Ke Alaka'i- December 2019

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9 ¡ Vo l u m e 1 2 4 : I s s u e 4

THE LEADER

Christmas and Temple

Page 14

Page 28

Leila Hyde selected to be student speaker at graduation

Celebrating milestone for Laie Hawaii Temple

Page 42 Church’s Giving Machines come to the Polynesian Cultural Center

DECEMBER 2019 • VOLUME 124 • ISSUE 4

ADVISOR

LeeAnn Lambert MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS

Haeley van der Werf Eli Hadley Taffie Kwok Cody Barney Kimo Burgess Carlene Coombs Olivia Hixson Serena Dugar Ioane Michael Kraft PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ho Yin Li Chad Hsieh Keyu Xiao

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Brooklyn Redd CO-EDITOR

Dani Castro COPY EDITORS

Noah Shoaf Bruno Maynez Will Krueger VIDEOGRAPHERS

Esther Insigne Shannon Crowley Lilinoe Gomez ART & GRAPHICS

Brad Carbine Esther Insigne Brooklyn Redd ART DIRECTOR

Lynne Hardy MANAGING EDITOR

Kevin Brown

NEWS CENTER

BOX 1920 BYUH LAIE, HI 96762 PRINTER

Pr int Ser vices Editorial, photo submissions & Distribution inquiries: k e a l a k a i @ by u h . e d u .

To s u b s c r i b e t o t h e R S S F E E D or to view additional ar ticles,go to k e a l a k a i . by u h . e d u

CONTACT

Email: kealakai@byuh.edu Phone: (808) 675-3694 Fax: (808) 675-3491 Office: BYU–Hawaii Aloha Center 134 ON THE COVER:

James E. Hallstrom and Sister Kathleen King Hallstrom, Laie Hawaii Temple president and temple matron, encourage students to attend the temple and feel the love of God there.

Photo by Shannon Crowley

ABO UT US The Ke Alaka‘i began publishing the same year the university, then called Church College of Hawaii, opened. It has continued printing for more than 60 years. The name means “the leader” in Hawaiian. It began as a monthly newsletter, evolved into a weekly newspaper, then a weekly magazine, and is now a monthly news magazine with a website and a social media presence. Today a staff of about 25 students works to provide information for BYU–Hawaii’s campus ohana and Laie’s community. © 2019 Ke Alaka‘i BYU–Hawaii All Rights Reserved 2

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P HOTO SUBMISSIO N Kindergarten students from Laie Elementary School perform at the annual tree lighting celebration on Dec. 4 in the Cannon Activities Center. Photo by Lilinoe Gomez

Share your photo with us and we may feature it in our next issue. E-mail us your high-resolution photo with a caption at kealakai@byuh.edu

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Contents December 08

Ask the Professional: Dr. Matthew Bowen

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Alumni family trades possessions for more memories

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The Cowdens’ legacy of filmmaking

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Leila Hyde chosen as student December grad speaker

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The 31 Filipino graduates of Fall 2019

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Meet Chaplain Bobby Akoi

The Hallstroms President and Sister Hallstrom of the Laie Hawaii Temple Presidency say the temple is a place for rich blessings and divine guidance

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Alumni couple travels the world

Feature on John Tsukayama

Jonathan and Alyssa Scalese say selling their things and exploring the world with their kids was one of the best decisions they have ever made

Tsukayama is known by students and faculty for his unwavering integrity and commitment to the Honor Code

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Spotlight on Dr. John Tsukayama

On the cover

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Highlights

Visitors’ Center missionary work

Mongolian Christmas Miracle

The director of the Laie Temple Visitors’ Center and his wife share their unique missionary approaches

Members of the Church in Mongolia join together to celebrate the reason for the season

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Brenna Rich’s works of art

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Laie Hawaii Temple turns 100

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Temple insights by the Hallstroms

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Missionary work at the Visitors’ Center

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Jonathan Napela’s legacy lives on

Campus Comment: “How does the temple strengthen your faith in the gospel?”

By Olivia Hixson Kate Jenkins, a freshman from Utah

studying communications, said, “I feel that when I go to the temple, I am reaffirmed of all the revelation I have received because the Spirit testifies to me there. I can be closer to the Lord. I am so grateful for the opportunity to go because it is close by.”

Adriannah Metta, a senior from

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Making the temple a priority

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Giving Machines come to the PCC

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The story behind “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas”

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Christmas Tree decor

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Christmas dinner on a budget

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Bringing Christmas to Mongolia

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Surviving Winter Break

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Light the World 2019 Calendar

Respecting religious sites around the world

Papua New Guinea studying cultural anthropology, said, “I have seen that I have done pretty well when I focus my time on putting the Lord first, which is why I do well in school… Just going to the temple and being around the temple gives you a very different feeling, a peaceful feeling. So, even when you are stressed in school, when you go hang at the temple… you feel that peace.”

David Aldrich, a senior from Laie

studying social work and intercultural peacebuilding, said, “Aside from generally attending the temple, feeling the Spirit, and seeing the miracles that happen there on a daily basis, I think it just helps with life all around. But again, if you really want to find that out, go there yourself and find out.”

Key Dellona, a junior from California studying psychology, said, “It’s through the temple that I can have that eternal blessing of being able to be with my family forever. I have lost people along the way, and the people I have now I would definitely like to be in my life as long as possible. It’s just such a huge blessing, and it has such a huge, amazing opportunity for us… to be with our families, the ones who love and care about us genuinely, together forever.”

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Letters from the editor-in-chief & art director When I had first discovered the Ke Alaka‘i, I knew I had to work there. The Ke Alaka‘i has been the highlight of my BYUH experience. From long lasting friendships to learning a wide variety of skills in guiding me to pursue my major in both communications and graphic design, I have loved every minute of working as a writer, editor, graphic designer, social media manager, and even a game show host for “Brooklyn’s Quiz Time.” This year, Lynne and I had many goals in redesigning the magazine and encouraging thought-provoking stories in order to help our readers. Our team has worked very hard and this year members of our staff have been awarded nationwide for their stories, graphics, and photography.

During my experience at BYUH I have met so many talented people, like Brenna Rich, who proves her artistic abilities through graphic design and stained glass art (pg.24). I am also impressed by students who come here from other countries and work hard in gaining an education, like the 31 Filipinos we have graduating this semester (pg.16). BYUH is full of so many incredible people and learning opportunities!

I am so grateful for all my teammates and as I think of the coworkers I have had since working with the Ke Alaka‘i for three years, I realize they have become my BYUH family. Then I think of my own family and how much love I have for them and desire so much to be with them for all eternity. It is a blessing to have a temple so close by that brings our community together (pg.28). Through the temple I have felt close to Christ and have come to understand the meaning of grace, even during the darkest of times. The temple does strengthen and guide us in becoming more Christlike. When I have attended the temple, I have definitely felt God’s love for me and more love for his children. In “The Making of Mr. Krueger’s Christmas” (pg.46), we can definitely learn how one producer’s vision and purpose for the short film is to help those who ever feel alone to recognize Christ’s love and grace.

Brooklyn Redd - Editor-in-chief The first time I saw the Ke Alaka‘i magazine, I was a freshman admitted to the graphic design program. I saw the graphics inside and wished that I could work for the office. I wanted to create and have my artwork in the magazine. It is crazy to think that I would be the art director in the future. I am so thankful for the experiences here at the Campus News Center. I have learned so much more outside of design like photography, videography and how to put a whole magazine together.

However, through my internship, I finally learned how to become a leader. I have always been shy. I always followed others directions but never my own. But my internship has taught me to take initiative, to think outside the box and to communicate better. I have had failures, but my co-workers have encouraged and supported me through it all. I also have to thank the Editor-in-chief, Brooklyn, who is also my dear friend. From the beginning, she had a vision and together, we were able to bring it into life, and from that vision came the new style of the Ke Alaka‘i. I am leaving Hawaii to return home, and I am saddened to leave but I am ready. Working at the Ke Alaka’i has prepared me well. Merry Christmas!

Lynne Hardy - Art Director 6

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DR. MATTHEW BOWEN

ASK THE PROFESSIONAL

CA MP U S LIF E

Dr. Bowen said there is no better embodiment of the gathering than 8 KE ALAKthe A ’ILaie Hawaii Temple.

Photo by Chad Hsieh

BY CODY BRUCE BARNEY Dr. Matthew L. Bowen was raised in Orem, Utah, and graduated from BYU in Provo. He holds a doctorate in biblical studies from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and is an assistant professor in Religious Education at BYU–Hawaii. He and his wife, Suzanne, are the parents of three children.

How would you describe ancient temples before Christ came?

“Temples have traditionally been dedicated for the worship of a particular deity. Even if a culture is polytheistic or embraces a pantheon of deities, sanctuaries are usually devoted to a single deity. I don’t know if that’s always true, but it’s commonly true.

“The temples were also associated with ruling dynasties in different city-states and cultures. For example, the temple in Jerusalem was not only historically a temple dedicated to Yahweh or Jehovah, but it was also a symbol of the strength of the Davidic dynasty, of the power of David’s descendants of Solomon until that dynasty politically ceased to exist with Zedekiah. Anciently, temples not only had a very clear ritual function, including sacrifice, but temples were also very political in terms of what they symbolized.”

What were those rituals like?

“Sacrifice was an important ritual in the Jerusalem temple and many ancient temples, but there were also rituals in Egyptian temples for the purification of the priest. The language of Exodus 28 and Exodus 40 is really important to us as Latter-day Saints today, particularly because of its language regarding washings and anointings. Today, we sort of take it for granted that we as Latter-day Saints allow every worthy saint the opportunity and access to receive temple ordinances or purification ordinances when [they were typically] only offered to the priests back then.”

What are similar things from the old temple in Jerusalem that we do today in the temple?

“We have washing, anointings and clothing of priests in the ancient Israelite temple. In the Egyptian temples, you had representations of the gods that were washed, anointed, clothed and fed. You see some really interesting patterns across cultures where you have very distinctive similarities between what was done in different temples throughout time.”

In the temple today, we focus a lot on progression. Is there any evidence of that in earlier temples?

“Yes, one of my favorite texts that I’ve studied is the daily temple liturgy from Karnak, an ancient temple that has been excavated. They have a lot of those rituals for the purification of priests and of preparing the priests to go in and see God. One of the chapters of the daily liturgy in the temple of Karnak is entitled the Chapter of Seeing God. It was in the rubric to prepare a person to come and see the deity in the most holy place within the deity’s sanctuary.”

Before the early Christian church became more a part of the Holy Roman Empire, were there other similarities to Latter-day Saint temples today?

“The destruction of the temple sort of changes the whole orientation of Judaism at that point, and nascent [early] Christianity’s orientation changes with it because they see themselves as part of Judaism at that point. They don’t see themselves as Christians until later. The first idea of this name was by Luke the Physician in Antioch.Then the whole orientation is different because you don’t have the temple.

“The earliest Christians met in house churches, typically the home of a wealthy member of the church in an area. That was where the congregation would gather. At some point, churches themselves became places of worship and churches became an institution.

Synagogues were a big part of Judaism, especially during the Babylonian exile and coming out from the Babylonian exile. They were places of communal gathering.

“After the destruction of the temple, those synagogues started to assume some of the functions that the temple had held, not all of them. That has been reflected in what archeologists have found when they’ve excavated some of the old synagogues. When they’ve unearthed them, it’s clear that they were using the synagogues to compensate for the loss of the temple. Christianity sort of develops with that same kind of thing. There aren’t other temples out there that the Jews go to and there aren’t other temples for the Christians.”

What does the temple mean to you personally?

“One of my first memories of the temple was as a young kid when I went to the Jordan River Temple open house before it was dedicated.

That was the first time I remember being in the temple, in places like the celestial room and so forth. Even then, I had a sense that it was really special.

“I’ve really grown to love the temple more as I’ve attended over the years. For me, the temple is more home than even my own home is in some ways. There’s a line in J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ that describes how I feel. A [mansion] called Rivendell is described as the ‘last homely house east of the sea.’ Personally, that’s an adequate or a somewhat useful description of the temple. In recent years, I feel more at home at the Laie Temple than anywhere else. Maybe it’s a tossup between my house and the Laie Temple. In some ways, I feel more at home at the Laie Temple because of what it is and what it represents.”

With the 100-year anniversary coming, what lessons does the Laie Temple teach?

“Look at the Laie Hawaii Temple in terms of what Isaiah 11:11 means. This is a scripture I share a lot with students that describes the Lord setting his hand again to gather Israel and then Isaiah lists seven nations.The seven nations aren’t the point. The point is the number seven being the number of wholeness or completion in ancient Israelite thinking, and then you have added for good measure, ‘from the islands of the sea.’ The Laie Temple came with great sacrifice, not only in building it, but also what it took for people to come here.

