reverence. Let us move every day, fuel ourselves wisely, rest with purpose, and show the Lord we are ready to go and do whatever He needs us to do. I testify that when we are physically strong, we are better instruments in His hands.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

~Kyle NitaharaEQ President, Kahalu'u Ward

Sacrament Schedule & Program

• July 20, 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

Ward Health & Wellness Activity Interest Survey:  CLICK HEREPlease take time to fill this form out if you have not had a chance yet! Thank you!Thank you parents and YSAs for registering for the statewide YSA conference in August! 21 Young Single Adults (members and friends) from our ward have registered and over 400 statewide!

• Jul 20, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Jul 20, Sunday 1 pm - Youth Council @ Bishop’s Office 

• Jul 20, Sunday 6:30 pm - SED @ Bishop’s Home

• Jul 23, Wednesday  6:30 pm - Primary Activities (Boys) @ Kaneohe Stake Center 

• Jul 23, Wednesday  6 - 8 pm - Temple & Family History Center @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Jul 26, Saturday - Kahalu’u Family Camp @ Bellows 

• Jul 27, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Jul 30, Wednesday 9 - 2 pm - Job Fair @ Blaisdell Arena

• Jul 30, Wednesday  6 - 8 pm - Temple & Family History Center @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Aug 3, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center

  
  

• MOBILE TEMPLE RECOMMENDS ARE AVAILABLE

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  • Please see member of the Bishopric

    
    

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

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Missionary Corner

Another week down in the best mission on earth Was a really good week, so many ups lets pray it stays this way. Samoan hymns - being in the samoan program means going to a samoan ward fully in samoan. Its so awesome but maybe my favorite part is the hymns. When we sing it sounds like 5 wards is singing at the same time it sounds so good too. Even these little kids are just singing at the top of their lungs, the spirit fills the room along with the voices its beast.

Spiritual thought - This transfer Sister Allen told us she hates when people say "i know im not perfect" or things like that and using at a crutch for your mistakes. Because like obviously youre not perfect, neither is everyone else... she told us to try to replace "perfect" with "progressing". "I know im not progressing" thats a little harder to say aye? 

We should stop focusing on perfection because obviously were not there, but progression is absolutely in our control. Becoming a little bit better every single day is all thats asked of us. Doesnt even gotta be big, baby steps is all good, just do what you can and youll be all seki

Yupsss all i got for this week, its my last week with my soa since he goes home next monday . The new transfer is gonna be exciting im expecting biggg moves ill keep yall posted right here. 38 for 38 emails !! Ia alofa tele mo outout la'u aiga, catch yalls next week

Alofa atu,

Elder Fano