“The temple here is really the first international temple in terms of a place out among the nations, or among the nations of the sea, where people are coming from all kinds of different places to gather here for what the Lord had commanded in terms of gathering to him to obtain the ordinances of salvation.When we talk about the doctrine of the gathering and what that doctrine means in practical terms for Latter-day Saints and their everyday lives, you won’t find a better embodiment of the doctrine of the gathering than the Laie Hawaii Temple.”

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Photos, provided by Jonathan Scalese, show his family in various places around the world.

Globe-trotting family BYUH alumni Jonathan and Alyssa Scalese say their desire to gain meaning inspired them to travel the world with their three children BY: ELI HADLEY After feeling as if they were accumulating too many physical possessions and not enough memories, Jonathan Scalese and his wife, Alyssa, both BYUH alumni from Maryland, said they decided to sell their house and cars to travel the world.

The couple took their three young children on a year-long journey. Only seven weeks into their travels across the world, the couple and their children said selling everything and traveling was the most rewarding thing they could do.

Jonathan Scalese, a BYUH 2015 business graduate, said, “We have always dreamt of traveling but couldn’t justify leaving behind a car payment, house payment, bills, etc. So, we sold everything. Our cars, beds, clothes, and 10

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@fullheartedtravelers

Graphics by Brad Carbine

we also rented out our house. On the trip, we took only five or six outfits each and two pairs of shoes.

“One major reason we decided to leave everything for travel was feeling like we were accumulating so much stuff in life and not enough memories. We were spending our money on things that didn’t bring us joy. We also wanted to be together as a family and have an adventure. Traveling has always helped us feel closer and more united as a family as we meet new people and explore new places.”

In six weeks, the Scalese family visited six countries, including England, Italy and Croatia.

“We will be traveling to 26 countries over this entire journey,” Scalese explained. “The whole family finds value and joy in spreading good

throughout the world and we’re doing service projects along the way.”

With a self-running pest control business he built up over the last year, Jonathan Scalese said his family will not need to worry about finances very much as they travel.

Alyssa Scalese, an alumna of BYUH who graduated in 2015 with a bachelor’s in exercise physiology, commented on how she and her husband’s spirit of adventure came from their marriage. “The first time we traveled together was to move to BYUH two weeks after we got married. Since then, we have traveled a lot and love the closeness it brings to us as a family, and the opportunity to experience new things together. Adventure brings us so much happiness, and that’s the point, right?”

Jonathan Scalese explained their children are still young, ages 3, 4, and 9 months old.

“They love it now and are great travelers. The kids chose a few small toys they could carry in their backpacks.”

All the Scalese family’s possessions are now able to fit into one checked bag and two carry-ons.

“We have been infinitely happy being surrounded by each other than when we were surrounded by all of our things. Every day is not a vacation for us, but we do make time for an adventure every single day,” Jonathan Scalese continued.

“People everywhere could do this regardless if they are traveling or not. The years are too short to let the days of our lives pass us by without an adventure. We still keep somewhat of a schedule for the kids as we would before, but now we have three to six hours a day where we explore our new city or go on an adventure together. It’s been a life-changing experience.”

Four-year-old, LJ Scalese, the couple’s oldest child, excitedly said his favorite place the family had visited so far was “the London Eye,” while Kaden, age 3, exclaimed, “The beach!” LJ Scalese added one of his favorite experiences so far was going on speed boats. While 9-monthold Bella was too young to share her favorite place, her parents said theirs was the island of Brac in Croatia, which, according to Alyssa Scalese, was an “incredible place with incredible people, culture, and food.”

Jonathan Scalese added, “Part of the fun is we don’t tell family, friends or Instagram until we arrive at our new cities, so you’ll have to stay tuned to find out.” The Scalese family posts updates about their journeys on their Instagram page @fullheartedtravelers.

As to the future of their journeys as a family, Alyssa Scalese said, “We will never fully stop traveling. Our oldest, LJ, starts school next year, and so we will have to cut down to one or two trips a month, and then we will still travel all summer.”

When asked how the travels around the globe would set his family apart from others, Jonathan Scalese responded, “Every family is inherently different, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. For us, this has helped our family grow closer and learn to be happy with less, which was really important for us.”

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BYU–Hawaii alumni make directorial and acting debut Chris Cowden and wife, Patty Srisuwan, create film ‘Moments in Spacetime’

BY CODY BRUCE BARNEY & MICHAEL KRAFT

Although they left BYU–Hawaii in 2006, Patty Srisuwan, and her husband, Chris Cowden’s legacy of filmmaking is still felt by students and faculty, as the Cowdens prepare for their directorial and theatrical debut “Moments in Spacetime.”

“Moments in Spacetime” takes place in a military community in rural Canada. It features Macie (Srisuwan)who is a Thai orphan who is adopted by an infertile couple after a tsunami in 2004. The film flashes forward to present day with Macie in her late 20s living at home.

The film explores Macie’s struggle with her identity and navigates her relationship with her grandfather Mason. The grandfather character is portrayed by actor John Rhys-Davies, famous for his role “The Lord of the Rings,” and other films.

Cowden said the film investigates the inadvertent racism experienced by immigrants.

“Patty wanted to create an opportunity for non-immigrants to experience the life of an immigrant for two hours.” Cowden said he hopes the movie will change perspectives on immigration into a much more positive light.

Srisuwan said the experiences of Macie are based on her own life. According to her, “I wish it [racism] was a dated topic and that there would be no racism in society anymore. It’s a work in progress.” She said being a filmmaker allows her to bring the topic to life.

BYUH’s effect on Srisuwan and Cowden Cowden said Laie and BYUH are amazing places because of the international population.

He said it was inspiring to see people from

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different countries “in harmony and working to understand each other and each other’s cultures.”

Srisuwan said she loved how the university and her former professors inspired her to be more outgoing. She said, “Two things that I got from BYUH are discipline and determination. I like how my teachers always told me to compete with myself and not compete with other people. As long as you are better than yesterday, that’s what it is all about.”

Srisuwan and Cowden had respective experiences in acting and filmmaking before coming to Laie, but it was at BYUH where they began to be recognized.

Cowden directed and Srisuwan acted in movies he made on campus. One of these movies was “Johnny Unicross,” a post-apocalyptic comedy and the other was “Max Caliber Hawaii PI,” which won an MTV Movie award.

Cowden said his college movies were shown on the BYUH television channel.

He sent the DVD to the former BYUH TV channel and it was played on a loop throughout the weekend. “When we were in line at Foodland, the checkout people were quoting the movie.”

Professors remember the couple Professors at BYUH said they remember Srisuwan and Cowden. Dr.Yifen Beus, dean of Arts and Letters, said she remembers “both of them were enthusiastic about film and acting.”

Phillip MacArthur, dean of Arts and Humanities, called Srisuwan a conscientious and enthusiastic student. MacArthur said he hoped

his classes had an impact on her career in the present day.

Filmmaking “It takes a lot of effort to make a good film,” said Spencer Hauata, a sophomore from Tahiti majoring in marketing with a minor in film. According to him, it is hard to deliver a message through the medium of film. “It’s very hard, and you have to work hard to do it. I do love it though. Even though it’s a lot of work, it’s worth it.”

Film culture at BYUH is small, and filmmaking culture is even smaller, Hauata said.

“Most people here just make short films or are studying film to get into advertising. Most people are studying film here for commercials and business, not because they are passionate about film,” he said.

The Cowdens’ film shows their commitment to their craft, according to Hauata.

He said it is hard to get a movie released in theaters, especially if it is an independent film.

Hauata said he is happy to see someone come out of BYUH who is having success in the film industry.

Of inspiring students, Beus said, “It is all about planting that seed. As long as we can spark a little interest in our students, they will find the right time and opportunity to realize their dreams and goals.”

Top: BYU–Hawaii alumni Chris Cowden and his wife, Patty Srisuwan, pause for a photo while filming their new movie, “Moments in Spacetime,” which is looks at the life of immigrants. Middle left: The grandfather character is portrayed by actor John Rhys-Davies, who was in the “The Lord of the Rings” movies. Middle right: Srisuwan playing the role of a Thai orphan adopted by a family after the 20 04 tsunami. Left: Cowden directing the film. Photos courtesy Chris Cowden and Patty Srisuwan.

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Educated in a loving environment Students and faculty share their admiration for Leila Hyde, the student speaker for the Fall 2019 Graduation

BY CODY BRUCE BARNEY Born and raised in Laie, Leila Hyde will be graduating this semester with a bachelor’s degree in history, and minors in humanities, theatre, and a foundational language minor in Greek. She will be the student speaker at the Fall 2019 graduation. Hyde said she found academic success by trying hard to do things she originally didn’t think she was capable of.

According to Hyde, the best part about BYU–Hawaii is the people. “That includes students and professors because I’ve been able to make really good friends. I feel like a lot of the professors really care about all the students.

You are able to have really good relationships with individual professors to help you succeed.”

Additionally, Hyde summed up her experience in five words: “Education in a loving environment.”

She said professors like Sister Anna Merrill and Sister Caryn Houghton helped her discover just how much she loved visual history. Hyde explained, “Professors like Dr. Jim Tueller and Dr. Daniel Sharp have helped me succeed by pushing me to try my harder and do things I didn’t particularly think I would be able to do.”

Daniel Sharp, a professor of Religion, said he has high regard for Hyde. “She is a credit to this university. I don’t think anyone at this school understands the level of scholarship she is working on. She is currently transcribing and translating a previously unknown text in Coptic. She is doing this with very little assistance and at a graduate, if not, professional level.”

Hyde learns quietly and humbly according to Jim Tueller, a professor of History. He explained he did not know she excelled in Dr. Sharp’s Greek class until she became his research assistant and wrote a paper with him.

“She has excelled in history classes, showing wide reading and a love for the original sources from the past.”

Tueller said he found out Hyde also helps backstage in theater productions, which he believes is an example of how she works hard everywhere she can. “She well deserves the distinction of speaking at graduation.”

Going to a semester abroad at the BYU– Jerusalem Center was a major influence in her life. “I think going to Jerusalem helped me learn about places I would not have been able to while I was here. There isn’t a professor here who teaches Near Eastern studies or anything like that, so it gave me more access to learning more about the world.

“It allowed me to appreciate more individuals. Every time I go to a place, whether I live there, or I served my mission there, or even living in Jerusalem for a few months, you come to appreciate people more. I think that’s really important as an individual we learn to appreciate the people of the world.”

Jacob Bateman, a junior majoring in political science from Washington state, traveled to the BYU–Jerusalem Center at the same time as Hyde. They also enrolled in the Coptic and Greek minor together. Bateman said, “To learn two languages in four semesters is no small challenge. I often struggled to keep up with her. She is hands down one of the hardest working people I have met.

“Not only is she nice, but she is also considerate.” Bateman explained when his future father-in-law died while he was in Jerusalem on the study abroad. Bateman said, “She was one of the few people I told, and she was always checking up on me.”

Hyde’s said her favorite class was ART 196, which taught about art from the beginning of time until the Renaissance. “We went over so many cultures and I just enjoyed it a lot. It wasn’t just a lecture, but we had work outside of class where we could look at movies and see how art and architecture of different periods have influenced film.”

For new students, Hyde said she would give them the advice to not choose their major based on popularity. “Choose something you love because it will make you truly happy.

Sometimes that takes bravery because it’s different.”

Hyde said she does not quite know what her future holds, but she plans to continue learning and growing because she loves to learn about history, the world, and people.

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Selected as the student speaker for the December Commencement, Leila Hyde said she selected majors and minors that make her truly happy. Photo by Chad Hsieh

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Fall Filipino graduates 31 students from the Philippines are graduating in December

BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE Graduates from the large group of students from the Philippines reflect on their time at BYU–Hawaii and share their experiences and wisdom.

“This semester 31 members of our chapter are graduating. It is the highest number of graduates that our chapter has ever had in one semester. Most of them are graduating with honors and other distinct university awards,” said Eddieson Cabral, the president of the Philippines Club and graduating senior from the Philippines majoring in hospitality and tourism management and human resources.

Blessings of attending BYUH Dianne Lucillo Cancel, a senior from the Philippines majoring in TESOL education, said the best thing she learned from BYUH is to learn as much as you can and don’t let grades define your efforts. She also learned to love and cooperate with the people around her.

Cancel and her husband are both students, part-time employees, and parents of two. Both of their children were born on the island while they were studying. She said it was challenging, but she learned to prioritize.

Cancel shared, “I prioritize my faith and motherhood over my studies and work.

Heavenly Father took care of the rest. Even though my GPA is not as high as I wanted, I got everything I could have from BYUH. The Lord showed me miracles every day, and the Spirit testified to me that my Heavenly Father is proud of me. That is enough for me, and I feel content.”

With Cancel’s thoughts in mind, Neit Lamoglia, a senior from the Philippines majoring in political science, said he is grateful to God for the opportunity to obtain education. He said learning English at a higher level and acquiring skills of how to study hard and properly were the best experiences from BYUH that will help him in his future studies and career.

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“This semester 31 members of our chapter are graduating. It is the highest number of graduates that our chapter has ever had in one semester.”

- Eddieson Cabral Graphic by Lynne Hardy

Lamoglia said before he came to BYUH, he made a covenant with God that if He let him come to BYUH and obtain an education, he would do whatever God asks from him.

At the beginning, Lamoglia was majoring in information technology, but he said he received a revelation that political science would prepare him to be a stronger instrument in God’s hands, so he changed his major. He is planning to study at a law school and build his family after his graduation. He said, “I don’t know what trials are waiting for me in the future, but I put my trust in God.” Mary Anne Okimoto, a senior from the Philippines majoring in accounting, said her student years were full of amazing events.

“I met and married my husband, and I made many new friends and created lovely memories together with my academic growth.”

Jim Paul Dasalla, a senior from the Philippines majoring in information technology, explained how being 33 years old made it difficult for him to finish his studies back home.

“I have to work full time to provide for my family in the Philippines. However, here I was able to study and work at the same time. It was a great blessing. Being a husband, father, student

and employee is hard, but time management and good planning made it possible.”

Learning how to balance her own life with helping others was what Sarah Acobera, a senior from the Philippines double-majoring in psychology and human resources, said she grew to understand. “I prioritized people before my grades. When someone needs my help, I go and help them. But my grades are still great, and I am graduating with magna cum laude.”

Isacarl Cabrera, a senior from the Philippines majoring in information technology, said BYUH gave him a life-defining experience.

“Besides my academic growth, building my own family was the most wonderful experience of my life. I came here single, but now I have a wife and my first child.”

Cabral shared that besides his academic growth, he learned how to love the Savior and people around him during his study. “Ever since I came here, my love for the Lord has increased, and I learned to understand people’s different points of view.”

Being a part of the Rice Up program and helping people in the Philippines was the highlight for Paula Putong, a senior from the Philippines majoring in accounting. “Through

BYUH Philippines BYUH Philippines Student Association Student Association Fall 2019 Fall 2019

Eddieson Omatan Cabral HTM & Human Resources (President of the Philippines Student Association)

Chesca Serrano Communications

Yvan Belen Human Resources

Paula Putong Accounting

Edisonne Ng Accounting

Jonas Lleva Information Technology

Jen Bilan TESOL Education

Ephraim Insigne Accounting

Esther Clayton Marketing

Siegfred Coronel Human Resources & Supply Chain

Fortunato Lamoglia III Political Science

Mary Ann Okimoto Accounting

Winston Purisima Lee Jr Accounting

Sarah Acobera Psychology & Human Resources

Jim Paul Dasalla Information Technology

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Aj Carmendel TESOL Education

Maria Evelyn Rosell Biomedical Science & Psychology

Julian Gutierrez Psychology

Joshua Cabrera Human Resources & Supply Chain

Dianne Lucillo Cancel TESOL

Ryan Domingo Accounting and Finance

Jeremy Malaluan Computer Science

Farah Joy Empalmado Maris Elementary Education

Isacarl Cabrera Information Technology

Joseph Cruz Peacebuilding

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Maybel Credo Hospitality & Tourism Management

Nephi Salamanca Campos Marketing

Medardo Francisco Carrillo Rasing III Hospitality & Tourism Management

X Llewel Galapon Angala Hospitality & Tourism Management

James Pedrola Accounting

Michael Mendoza Applied Math & Computer Science

“Enjoy every moment but don’t forget your responsibilities. Don’t forget why you are here. Always work to become a better version of yourself every day. God has a reason to allow you to come to this school.”

- Sarah Acobera

this service, I developed a deep desire to help others. My deepened desire to serve and the education I obtained will help me to fulfill the mission of the university: ‘Enter to learn and go forth to serve.’”

Lessons from being a student employee Lamoglia said he met his wife while he was working at the Island Buffet at the Polynesian Cultural Center. He also learned useful skills of customer service including how to serve with his heart to make customers happy.

“Make your stay worthwhile wherever you work,” Lamoglia said. After the Island Buffet, he worked at the IT Department of the PCC for three years. “I learned to share aloha - to care for and understand people around me from my work experiences.”

Okimoto said her first job was a server at the Hale Aloha Luau at the PCC. “It was the very first job I have ever done in my entire life, and it was very hard. After that I worked at the PCC Reservations as a call center agent. Through my student work experiences, I overcame my shyness and became more independent. I developed many useful skills from these jobs.

“Currently, I work in two jobs, [I’m a] part-time accounting teaching assistant and full-time courtesy clerk at Laie Foodland.

Studying while working two jobs is tough, but it helps me to be financially independent and grow stronger.”

While Cancel was studying, she worked at the Alumni and Career Services as a career mentor and external relations specialist. She said her jobs helped her to network with many employers and learn important attributes that make her more marketable in the career field.

“Having a humble attitude helps people to get hired in good positions because one of the main things that employers look for in candidates is a humble attitude and willingness to learn from them,” Cancel said.

Cabral was a server at Pounders Restaurant. Later, he became a lead and a trainer intern. He said he gained skills on how to run a restaurant. He learned the importance of hospitality, exceeding guests’ expectations, and flexibility among diverse cultures as he interacted with coworkers and customers.

Putong said she mostly worked at offices as a clerk, cashier, and student accountant. Her

student jobs helped her to learn to value work.

She said, “It is not common in the Philippines to work and study at the same time. It is hard, but it was doable, and helped me to prepare myself for a real career field.”

Dasalla was a runner and lead at the PCC Concessions, which helped him to be patient and work hard. Currently, he works at ITI Networks, which fixes campus internet connections. “I learned many major-related skills from my student job. It is amazing that we study and cumulate major-related experiences at the same time.”

Cabrera shared he worked at the Pounders Restaurant for three years and became a student supervisor. He learned leadership skills and how to work with people.

“We say that Pounders is the Lord’s restaurant because we directly reported to the First Presidency and had many spiritual preparations to start and conclude work. I saw many miracles in people’s lives through Pounders Restaurant.” Currently, he works as a technical consultant at the IT Department of BYUH. Acobera worked in many different jobs including a cashier and an assistant finance manager at the PCC Concessions, tour guide at PCC, teaching assistant at BYUH Business Department and a server at Pounders.

“Whatever job you do, give your best and enjoy it. Find skills that will be useful in the future from your student jobs.”

Advice for students Sharing advice for students, Dasalla advised, “This campus is full of resources that we cannot get from anywhere else. Use them wisely and absorb as much as you can, but never lose your focus from the Lord.”

Cancel encouraged students to avoid comparing themselves with others. “Everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, and unique attributes. At the end of the day, what matters most is what Heavenly Father thinks about you, not other’s opinions about you.”

Okimoto advised students to attend their major-related student clubs and events because they are great opportunities to network with professionals who work in the same field.

Making friends who will uplift people spiritually should be a focus of students, according to Cabrera. “BYUH is a protective

Graphic by Lynne Hardy

bubble environment. Sometimes, we tend to relax a bit and lose our spiritual habits. Always be mindful of your spiritual health. Praying, reading scriptures, attending the temple every week, and other spiritual habits will help you to succeed as a student and help you build a successful career after your graduation.”

Acobera encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities offered by the school. “Enjoy every moment but don’t forget your responsibilities. Don’t forget why you are here. Always work to become a better version of yourself every day. God has a reason to allow you to come to this school.

“Do internships. I did two internships in the Philippines and in Seattle, which helped me to discover myself better. Internships also help you to develop useful skills and boost your resume.You will be more marketable in the future.”

Cabral described how student life at BYUH should be centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ. “No matter how busy student life can be, know your priorities, regularly pray, study your scriptures, serve others, read your Patriarchal Blessing, go to the temple, even work in the temple if your schedule allows you.

I served in the temple almost three years.”

He added taking care of ourselves physically is just as important as spiritually.

“Don’t forget to take care of your physical body. Eat three times a day and exercise regularly. Balance temporal and spiritual things.

Find opportunities to serve others each day.You will find joy in doing so. Smile and be positive each day of your life.”

Lamoglia said it was also important to be active socially. “Study hard and attend church, clubs, and other activities. Those activities help you to socialize with others, make friends, and build your confidence. Activities are the best place to practice your English as well. Enjoy every moment of your student life and be happy.”

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“My wife and I returned from a trip to Japan, gifted by our children as a retirement gift. The day we returned from Japan we literally got a knock on the front door asking if I would consider serving a Church mission at BYUH as their chaplain.”

BYUH alumnus and recent PCC retiree Bobby Akoi is the new university chaplain who works with non-member students and faculty. Photo by Jolene Kanahele

Giving back with guidance BY: WILL KRUEGER

Bobby Akoi says surprise church calling is a chance for him serve students, his alma mater After retiring this year with more than 30 years working at the Polynesian Cultural Center and spending time on vacation, Bobby Akoi said the Lord had other plans for him as he was called to be the university chaplain for BYU–Hawaii.

Describing what a university chaplain does, Akoi said, “A university chaplain is basically responsible for all non-member students. We have 26 non-member students at the moment.

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The chaplain is also responsible for the nonmember faculty and staff.”

Called to serve Akoi said he and his wife had planned to serve a mission after the summer of 2020 so they could have time to travel and visit their families. “We weren’t looking for any Church mission opportunities until then.”

The Lord had other plans for Akoi, he said.

“My wife and I returned from a trip to Japan, gifted by our children as a retirement gift. The day we returned from Japan we literally got a knock on the front door asking if I would consider serving a Church mission at BYUH as their chaplain.”

According to Akoi, he did not know the school had a chaplain and did not know what the chaplain did. He said he spent an entire day praying and fasting about the decision. “I felt like the Lord was telling me, “You're retired from the PCC since July and had four months of vacation. This is the longest vacation you had in 37 years. That’s enough, now it’s time to get to work.”

Serving as the university chaplain Akoi explained he is happy to be back serving at the university he once attended.

“I now get the opportunity to give back to my alma mater. I am here to serve this university that has been responsible for my

spiritual education and career at the PCC,” he continued.

“I’m already enjoying myself in meeting and guiding the non-member students trying to enroll at our university. I do a face-to-face video conference with each of them and find myself interviewing at least two-to-three students a week.

“One of them is from Japan and she is taking missionary discussions right now, and my mission companion is helping her in the process.”

According to the BYUH Admissions website, all non-members wishing to attend a Church school must be interviewed by the university chaplain in place of a local stake or district president.

A non-member student from Thailand, Panninee U-thaiwan, is a junior majoring in business management. She said as a nonmember it can sometimes be difficult being comfortable in a church environment and is looking forward to hearing from the new university chaplain.

“I kinda feel more comfortable knowing there’s actually someone taking care of non-member students. This is nice because sometimes it’s hard to talk to the bishop about things that are not related to LDS stuff.”

Akoi said he feels incredibly lucky and blessed to be at BYUH as the chaplain.

“My hope is that every student on campus experiences a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

A blessed opportunity Akoi said he hopes those he serves find themselves always engaging in doing good things. “I hope they will develop a healthy relationship with their bishop who loves them.

And I hope they continue to work hard in their studies, so when they do leave this campus, they will charge out of here confident and ready to achieve great ends in their own way.”

Speaking of his new department and co-workers, Akoi remarked, “One thing I love about serving as a chaplain is that right now, I am under the Ho‘okele Department, led by our director, James Faustino. I get to be involved in Admissions, Career Services and the Alumni Association. That’s what I’m equally excited about.

“The leaders in this department are truly diamonds. Everything they do is for our students. My hope is that I can influence and leave an impact on the students [member and non-member] and the Ho‘okele Department.”

Graphics by Brad Carbine

“The leaders in this department are truly diamonds. Everything they do is for our students. My hope is that I can influence and leave an impact on the students [member and non-member] and the Ho‘okele Department.”

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A man of integrity Students and faculty say Dr. John Tsukayama‘s experience working in security and investigations makes him unique at BYUH

BY: MICHAEL KRAFT Tsukayama is publishing a book in January about torture and counter terrorism that he studied for his doctorate. Photo By Chad Hsieh

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Once the executive vice president of a security firm with 500 employees, Political Science Special Instructor Dr. John Tsukayama is one of the few members of the BYU–Hawaii faculty who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Brian Houghton, dean of Business and Government, said, “He has a lot of integrity.

When he signs his contract, he agrees to live by the Honor Code, so he keeps his mustache but shaves the beard. He doesn’t drink alcohol or coffee, not even at home.”

Caring for students Leilah Mouna, a junior from Canada majoring in political science, said, “[Dr. Tsukayama] is a non-member like me, and he told us at the beginning of his class that he really respects the Honor Code. I thought it was interesting that even though he’s not a member, he has so much respect for it and encouraged us to respect and live by it as well.”

Houghton referenced to Dean James “Jim” Lee’s David O. McKay Lecture where he told a story about Tsukayama’s integrity. “He wanted to know if it would be okay for him to have one glass of champagne to toast his daughter at her wedding reception. I would never have known if he did this, yet his personal integrity would not allow him to do so without first asking.”

Tsukayama is personable and welcoming as a teacher, said Mouna. As a transfer student, Mouna said she was uncertain about if she had made the right choice in coming to BYUH. She said when Tsukayama shared his story about transferring between several universities, and his long journey to finish his degree, it was comforting to her.

One of Tsukayama’s former students, Alexandra Athans, a senior from Laie majoring in intercultural peacebuilding, said Dr. Tsukayama is a demanding teacher. “If you aren’t disciplined, it’s very hard,” she said.

Although he is demanding, Athans called him a gentle giant.

Mouna said of Tsukayama, “He just wants to make a difference. He also wants you to change. If you’re going to make a difference in the world, you have to change as well, and that’s what [he] tries to do. He sees the potential in his students.” She added because of this he pushes his students to reach that potential.

Tsukayama said he makes sure to tell students he supports the “prophetic mission of the university.” He said he wants to get students ready to go forth with enough knowledge about the world because it can be difficult to be able to go forth and serve and help create peace in the world.

Business and background Tsukayama said his journey to BYUH began in 2006 after he and his business partners sold their company, Safeguard Services. The company was a security and investigation company Tsukayama had been a part of for more than 20 years. After selling the company, he said he needed to decide what his next life’s chapter would be.

He decided he should finish his undergraduate degree and chose BYUH. Tsukayama said he received a warm welcome from the faculty when he arrived as a student.

Houghton first met Tsukayama when he was one of his students. Houghton said, “I would safely say he was one of the most outstanding students I ever had. He was always prepared and engaged. He was a delight.”

Following his graduation in 2007, he attended the University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland, to pursue a master’s degree as well as a doctorate. While Tsukayama worked on his doctorate, he and Houghton would meet on occasion to discuss his thesis. Houghton described Tsukayama as brilliant and called him a “deep thinker.”

When Houghton went on sabbatical in 2013, he invited Tsukayama to come back to BYUH to teach in his absence. He said because of his studies and life experience “no one was more qualified to teach [my classes] than John.”

Publishing a book about his research One year ago, Tsukayama said he left the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, which promotes high ethical standards among public servants, to help his daughter and her husband take care of his granddaughter.

“On Mondays and Fridays, I’m a personal servant to an 18 month old,” Tsukayama said with a laugh.

Also, an author, Tsukayama said he will be publishing a book in Jan. with research he did for his doctorate on the use of torture in counter terrorism by American forces. The

book will be titled “By Any Means Necessary: Veterans Talk Torture on the War on Terror.”

“I essentially located and interviewed 14 people who were involved as either perpetrators, observers or those who tried to stop torture.”

Citing research done in the 1960s to 1980s, Tsukayama said people who engaged in abuse towards prisoners would need someone from outside of the conflict to get them to stop.

He pointed to the Stanford Prison Experiment as an example of this.

The Stanford Prison Experiment was an experiment conducted at Stanford University in Aug. 1971. Saul Mcleod, a researcher for the University of Manchester’s Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology division, explains the experiment in an online article for Simply Psychology. The experiment involved assigning 24 people to play as either a guard or a prisoner. The experiment was cut short “due to the emotional breakdowns of prisoners and excessive aggression of the guards,” Mcleod wrote.

Tsukayama said, “Those were short-term experiments.” After speaking to people who had been deployed for a year at a time and involved in torture, Tsukayama said, “It turns out that the most heinous guys came to stop on their own.”

Athans said Tsukayama’s book is about reconciliation. “You have these soldiers who in the moment feel they’re justified in participating in this torture and killings, but then years later deeply regret their actions, saying that, ‘They’re people too. They have lives and children just like me.’”

The book is intense since it deals with torture and the affects it has on those involved, Athans explained. “It’s real people and real stories.” She said the realism in it makes it powerful.

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Brenna Rich spent hours on Youtube and says she suffered bloody hands in pursuing her passion in making stained glass..

Photo by Ho Yin Li Jeremy Hawkins said being around Polynesian culture makes him happy. Photo by Chad Hsieh 24

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A desire to create something unique led a graduating senior to create art from stained glass

BY HAELEY VAN DER WERF

After applying to BYU–Hawaii on a whim, Brenna Rich said everything just fell into place for her to come to school here. Since then, she said she has had a determination to create something unique that led her to making art out of stained glass.

“I always loved stained glass, just looking at it, but I never thought it was something I would do,” said Rich. “Then I started researching it and saw people were doing modern designs with it instead of huge windows. I decided to get all the supplies and try it out. I loved it. I’m starting to sell it.”

Life at BYUH

After getting an associate’s degree in art, Rich, a senior majoring in graphic design from Utah, said she had always planned to

leave the school. “It was my plan in the first place to come out here and get my associate’s and decide what I wanted to do for sure. I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in. I decided to take a semester off.”

What drew her back, she explained, was “how much I missed it. I didn’t think I would miss it that much. Once I wasn’t here, all I wanted to do was go back.”

Rich said she decided to major in graphic design because, “I always knew I wanted to do something with art. I also wanted to be able to incorporate marketing. I felt like graphic design was the best way to do that. My minor is in marketing, so I feel like they kind of go hand in hand with each other.”

Whitney Hungerford, a senior majoring in graphic design from Oregon, said she first met Rich when she applied for a job at Hukilau

Title designed by Brenna Rich

Marketplace. “Brenna and I have a lot of mutual friends, but we actually met when she applied to be a graphic designer at my work, [the Hukilau Marketplace]. We interviewed a lot of students for the position, but everyone in our department agreed Brenna was the best fit. We hired her, and she and I actually became really good friends.”

Hungerford said Rich’s graphic design work, both for work and school, is extremely versatile and filled with passion. She explained how, “You can tell through Brenna’s projects she’s passionate about what she does. She doesn’t cut corners or just submit things to get a good grade. She puts a lot of thought and care into everything she does.

“It’s hard to give one specific style because she’s very versatile, so I’ll just say everything she designs makes me smile. Her color palettes DECEMB ER 2019

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F EAT U RE

Rich says she is inspired by the places she visits and sketches ideas to ultimately create her pieces of art. Photos by Brenna Rich.

are always fitting and fun, and her illustrations are clean and simple. She has great taste in everything.”

Nikki Massey, a senior majoring in elementary education from Oregon, said she met Rich when they became housemates. “Two years ago, Fall Semester 2017, we ended up being housemates. We had a room right next to each other. We ended up becoming best friends.

We didn’t know each other before. We didn’t have any friends in common.”

Although she initially described Rich as shy, Massey said Rich was always down to try new things and go on adventures with her.

Creating stained glass

Toward the end of Fall Semester 2018, Rich described how she wanted to try something completely different. “I was so used to painting, drawing and graphic design, but I wanted to be able to do something that was more unique and not a lot of people do.”

Massey shared how Rich has made progress since she first started. “I watched her for one project. She was making a little star planet thing for her nieces. She cuts into the glass. She has a clamper, and she would clamp it. Sometimes the shape wouldn’t go exactly how she wanted it. A straight line would sometimes curve, so she would work with that a lot.

“I’ve definitely seen a lot of progression since she started, from her first projects to now.

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She’s making really cool stuff. It’s always been really cool, but it’s gotten better. She’s learned a lot. I could never do it.”

Rich said her process involves inspiration coming from random places and drawing out various things she sees. “I come up with a design. I sketch it out on a piece of paper. I make a little stencil. Once I have the stencil, there are specific cutters for the glass.You can just cut it. It’s a pretty simple process. It just takes a while.”

However, the process involved a steep learning curve, Rich explained. “It was not easy.

I got so frustrated because every time I would try to do anything, the glass would shatter in my hands and my hands would be all bloody.

I spent hours and hours watching YouTube videos about how to do it. Once you get one technique, you think, ‘I can do this, so then I have to be able to do this one too.’ I was able to learn from actually doing it and practicing.”

Hungerford shared how when Rich first started. “I know she always loved stained glass and decided to give it a try one day. It can be scary to try new things and put your work out there, but I’m glad she did because she’s amazing at it.”

While she normally works off of simple, abstract sketches, Rich said one of her pieces was inspired by a photo she took of the Koolau mountains from the Kaneohe sandbar.

“I made the Ko’olau mountains. That was one of my favorites because being out on the [Kaneohe] sandbar is my favorite view. I

decided to take my own perspective on it and create those.”

Massey shared how she admires Rich because although she is one of the most talented people she knows, she is not showy.

“She doesn’t need attention or anything. She’s the nicest, sweetest person. She will always be there for you. She’s a really cool person. She’s so different from anybody else I have ever met.

“She’s to herself very much. She doesn’t need to be posting about all her stuff. She totally could be because she’s the most talented person I know. She just doesn’t flaunt it, which I really like.... I like how private she is. She’s the nicest person ever.”

Hungerford shared a similar sentiment, “Brenna is incredibly genuine.You can tell when you spend time with her that she cares about you and what you have to say. She’s just a naturally kind-hearted person and someone you love to be around.”

The response to her work, Rich said, has been positive. “I was just showing my family and friends at first. They were like, ‘That’s really cool.You could totally sell that stuff.’

“Not a lot of people do it, so people were like, ‘Whoa, I don’t know how you even thought of that.’ Responses from people has been super positive. It makes me want to do it more.”

You can learn more about Rich’s work on her Instagram, @theglassgurl.

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Lighting the path The community honors the Laie temple on its 100th birthday with a temple walk and special fireside on Dec. 1 BY: CODY BRUCE BARNEY AND OLIVIA HIXSON Temple walk on Nov. 28 Gathered on the darkened boulevard of Hale La’a, community members came together to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Laie Hawaii Temple through singing and listening to talks on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 28.

Students and community members were sitting and standing on lawn chairs, fences, rooftops, and porches watching as the choirs and participants walked down the boulevard commemorating the temple’s anniversary.

Participants were graced with the voices of multiple choirs, singing in different languages such as Tongan, Samoan, Fijian and Hawaiian.

Andrea Doucette, a sophomore from Utah studying exercise and sports science, shared the different languages featured by the different choirs touched her as she was able to recognize the hymns while also enjoying them in an unconventional way.

“I loved the musical aspect of it. I thought that was so incredible and unique, and it brought a special spirit to the event. Laie is like 28

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a gathering place, so all the different people coming together and celebrating the temple strengthened my testimony of the temple and why it is here.”

Similarly, Abigail Smith, a freshman from Ohio studying computer science, said, “I really love choral music so that was one of the draws to it, and I love the temple too.”

Kyle Mullins, a senior from Indiana studying psychology, shared the temple has a special place in his heart as his parents are converts who were able to be sealed in the temple just before he was born. He said the Laie Hawaii Temple is especially important because it symbolizes a culmination of cultures.

“I know the Laie temple is very important.

Among temples it is pretty significant because it was the first temple built outside of the continental United States… It’s a big cultural symbol to anyone outside of the United States, especially Polynesia and Asia.”

At the end of the walk, people grew in anticipation of the lighting of the temple, which

did not have its lights turned on throughout the whole event. As the Hawaiian choir and audience joined together in singing “The Spirit of God,” the temple was finally lit.

After the temple was lit and Temple President James Hallstrom gave the closing prayer, the crowds dispersed to the North Stake Center, where a luau was held. People were treated to performances and food to end the night. “[The temple walk] was a good unique way of celebrating,” remarked Abigail Peterson, a freshman from Utah studying psychology. She had been attending the firesides throughout the month, and said the walk was a fantastic way to culminate the centennial of the Laie temple.

Temple fireside on Dec. 1 As the audience waited for the fireside to begin in the Cannon Activities Center on Dec. 1, a slideshow with pictures of the temple, Hawaiian ancestors, and even the Cardston temple flickered above the pulpit. A choir of community members and students opened the fireside.

Graphics by Esther Insigne

Carolina Beristain, a sophomore from Mexico studying business, said she was most impressed with the choir. She said the choir brought the Spirit. She was also amazed at the dedication and sacrifice of the early Hawaiian Saints in building and maintaining the temple in the last 100 years.

Speaking at the fireside, BYU–Hawaii Religion Professor Eric Marlowe said the power of the temple cannot be felt in the beautiful architecture but on the inside. “The next hundred years of temple history will be written by us.”

Marlowe told stories of past Latter-day Saints who have contributed to the history of the temple. He explained how the Hawaiian Saints moved to Iosepa to be closer to the temple in Salt Lake City. He also shared the experience of apostle Reed Smoot. Smoot visited Hawaii with President Joseph F. Smith and said of the night the temple ground was dedicated, “I never saw a more perfect night in all my life.The surroundings were perfect.You, who have been to Laie, know the surroundings, all nature smiles.

“We walked toward the meetinghouse.

Nothing was said of what we were going for until we stood at the back of the meetinghouse, and President Smith then said, ‘Brethren I feel impressed to dedicate this ground for the erection of a temple to God, for a place where the peoples of the Pacific Isles can come and do their temple work.’

“I have heard President Smith pray hundreds of times. Never in all my life did I hear such a prayer. The very ground seemed to be

sacred, and he seemed as if he were talking face to face with the Father.”

He also shared the story of when the temple was dedicated, President Heber J. Grant brought the children into the temple and asked them to sing his favorite song, “Who’s on the Lord’s Side.”

Attending the temple Matron Sister Kathleen Hallstrom and President Hallstrom spoke about the importance of attending the temple the audience was celebrating. Referring to how the temple was dedicated on Thanksgiving of 1919, President Hallstrom said the temple was an act of thanksgiving. He said there were 39 “we thank thee” expressions in the dedicatory prayer.

President Hallstrom quoted a play called “My Turn on Earth.” He said there is a girl who misses her heavenly home during a difficult time and comes to the conclusion, “I’ll try with my heart, I’ll try with my might, to make a heaven here.” Sister Hallstrom said she has tried to do the same. To her, the temple is a heavenly place and she hopes to bring more heaven there, as well as in her family.

Above, Community members record the music performed by local choirs who sang in different languages. Photos by Michael Foley

temple. President Nelson emphasized this by having his first press conference in the temple.

Elder Whiting recalled the recent revelation to have 11 year olds come to the temple and how some of these youths treaded water in the baptistery font.

Revelation at the Temple Also speaking at the fireside was Elder Scott D. Whiting and his wife, Sister Jeri Whiting. She explained the temple is a place to receive revelation and said she received it in almost every room of the Laie temple.

She emphasized President Nelson’s counsel to keep the end in mind and attend the Photos by Shannon Crowley DECEMB ER 2019

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preparing ourselves to be ready to be in His presence and to become as He is.”

The Hallstroms hope students and community members make extensive preparations before entering the temple.

A temple of love President and Sister Hallstrom discuss their hopes for students and the blesssings waiting at the temple

BY OLIVIA HIXSON

James E. Hallstrom and Sister Kathleen King Hallstrom, Laie Hawaii Temple president and temple matron for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared they want students at BYU–Hawaii to feel welcomed and loved when they enter the temple.

Sister Hallstrom said a temple is a unique place where students can be guided and feel the Spirit. “It’s the place that our Father in Heaven can touch you in the things you really need in your life.

“I would hope that each one of [the students here] has a future of temple, whether it’s temple work or temple attendance. I 30

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would hope that each one of them will accept the invitation of the Spirit to come. Our Father in Heaven loves us, and this temple is a symbol of love.”

Having lived on Oahu for the majority of his life and calling Laie home, President Hallstrom stressed the importance of regular temple attendance and how attending the temple frequently can change worthy people for the better.

“The temple transforms the inner soul. So, with frequency in being in the House of the Lord, you change, you become more like Him… People are made better spiritually, and it’s all about

Temple in our countenance President Hallstrom said when students put in their best efforts into repentance and going to the temple regularly, Heavenly Father will take care of the rest.

“I think as you consecrate yourself, focus on the temple, and you are willing to do whatever it takes, He makes up the difference.”

Sister Hallstrom added serving in the temple and being there almost every day brings blessings into her life. “Because you are here most of the time, you always ask yourself, ‘Am I taking real advantage of where I am? Am I able to bring a worthy person here every day?’

“Those are questions that you try to keep at the forefront… Our emphasis and focus are to give an opportunity for the saints to come and be blessed by the Lord’s ordinances that are here.”

With the holy ordinances and sacred covenants which take place in the temple, President Hallstrom said the teachings of the temple are centered around a higher level of spirituality and personal awareness.

“You begin to embody the message, and it just becomes apart of you. Being in the House of the Lord clearly changes your perspective and your spirituality.”

Mighty work to be done To better understand Heavenly Father and His plan, President Hallstrom shared extensive preparation for entering the temple is required.

“As we come prepared to receive, then He reveals to us the doctrines and changes that we want… And until we are ready to receive, all we will do is come and have a wonderful day, but there won’t be an inspirational, revelatory experience until we are ready to have one.”

President Hallstrom and Sister Hallstrom both expressed the blessings the temple can bring members of the Church and the need to have the temple in sight.

“The temple always has to come first, and it always does… I think some of the

“Being in the house of the Lord clearly changes your perspective and your spirituality”

The Hallstroms are pictured with their children and grandchildren. Photos provided by President James Hallstrom

incredible blessings are to be able to work in a wonderful, peaceful place with people that are just saints. It’s kind of like your happy place…

It’s a wonderful place to be, and all you have to do is feel and radiate the Spirit that’s here,” President Hallstrom shared.

Similarly, Sister Luker, a senior missionary serving in the Laie Temple Visitors’ Center, said she has been able to share the gospel with people from all over the world.

“People come here because they sometimes don’t know why they’re here and think it’s going to be a tourist attraction, but really they’re being taught the gospel. They come from all over the world, and that’s really a fun part [of serving here].”

With the close of the Laie Temple centennial, President Hallstrom shared he hopes students and community members will make special efforts to attend the temple more often and partake in the blessings waiting behind its doors.

“The fact that we can come to the temple frequently really enlarges who we are and who we can become. So I would hope that in celebrating the temple, we can show our love by attending more and benefitting more.”

The Laie Hawaii Temple presidency includes President and Sister Hallstrom, Hans and Theone Ta’ala, and Iraani and Cy Bridges and Recorder Max Purcell.

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Missionary work crossing borders Temple Visitors’ Center director and his wife share uniqueness of missionary work in Laie

BY HAELEY VAN DER WERF

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After a life dedicated to service in the Church, the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors’ Center Director Stephen B. Allen said coming on a mission to Hawaii was inspired by the Lord, and he and his wife have been following the Spirit since.

“Our only desire is to do what the Lord wants,” Elder Allen explained. “We don’t have an agenda. We’re on His agenda. We know we are Preach My Gospel missionaries. We are part of the Hawaii Honolulu Mission.

“Our purpose as missionaries here is the same purpose as all the missionaries.

The missionary purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.”

Sister Katelynn Olson, a missionary from Utah, described how Elder Allen was “pretty much raised all over the world. His dad built chapels in Australia. Since then, he was the media director for the Church, a mission president, and an area Seventy. He was really involved in Preach My Gospel, so we focus a lot on Preach My Gospel here at the Visitors’ Center.”

Their purpose at the Visitors’ Center, she described, is “to invite people to come unto Christ. [The Allens] have made a lot of improvements to the Visitors’ Center, even with just structural stuff like getting the walls and carpets redone. They’ve been waiting for that for 10 years. We have been able to see some of those things start moving despite things running on Hawaiian time.”

What distinguishes the missionaries in the Visitors’ Center from other missionaries, Elder Allen said, is “instead of these missionaries knocking on doors, people knock on our door.

Every day, hundreds of people come here, and missionaries have an opportunity to engage them, talk to them, meet them and invite them to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement and so on.”

Finding out they were assigned to Hawaii, Nancy Allen shared, was shocking but exciting.

Elder Allen, pictured with his wife, Nancy, has served as the Church's media director, mission president and area Seventy and is now the director of the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors’ Center.

Photo by Ho Yin Li

“We follow the Spirit very closely....That is what they’re doing, and then they stay in touch with you during the teaching process online. That’s how we can tell there were 26 people [in Sept.] who were baptized.”

“I’m supposed to stay in the United States. I have chronic kidney disease, so I have to stay in the United States. I thought, ‘Hawaii, that’s not in the United States. Oh, wait.Yes, it is.’ I never dreamed of Hawaii. I thought maybe Alaska, but this is much better than Alaska.

“We were excited. [Elder Allen’s] been in on this change into digital devices for years.

He retired, and it was kind of fun to be able to come to someplace where not only is it changed to digital devices, but also they’re taking calls from ComeUntoChrist.org. They can take people who request to have missionaries come, and all of the people who call, and try to turn it into having missionaries because you can’t be baptized without meeting with the missionaries in your ward.”

This digital teaching service, explained Elder Allen, allows them to see how the people they come in contact with progress through the gospel.

“In the month of Sept., as an example, there were 26 people baptized into the Church who started with the work our sisters did in the center. They were all over the world, not here in Hawaii.”

He described how they can use the answers provided by the caller during a screening process to build common ground and answer specific questions the caller might have.

The sisters can use the address provided by the caller to get them in contact with their local missionaries. Using the information they gained from the phone call, the sisters can help the local missionaries learn the best way to minister to the caller.

“With missionary work, we direct people according to their needs as directed by the

Spirit,” he said. “We follow the Spirit very closely. How does the Holy Ghost want to get you into this? That is what they’re doing, and then they stay in touch with you during the teaching process online. That’s how we can tell there were 26 people [in Sept.] who were baptized.”

Sister Allen shared, “The sisters are getting good at trying to make it short and following the Spirit. [Callers] have their days they would prefer to be contacted. They ask [the caller] first how much time they have and respect that.

“They try to really teach by their needs, and they’re getting really good. It’s fun to listen to their stories. We have a sister who went home about six months ago. She went the next week to the temple with someone she taught online.”

Before coming to the Visitors’ Center, Elder Allen described how he spent his career serving in the Church missionary department.

“I was the staff supervisor for Preach My Gospel. There were a lot of people. It takes a lot of people to put that together. I was the managing director of the missionary department for 18-and-a-half years.

“I was involved in every single facet of the missionary program. It’s in my blood. I have taught missionaries all over the world. I have taught mission presidents all over the world. I was always under the leadership of the general authorities. I know what it is to be a Preach My Gospel missionary. These are Preach My Gospel missionaries. Online [work] is so exciting. Now we get to take the message to the whole world.”

Sister Christine Creer, a missionary from Utah, said this involvement is evident in the Allens’ life. “I could tell he’s done a lot for the Church. That is what his life has been geared toward, and Sister Allen too. We’ve had a lot of good experiences.You can tell they’ve been around the block as far as Church service.

“He’s always been very missionary minded because he was born into that. His dad was in missionary service building chapels, and then his own mission and media.”

The couple will return home in Jan. and Sister Allen said they will miss the people and the aloha spirit.

“It’s very sincere and very deep. These are such humble people, and they love the Lord.

The aloha connection is the closest to Zion [I’ve seen].”

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A hero of Hawaii and the Lord Hawaiian Church pioneer Jonathan Napela’s lasting legacy of living his culture and his faith BY: WILL KRUEGER

In front of the Cannon Activities Center stands a statue of a pioneer convert to the gospel and co-translator of the Book of Mormon Jonathan Napela, whom the Hawaiian and Pacific Island Studies program of BYU–Hawaii is named after. Napela played a fundamental role in the early establishment of the Church in Hawaii.

He helped establish Laie, developed the first language training program for missionaries and was a man of lifelong faith in the Lord.

“He’s something to be proud of because he helped the Church a lot in those early days.

I feel like a lot of Hawaiians have a hard time understanding what we are capable of. For me, he proves to Hawaiians we are capable of doing much more than we think,” explained Lyla Talaroc-Kaniho, a senior majoring in hospitality and tourism management from Maui, Hawaii.

According to churchofjesuschrist.org, Napela was an “ali’i” [chief of minor rank] and a circuit court judge in Maui before meeting missionary George Q. Cannon and converting to the gospel in the 1850s.

students, have a difficult time in how we navigate being strong as a Hawaiian and as a member of the Church.

“He put God first but was Hawaiian through and through. We learn from him that we can be Hawaiian, or any Polynesian or any ethnic group, while also being strong members of the Church. There may come a time when we find something incompatible between the two, but the gospel always comes first.”

Talaroc-Kaniho remarked, “I feel like [Napela] should be celebrated for what he did as a Hawaiian and member of the Church in these islands. He did a lot for the Church here in Hawaii and was very influential in helping many Hawaiians learn about the gospel. He may have even helped some of my ancestors.”

According to Housman, Napela organized a school to teach new missionaries from the mainland the Hawaiian language so they could proselyte in Hawaiian. This was viewed as a precursor to the Missionary Training Center language training programs.

Hawaiian hero Alohalani Housman, associate professor of the Hawaiian Studies program, explained Napela’s greatest influence was his example of intertwining his culture and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“He did it beautifully. He was a Hawaiian and a strong member of the Church. Some current members of the Church, or even

Lifelong faith to the Lord Housman shared Napela was well known for the great faith he had. George Q. Cannon recorded in his journal many faith-building experiences he had with Napela.“Cannon and Napela worked a lot together in establishing the Church here in Hawaii. While Cannon taught Napela a lot about the doctrine of the gospel, Napela taught Cannon a lot about having faith.”

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Housman said Cannon recorded Napela’s demonstrations of his great faith a number of times, including praying for storms at sea to go away, giving a blessing for the healing of a diseased woman and more in which his faithful prayers were answered.

Walter Lawrence, a BYUH alumnus who has lived in the community for 23 years, said he thinks Napela is the epitome of faith. “I can’t think of anyone else who would be a better example than him to represent the Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Island Studies. I think it’s appropriate that he has a statue together with George Q. Cannon.”

A student at the time when the statue of Napela and Cannon was erected, Lawrence said as the statue was being built, the school showed a play about Napela. “During this time, I learned a lot about Napela’s strong faith, strong testimony and missionary efforts.”

According to Housman, Napela was the first known Hawaiian to receive his endowment in the temple. He traveled all the way to Utah to get his endowment. “He stayed strong in the faith his entire life in building the Church here in Hawaii.”

Faithful legacy Housman noted it was Napela who prepared land in Maui where the first branch of the Church was organized and where the first chapel was built in the Hawaiian Islands. Talaroc-Kaniho said she visited this chapel during her childhood.

“Growing up, I went to the chapel several times

This statue just north of the Cannon Activities Center on campus of Jonathan Napela, right, and George Q. Cannon, left, celebrates the life of these two men who shaped the early history of the Church in the Hawaiian island. Photo By Chad Hsieh

in upcountry Maui Napela helped organize.

The chapel has a monument for him, and it was really nice knowing he had a part in developing the Church from Maui.”

Napela was part of the first gathering of Hawaiian saints to the island of Lanai, Housman said. After this did not work out, Napela was a part of the group who helped gather the saints and establish the Church in Laie.

The Jonathan Napela Center, Housman explained, has written a song honoring him, done extensive research on him and taken students to significant places Napela visited.

She shared Napela’s life was one of service to his people and the Lord. “He spent his whole life serving, not only to members of the Church but also to the people of Hawaii.

Napela showed us if we do what we can to build up the kingdom and show great faith, miracles will happen, not only for us but also people around us.”

“He put God first, but was Hawaiian through and through.

We learn from him that we can be Hawaiian, or any Polynesian or any ethnic group, while being strong members of the Church.

There may come a time when we find something incompatible between the two, but the gospel always comes first.”

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Making time for the temple Students share how going to the temple during the week blesses their lives

BY OLIVIA HIXSON

With the Laie Hawaii Temple blocks away from campus, BYU–Hawaii students shared the importance of making the temple a priority in their busy lives because it makes them better students, reduces their stress, and helps them feel at peace. Some students said to prioritize temple worship, they pick one day a week where they go to the temple consistently.

Carmela Bristain, a senior from the Philippines studying accounting, teaches the temple preparation class for the Laie YSA 15th Ward.

She commented, “If you really have in mind that you need the temple, and it’s already a priority for you, it will be easier for you to know which day you should go. Think of it as a part of your lifestyle.”

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Kayli Whiting, a freshman from Utah studying psychology, said she set a goal at the start of the year to visit the temple weekly.

“Make [the temple] important to you because it is only as important as you make it.

If you set it as a priority at the beginning of the week, you are going to be thinking of what time you can go.”

Marisa Firth, a junior from Utah studying TESOL education, shared when making time to go to the temple, there always seems to be enough time to finish everything else.

“Even though it seems like you’re going to spend two hours doing something other than homework, the Lord adds in more time and makes it possible. I think He also makes it to where you work more efficiently. It’s not just

“When you go to the temple, I feel that’s when it all comes together.” like you have magical time given to you, but the temple makes you quicker and able.”

Sister Ku, a sister missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving at the Laie Temple Visitors’ Center, said just making time to visit the temple grounds can make profound changes in a student’s life.

“It is a blessing that the temple is so close to the school, so even if you walk around the temple, it’s okay. Just make your peace and think about why you are here.”

Firth also said even if life is going well, the temple can always make life better.

Graphic by Lynne Hardy

Divine help Similarly, Bristain shared how going to the temple can help relieve stress and anxiety for students. “If you go to the temple, then you can find solace there.You will know that everything will be okay because there are so many blessings to receive at the temple.”

She added the temple is a time where you can focus on yourself, your friends, your family and your future, and you can think about the Lord and aligning your will to His will.

“If you’re too stressed with so many things, then think of the temple as a stress reliever for you.”

John Taylor, a sophomore from Texas studying business finance, commented, “I went to the temple yesterday, and I felt like my

mindset changed a little bit. It made me want to [go to the temple] more.

“Before I went, I didn’t want to [go] as much. So, the first step I would say is to go anyway, and then the desire will come because you will see what a value it brings to your life.”

Everlasting blessings Whiting said going to the temple gives her a safe space. “In a way, it shows God that I am willing to go to His house. So, when I go to His house and show a willingness to serve Him, I can feel His love for me.”

Firth said weekly time in the temple helps her remember what is truly important at school. “I am here to learn and [the temple] also helps me to value the school even more.”

Both Firth and Bristain expressed how the temple helps them feel closer to their families, both on the earth and on the other side of the veil. Bristain said since she has a temple recommend, she has a duty to do temple work for her ancestors. “They need me, and I need them.You just have to think that your ancestors are there for you and are going to help you every step of the way if you help them.”

Firth also said she feels the temple is a place where the Spirit dwells in abundance.

“I know Heavenly Father gives us feelings of comfort and peace, especially through those around us. When you go to the temple, I feel that’s when it all comes together.”

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All religious buildings and sacred spots should be given the same respect as the LDS temple, according to students

BY ELI HADLEY & CODY BRUCE BARNEY In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Laie Hawaii Temple’s dedication, BYU–Hawaii students, some of whom converted from other faiths, as well as faculty, reflected on the sanctity of all religious structures. Although temples in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are held as the most sacred places for its members, students and faculty said it was important to treat temples and other sacred spaces not of their faith with the same respect and solemnity.

Shinto

Roger Keller, a professor emeritus of BYU, said, “Shinto is primarily about Japan and its people, and while there are shrines outside the country, the kami are truly Japanese.” Kami, according to Japan native Katsushiro Kajiyama, an assistant professor of the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, are “Spirits that are worshipped in the religion of Shinto.” He said a Shinto priest once told him, “Kami are sacred spirits that take the form of things and concepts important to life, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers and fertility.”

“Every New Year millions of people come to the Meiji Shrine and pray.” He said on New Year’s Day, those who do not regularly practice Shintoism will visit mountains and pray to Kami.

Catholicism

Anel Canto, a sophomore from Panama majoring in computer science, said he was raised in the Roman Catholic Church until he was 10. “One interesting thing is some Catholics like going to cathedrals, and they like kneeling to pray. [A cathedral] is definitely a sacred place. In the Catholic Church, there’s a place called the holy of holies, which is the place where they keep the sacrament of Christ. . . It’s kind of similar to the holy of holies in our temple.”

Canto added, “It’s nice to know how the Catholics have built throughout the centuries some beautiful pieces of architecture too. It tells the importance they gave to religion, the institution of the Catholic Church, and to God.”

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Buddhism

Venerable Fred, a Buddhist monk at the Sacred Falls International Meditation Center, and the Wat Lao Sithammaram Temple at Ewa Beach, explained temples and sacred spots of any faith serve the purpose of making one a better human being.

Fred, clad in his bright orange robe, explained how sacred places, both in nature and human-made, always have an element of beauty to them.

Mauna Kea– sacred in nature

Drawing parallels between Mauna Kea and temples, Christian Kunz, an associate professor of Social Work, said Mauna Kea, a holy mountain on the Big Island, is similar the gospel of the Church, including its temples.

“When we look at the scriptures, there are plenty of examples of mountains being considered sacred.

“Being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we certainly have had a history of persecution and people not respecting our beliefs. For us to turn around and dismiss someone else’s beliefs is pretty hypocritical, in the very least.”

Kunz said he first visited Mauna Kea as a legal observer for four days in July 2019. “I knew Native Hawaiians viewed the Mauna as a spiritual and a sacred place, but I certainly didn’t embrace that belief as well. When I got there, there was a feeling of acceptance from the people there. It was overwhelming. They have committed to live what they call ‘Kapu Aloha,’ which is treating everyone with nothing but love, respect and empathy.”

“I think beauty can inspire some higher feelings in us. And it does not depend on which faith. Anything beautiful can be inspiring. People put energy and inspiration into a building or an object, and little by little, this energy of prayers builds up more feelings of something beyond what we can perceive. And it doesn’t matter what faith you are.

We all have in us, this aspiration for something higher, and are trying to connect to something beyond reality.”

He advised, “Try to understand the meaning because every ritual has a meaning behind it. We can then connect with [our brothers and sisters] because the meaning of these rituals exists in other faiths. It is just practiced differently.”

Kajiyama noted in Japan, there are Buddhist temples spread over Japan. “It is said that 30 percent of the Japanese population is Buddhist.

Many homes [own] a small Buddha altar, and family members pray in front of it.Yet, people ordinarily do not visit temples. Family members visit the temple only for funerals or memorial days of death.”

At Mauna Kea, professors from around Hawaii would volunteer their time to educate others about Native Hawaiian culture and social action. “When I sat there and listened, it really clicked for me. One of the classes I sat in was called ‘Akua Mauna,’ which means ‘the gods of the Mauna,’ and the teacher told the stories of the gods of the mountain. It just made sense.”

The teacher told a story of how a chief, despite all his power and authority, could not go on Mauna Kea because it was viewed as being so sacred. “The teacher even said, ‘I practice Native Hawaiian traditions, and even I don’t go to the mountain very often. I go maybe three times a year if I’m ever in a place where I need to be able to see more clearly.’ Immediately, I started thinking how I thought that when I went to the temple.”

Kunz added how, with the increase in telescopes on Mauna Kea and the rise in tourism on the mountain, he could not imagine what it would feel like to be an indigenous person.

“Native Hawaiians are told they should not go there very often because it is so sacred and not to be taken lightly, and yet here people are going up there all the time. It’d be kind of like opening the doors of our temple, and people just took over and were going in all the time. These experiences helped me understand the sacredness and significance of Mauna Kea.”

Graphics by Brooklyn Redd

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Mecca and Islam

Jia Jun Liew, a senior from Malaysia majoring in accounting and finance, grew up in an area where Islam is predominant.

Liew explained how entering Mecca was similar to a member of the Church entering the temple and partaking in its ordinances because Mecca is considered the holiest city in all of Islam. It is the birthplace of their founding prophet Muhammad and the site of his first revelation.

“Over in Mecca, they perform prayers while wearing pieces of special clothing, which are usually white, similar to our temple robes. They’re different for men and women. Muslims are encouraged to perform their pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. In a way, it is similar to our temple endowments because we are also encouraged to take part in the sacred ordinances of the temple in order to obtain the blessings that God has in store for us.”

Hindu Temples

Vinodh Chellapilli, a freshman from India majoring in applied mathematics, said he grew up as a member of the Hindu faith until he joined the Church at the age of 17.

His extended family was separated from him, but he explained, “The gods say our family needs to gather every year at the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple for a family festival. The temple became a place of gathering for us.

“One week, we will do a festival honoring the main gods. And the next week, we would hold a festival for those who passed away. This festival is all about unity and honoring our ancestors.”

In his village, Chellapilli’s family had their own private temple, he said where they worshipped their gods, and once a year would make a journey to a larger, public temple, meant to be a gathering place to worship. He said, “You should respect Hindu temples as you would respect your own temples.”

When he first went through the temples of the Church to receive his endowments and participate in the ordinances there, Chellapilli said, “I felt so much happiness.

I was in tears. I felt the Spirit. I felt the angels were next to me and felt such a strong feeling.”

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Students and community members take part in the "Light The World" campaign for the42 first time in Laie.

KE ALAK A ’I Photo by Ho Yin Li

Giving Machines in Laie bring Christmas spirit Vending machines at the PCC help people better emulate the Savior, says Church specialist

BY OLIVIA HIXSON Because of tourists, able volunteers and international influence, the directors of the “Light the World” campaign with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared how Laie is the perfect place for a Giving Machine.

The Giving Machine campaign comes with the hope a more accessible opportunity to donate will help “ignite a global flame of doing good.”

Giving Machines are vending machines where individuals can donate to worldwide and local organizations. They are located at the Polynesian Cultural Center from Nov. 19 to Jan. 1 and provide tourists and locals an opportunity to donate specific items to charities during the holiday season.

Laie is one of only 10 locations in the world with Giving Machines. Each machine is partnered with two global charities and four local charities, aiming to keep as many donations distributed throughout Hawaii. The nonprofits paired with the Laie Giving Machines are UNICEF, WaterAid, FamilyPromise, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Food Bank, and DentalClinic.

Karl Cheney is a mass media specialist of the missionary department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His department plans and executes the Giving Machine campaign. He shared their main goal is to get people involved in a new and innovative way to donate.

Cheney said 100 percent of the profits derived from the Giving Machines go directly back to the charities.

“Some may feel that their simple offering will make little difference. Not so. Each gift, regardless of the amount, lifts hearts and blesses lives in countless ways here in Hawaii.

No one on the receiving end would ever feel

that your gift didn’t make a difference to them,” he said.

“This is a unique campus and community.

Even with relatively small populations, both offer a global reach. The marvelous students who study here come from all parts of the world, and Laie is a destination for hundreds of thousands of worldwide visitors.

Cheney also said, “We hope what we’re doing here will be noticed in faraway lands and that this effort will help ignite a global flame of doing good.”

Getting involved In preparation for the Giving Machines’ arrival, Sister Cheryl Young, a sister missionary

working with the PCC on the project, said the machines had been in the works since the end of September.

“Most locations get from six months to a year to prepare for these machines to come, and we got word Sept. 23 we were getting two machines. This was exciting news, but we had much to do before their arrival, and a very short amount of time to do it.”

Young shared the majority of the volunteers helping people use the machines are students, with 294 out of the whole 448 shifts being filled by BYU–Hawaii students.

“I feel like the students were just incredible, and if it weren’t for [them], I don’t know how this would have been possible.”

PCC President Alfred Grace uses one of the Giving Machines at the PCC. Photos by Ho Yin Li DECEMB ER 2019

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Student volunteers go through a short training, she said, helping them get ready to share crucial information about the goals of the Giving Machine. They are encouraged to engage with anyone interested in while spreading love during the holidays.

“This is not a proselyting opportunity.

If patrons want to know more about the Church, volunteers can refer them to the local missionaries. This is strictly to bring awareness to giving and how giving one by one can affect people’s lives.”

A volunteer for the Giving Machine, Nephi Sanchez, a junior from Arizona studying social work, shared he was excited when he heard about the Giving Machine in Laie and wanted to volunteer as soon as possible. “I just think it’s a brilliant idea to have a vending machine to give people things because it just makes it so easy and accessible for everybody.”

One by one The Giving Machines have the theme, “One by One,” intended to cause deep

reflection on how to best serve people individually, according to Cheney.

He said, “[The Savior] went about doing good, and He did it one by one—which happens to be the theme for this year’s ‘Light the World’ campaign—One by One. As I try to draw closer to the Savior, to become a little bit better disciple each day, I ask myself, ‘What can I do for someone?’ The Giving Machines are definitely an answer.”

Likewise,Young added how relatively small things like donating at a vending machine help people emulate Christ better.

“I want to thank all those students who have helped by signing up to serve and also ask that you continue to spread the word about how a simple and meaningful act of service can change a life… when we choose to serve the way Christ did, one by one.”

Young expressed gratitude for the nonprofits they are partnered with and how much people need to understand their goals.

“I think the biggest thing right now is to bring awareness to the nonprofits associated

44 KE ALAK A ’I Community members attend the unveiling of the Giving Machines on Nov. 19

with our Giving Machines and all the different needs around the world. It’s not always about helping our own [Church] members.”

All over the world Cheney said as the machines’ success continues to grow exponentially, and more and more people are getting excited about a possible Giving Machine being in their area.

Deciding where to place the Giving Machines year after year can be a challenge, Cheney said. He said they look at traffic, accessibility, member involvement, and many other factors when choosing their next locations.

“I can’t say that next year we’ll go from 10 to 15, or whatever, locations. At this point, we simply don’t know. Our hope is that this initiative continues to grow as it provides a way for individual generosity to light the world.”

The Church hired BonCom, a company focused mainly around advertising and innovative ways of getting information to people, to help with the development of the

“Some may feel that their simple offering will make little difference.

Not so. Each gift, regardless of the amount, lifts hearts and blesses lives in countless ways here in Hawaii. No one on the receiving end would ever feel that your gift didn’t make a difference to them.”

Giving Machines. Brett Meldrum is a brand director at BonCom and shared his experience of making the Giving Machines easily accessible to the public.

“We want to have people feel something during the holidays that you can only get from giving and following the example of Jesus Christ. We help to create, and we work with multiple vendors. This is really a collection of experts as far as building these machines and building the brand.”

A change of heart Cheney emphasized the need to keep good deeds like this going throughout the year. He shared how the only way for this to truly be accomplished is through a real change of heart. “[A change of heart] takes time. It’s not something that happens as a result of a donation made through a vending machine or a single act of kindness, but as we make constant efforts to become a little more like the Savior each day, our hearts will change.”

Cheney commented while these donations are relatively small and simple, the people involved need to keep the spirit of the Giving Machine prevalent in their lives throughout the year.

“It’s easy to walk up to a Giving Machine, select an item or two, swipe a credit card, and walk away feeling like I’ve done my part.

After all, I’ve just bought a couple of chickens for someone, somewhere. But if that’s the end of my service, then I’m not giving my heart a chance to really change.

“Following the Savior’s example requires that we put ourselves in places each day – physically, mentally, spiritually – where the spirit can inspire us to act. Doing this will

Giving machines are intended to help others emulate Christ better, says officials. Photos by Ho Yin Li

invite a longer-lasting change of heart and more permanent Christ-centered discipleship.”

He shared while all of the excitement surrounding the Giving Machines and the unique opportunities that arise from having them so close by is certainly well-earned, it is also important to keep service and giving back the main priority in life.

“Giving Machines are just one way to help us think of others over ourselves. But it’s the spirit of them that invites me to be a little more gentle or kind or thoughtful to you, and then

for you to do the same for someone else. We hope all who participate will feel the Savior’s perfect love and to share that with another.

“As a Church, and as individual disciples of Jesus Christ, we invite all people to come unto Christ. That’s our mission. And the Giving Machines are one simple way for people to draw closer to the Savior this Christmas season.”

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The making of ‘Mr. Krueger’s Christmas’ Executive Producer Elder Stephen Allen revisits the Christmas classic

BY MICHAEL KRAFT Nearly 39 years after the release of the television special “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas,” Elder Stephen Allen, the director of the Laie Temple Visitor’s Center, who was also an executive producer of the show, reminisced, along with BYU–Hawaii students, about the film.

Allen said he hoped the film would be a classic, but he never thought nearly 40 years later it would still be shown. “It’s a timeless story,” he said. “It’s one of those must-see Christmas movies.”

The film, which was released in December 1980, was originally planned as a way to

incorporate The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square into a story, in an attempt to do something different from the traditional Music and The Spoken Word.

Allen shared how Michael McLean, who would go on to produce the film, proposed the story and said, “Why don’t we do this story

Allen said Jimmy Stewart struggled to keep timing while filming the Tabernacle Choir scene but Director Keith Merrill helped him figure it out.

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“What really made it impossible for me to consider not doing this was that I would have the privilege of directing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir... I am absolutely serious when I say this is one of the greatest honors I've ever had.” called ‘Mr. Krueger’s Christmas?’” He and his associates wrote the story about an old man named Willy Krueger, who is a custodian and caretaker of an apartment building. The goal was to make a Christ-centered film that also featured the choir.

Remembering the themes of the film, Delphia Lloyd, a junior from Idaho majoring hospitality and tourism management, said, “The message is about the birth of Christ and the spirit of Christmas and giving....It’s not about how much money you have or what you have, it’s about how much you give to other people.”

Allen said they knew if the film was to have high appeal, it would need a top-notch actor to play Mr. Krueger. Jimmy Stewart, who played Mr. Krueger, was one of the biggest actors at the time. “Today, young people don’t even know who he is, but at the time Jimmy Stewart was… one of the top two or three actors in Hollywood.”

Allen said he is currently working on a book that goes through the different eras of church media.

In his book, he quoted Stewart saying, “[The script is] something that’s very important.

The Christmas story is told as well as I’ve ever seen it. Told better than ever before. Such a story could do a lot of good in today's world ... What really made it impossible for me to consider not doing this was that I would have the privilege of directing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir … I’m absolutely serious when I say this is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had.”

After Stewart accepted the role, Allen, McLean, and Director Keith Merrill visited

Stewart decorates his tree with a little girl’s mittens in this scene from the show. According to BYUH students, “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas” is a timeless classic because of its joyful tone.

with Stewart in Beverly Hills to discuss his view of the character. Allen said, “It became really clear very quickly that he understood Krueger way deeper than we had ever imagined ... I think we gained more from him than he did from us in that first meeting.”

Reflecting on the plot of the film, Kayli Whiting, a sophomore from Utah majoring in psychology, said, “He was so lonely, but random strangers were able to help him find joy, and he was also able to help strangers find joy.”

According to Allen, two high points from the production of the special Christmas show were the experiences of watching Stewart have direction of the Tabernacle Choir and the scene where Mr. Krueger sees baby Jesus.

“The [Tabernacle] Choir is the whole reason he chose to do this. He was really nervous to … conduct the choir. He didn’t want to blow it,” explained Allen.

During the scene where he directs the Tabernacle Choir to the song “Sleigh Ride,” Stewart struggled to nail the timing, said Allen.

Eventually, they had to send in McLean to help count off and get the timing right for directing the choir.

When filming the scene in which Krueger sees baby Jesus, Stewart approached the director and asked if he could clear everyone who was not essential from the set and said, “I think I only have one of these in me.”

As a result, they filmed it in one take. “You watch that scene, and it’s just amazing,” said Allen.

Allen said most classic films are long, one or two-hour films. However, “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas” is only 26 minutes. He said it is the message of the true meaning of Christmas that makes this film a classic.

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‘O Christmas Tree’ Students tell cultural and family meanings behind their Christmas tree decor

BY KIMO BURGESS As the holiday season comes to a close with both Christmas and New Year’s around the corner, students at BYU–Hawaii shared their memories of Christmas trees and decorations both at home and on their missions explaining their families take the time to pick out a big, tall tree, have special ornaments the decorate their trees with, and decorate their trees as a family.

Weihnachten or Christmas in Deutschland “Germany is the birthplace of the Christmas tree,” according to Rahel Meyer, a sophomore from Germany majoring in communications. “When it is time to celebrate Christmas, a Christmas tree is a necessity in Germany”. Meyer explained houses in Germany have a Christmas tree and villages often have a village Christmas tree.

“It’s always a big tradition and choosing the right Christmas tree is important. For my family, it’s really important because we love those really big and tall Christmas trees. To find the right Christmas tree, we would go one whole day together ...We would search for the tree for five hours straight.”

Meyer described a Christmas tree in Germany as having real lights, ornaments, tinsel, angels and Christ-like decorations on the Christmas tree. She shared her memories of Christmas tree decorating traditions.

“My family would always give our Christmas tree a name. Every year we had a different Christmas tree with a different name like Bertha or something.

“The tradition in Germany, you don’t have a real Christmas without a Christmas tree,” she said. Back at home, they would have a Christmas tree decorating competitions, and after one-and-a-half weeks after Christmas, she noted, “We all get [the Christmas trees] 48

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together in our villages, in our own towns, or wherever we lived, and we all burned them together.”

Meyer said burning all of the Christmas trees became a special occasion with a feast during the bonfire.

Christmas trees in the United States Students from the United States shared their various Christmas tree traditions.

Alyssa Odom, a junior from Washington state majoring in music, shared how decorating the Christmas tree was a fun family tradition she would do as a family with her siblings, and she always looked forward to it.

“I grew up with three sisters. There are four girls in our family, and we had a tradition every year. My mom would buy, make or collect a new ornament for us, so we would each get a new ornament every year. However many years old we were, that’s how many personal ornaments we would have on our tree.

“We would each decorate the tree as a family, and we would all have our [own] special ornaments. We were always excited to see which one we would get every new year. That is a tradition we kept going even while I was on my mission. My mom would still mail me an ornament so that I could decorate even though I wasn’t with the family.”

Odom explained her family would always have white lights on their Christmas tree and always had a star on top that was gold and sparkly.

“If you looked at our tree, you would just see the light....It would have all the fun accents of ornaments, but the focus was always the light.” Because Odom’s Christmas tree focused on the light, she felt her tree was what Christmas should be about–the Savior Jesus Christ.

Sam Bybee, a senior from Oregon majoring in biology, shared a tradition he had with his family decorating their Christmas tree. “One of my memories of Christmas tree decorating is that every year we would decorate [a] Christmas tree sometime in the week after Thanksgiving. My family got together, and we would have a few boxes of ornaments that are ... sentimental.

“Me and my brothers’ kind of hate it, but now that we are older, we cherish the memory of decorating the tree all together.”

Bybee said he used to work on a Christmas tree farm. He described his family’s Christmas tree saying, “We always get a noble fir tree, probably about 7-feet tall. Not super sparse, not too spaced out, not super bushy either.”

His father used to cut down Christmas trees at the Christmas tree farm but stopped due to the cold weather and the Oregon mud, so his family starting getting an artificial Christmas trees. Bybee said plastic trees are not the same as real trees because they do not smell like Christmas.

“It’s always a big tradition and choosing the right Christmas tree is important. For my family, it’s really important because we love those really big and tall Christmas trees.”

- Rahel Meyer

Graphic by Kimo Burgess DECEMB ER 2019

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dinner on a budget Whether students are making an entire dinner or are in need of a side for their personal pot luck, below are some step-by-step instructions on how to prepare something to share the table BY: TAFFIE KWOK

According to Laura Craddock, a writer from savethestudent.org, the key to bringing costs down for a Christmas meal “is to cook for all of your mates and split the bill. It is also a good opportunity to serve others.This Christmas, get a group of four or more mates and cook for your roommates.�

Fried brussels sprouts and onions 1. Start by chopping up the onions and cut the Brussels sprouts in half.

2. Add them to a frying pan with a couple of tablespoons of oil and fry them until the onions and Brussels sprouts are golden in color.

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Carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes 1. Peel and cut the vegetables in half, then into long slices.

2. In another oven dish, or the same pan as the potatoes if you can fit it, drizzle with oil and coat generously with honey or sugar.

3. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes and remember to keep turning and checking to get them how you like them.

Make sure they are evenly oiled, and then add a dash of salt, pepper and herbs. Roast for 20 minutes, turn the pieces over and roast for another 30 minutes. Poke them with a fork to test if they're done.

Gravy Instant 1. Just stir some gravy granules in boiling water, adding more granules if you think it needs thickening.

Making gravy from scratch 1.Take the leftover juices from the bottom of the dish you cooked the meat in and pour them into a pan.

2.Whisk in a bit of flour to thicken, bring to simmer with the water and add a stock cube.

The main dish Tip: Put it in before the potatoes to ensure everything is ready at roughly the same time.

Roasting a whole chicken 1. Rub the skin with olive oil, salt and pepper, and you could either use the sage and onion stuffing mix or pop two halves of a lemon inside.

2. Put it in for 20 minutes at 220 degrees Celsius or 430 degrees Fahrenheit, then turn the heat down to 190 degrees Celsius or 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Chicken or turkey breasts 1. Place your chicken or turkey breasts in a casserole dish with a little oil, and then put it in the oven for about 30–35 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roasted potatoes 1. Peel your potatoes then cut them into similar bite-sized chunks and stick them in boiling water for 10 minutes. It is important for them to be around the same size so they cook evenly.

2. Put a couple of tablespoons of oil of your choice into a roasting pan and place it in the oven at 220 degrees celsius or 430 degrees fahrenheit.

This temperature also gets the oven ready for the meat, too.

Tips to make the potatoes nice and crispy: Add a spoonful of flour and shake to coat.

3. Carefully add the potatoes to a hot pan, making sure they’re evenly oiled, and then add a dash of salt, pepper and herbs. Roast for 20 minutes, turn the pieces over and roast for another 30 minutes. Poke them with a fork to test if they're done.

Dessert pudding 1. Pop a little oil in a muffin tray and place it in the oven when you boil the potatoes.

2. Mix four eggs with 350 milliliters or 1 1/2 cups of milk. Gradually whisk in 215 grams or a cup of self-raising flour and pour the batter on to your hot tray and roast along with the potatoes.

3.They'll puff up and turn golden brown when ready.

Tip: Don’t have muffin or cupcake baking trays? Just make a massive one in a normal tray and cut up once it’s cooked.

DECEMB ER 2019 Graphics by Esther Insigne

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Members of the Church have helped spread the Christmas spirit and the gospel through the annual choir. Photos provided by Ankhbayar Otgonbayar

Bringing Christmas to Mongolia Mongolian saints help spread story of Christ and his birth in their country

BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE After decades of socialist rule ended in Mongolia, which forbad the practice of Christianity, Mongolians were introduced in the 1990s to Christianity and subsequently Christmas. As one of the larger Christian denominations in Mongolia, Mongolian saints said they introduced Christmas culture to their country to celebrate the holiday through musical devotionals, music videos, and charity projects.

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History of holiday traditions in Mongolia “Mongolians never celebrated Christmas in the past because there had never been Christians,” explained Odgerel Ochirjav, a public affairs director for the Church in Mongolia. “However, they [heavily] celebrate the New Year, which was borrowed from Russians during socialism.

Ochirjav said before socialism began in Russia, the Russians celebrated Christmas every year because the majority of Russians were Orthodox Christians. He explained when socialism started, all religions and religionrelated holidays were forbidden which led Russians to hate Christmas being forbidden, so Joseph Stalin created a new holiday: New Year.

“Stalin borrowed many things from Christmas for the celebration of the New Year.

For example, he allowed them to have a New Year tree that is decorated with a communist star on the top, which was formerly a star of Christ. Prayer was replaced by New Year wish whispering and many more. After two generations passed, most of the Russians forgot about Christmas and the New Year became their biggest celebration,” Ochirjav explained.

When Mongolia was a socialist country between 1924 and 1992, they borrowed the New Year celebration from Russia. Today, the New Year is one of the biggest holidays in Mongolia that people eagerly await.

After Mongolia began to accept Christianity, the celebration of Christmas came to the country and has in part been spread by members of the Church in Mongolia.

The group has been invited to sing on national stations annually.

The Christmas choir Ochirjav said the BYU–Hawaii Concert Choir toured Mongolia in 2008, which inspired Mongolian saints to start a Christmas choir.

“The BYUH choir performance showed us the next level of choir and inspired Buted Altangerel, a choirmaster of the Ulaanbaatar West District [currently Ulaanbaatar West Stake] to start our own choir.”

Altangerel, already an established opera singer who was awarded the Honored Actress of Mongolia, decided after seeing the concert she would establish a choir similar to what she saw.

Soon after the BYUH choir left, the Christmas choir was established in Mongolia and practicing began. The choir performed its very first Christmas musical devotional on Dec. 25, 2008. The performance was so well received it became an annual tradition, said Ochirjav. Every year the choir has a one-totwo-hour-long performance consisting of musical and theatrical elements that are focused on the story of Christ’s birth.

Ankhbayar Otgonbayar, a freshman from Mongolia majoring in graphic design, was a choreographer of last year’s performance. Otgonbayar is a well-known singer in Mongolia. He participated in musical competitions including The Voice of Mongolia, Universe Best Songs, Camerton 2, and others.

He said, “[The performance] is getting better every year and becoming more well known to the public. Now it is the most exciting part of Christmas in Mongolia. Church

The choir helps fellow Mongolians understand Christianity more.

members and even non-members who know about it look forward to it.”

The Church’s public affairs officials in Mongolia have invited non-member authorities including ambassadors of different countries to the Christmas events.

In recent years, the United States and the United Kingdom’s ambassadors started to watch the Christmas choir perform regularly and invited the choir to sing for their embassy’s Christmas events, according to Ochirjav.

Bayartsogt Lkhagvajav, a freshman from Mongolia majoring in human resources said he has sung in the Christmas choir for eight years and emphasized preparing for the Christmas musical devotional requires sacrifice and patience from members.

Lkhagvajav explained, “The preparation process usually takes two months, and it is very challenging. However, I feel it is worth it when I see the audience feeling the Holy Spirit and remember the Savior through our service. It DECEMB ER 2019

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The choir, knonwn as Zion, has competed in the show Mongolia's Got Talent. Photos provided by Ankhbayar Otgonbayar

helped me to understand the importance of our Savior’s birth and strengthened my testimony.

Before this musical devotional starts, even Church members did not have a much correct understanding of Christmas."

Spreading the gospel through Christmas cheer Besides the choir introducing Christmas culture to Mongolians, it also became another tool to bring individuals to the Church. One of those individuals is Oyunchimeg Baatar. She came to Church through her friend’s invitation to sing in a choir in 2008. Later, she received the discussions from the missionaries and was baptized.

Baatar said singing in the choir blessed her life in different ways. “It helped me to understand the true meaning of Christmas and feel the Spirit abundantly. I received my testimony of the truth of the Church though the choir even before I started taking discussions from the missionaries. When I sang in the choir, I heard a voice tell me again and again that I need to stay in this church forever.”

Otgonbayar said the Christmas devotional is a good opportunity for missionaries to bring their investigators to learn about Christmas and feel the Spirit of God. He said, “The preparation process brings us together and helps us to become good friends. There are even some couples who met during the choir preparations.”

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Onon Dalaikhuu, a freshman from Mongolia majoring in human resources, said almost every year television stations invite the choir to sing for their broadcasts on Christmas days. Additionally, big malls, hotels, and many other public service organizations have invited the Christmas choir to sing in their public space as well.

Music videos Ochirjav said the annual Christmas choir performance was the start of much bigger things. His friend, Tsogtbayar Samandari, a famous cartoonist, watched it one time and suggested the choir participate in the ‘Mongolia’s Got Talent’ show, a popular show in Mongolia.

The Church choir participated in the show under the name “Zion,” and became one of the finalists. Now every Mongolian knows the “Zion” choir-band, and the Church is becoming more well known to the public.

Bayasgalan Sukhbaatar, a freshman from Mongolia majoring in business management is the CEO of the BEONE media production company, which has created Christmas songs accompanied by music videos every year since 2016. He said there is not a lot of Christmas music in the Mongolian language, so he decided to fill the gap through making this company.

Sukhbaatar is also a creator of MEFY [Mongolian Especially For Youth] project, which is a media production project that

included talented Mongolian youth saints to create church songs in the Mongolian language.

BEONE production, “Zion,” MEFY, fulltime missionaries, and other Church members worked together and created five Christmas songs with music videos so far. They did not get paid, and it was their service for Mongolians, Sukhbaatar said.

According to Otgonbayar, those songs were well received and highly appreciated in Mongolian society because they included different elements, including choir, solo singing, rapping and traditional Mongolian music instruments [horsehead fiddle, Mongolian zither, dulcimer among others].

Otgonbayar said the songs played on the jumbotrons on the main streets of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia and on television stations as well. Otgonbayar said he was part of these music videos. “It was so weird to watch myself on jumbotrons again and again. I saw many times that people were waiting for traffic lights and walking on the streets watching us. It is just amazing.”

The Ulaanbaatar Relief Society sisters assemble packages for maternity hospitals.

Even though all the members of BEONE production are here in Hawaii, they are making another song called “Hide” for this year’s Christmas. Nomungerel Enkhtuvshin, a junior from Mongolia majoring in psychology, will be the singer.

Enkhtuvshin said, “Christianity is a minority in Mongolia, so we face a lot of resistance. However, expressing ourselves through music reduces the resistance and helps Mongolian society to understand us better. This year’s song is not about Christmas, but it is about sharing the light without hiding our faith.

The video will show Mongolian students’ lives here in BYUH.” BEONE created a Mongolian version of the “Did You Think to Pray?” music video at the request of the Mormon Channel, which became one of the most viewed videos of the channel. The videos are free and available on YouTube channels “MEFY official” and “LDS Mongolia.”

Mongolia majoring in hospitality and tourism management.

This year the Ulaanbaatar West Stake Relief Society sisters made infant packages that included swaddles, baby clothes and baby hygiene products. The packages are going to be given away to maternity hospitals on Christmas day. Lkhagvajav said one service they often perform during Christmas is to visit

families, sing carols and give gifts. “We visit youth prisons to give gifts and haircuts. We also spread air pollution filtering masks in the streets. We do lots of street cleaning services as well. We also partner with other charity organizations, such as “The Magic Kingdom,” “Lantuun Dokhio,” and do humanitarian works.”

Charity projects Charity projects are another medium members of the Church use to spread the Christmas culture in Mongolia. Every year, Mongolian saints are involved in charity and service projects, according to Ochirjav.

Every year, traditional hot dairy drinks are given to people who work outside in the cold winter including policemen, street custodians, and homeless people, according to Uurtsaikh Nyamdeleg, a freshman from Graphics by Lynne Hardy

Battling the winter blues Those looking forward to the break between semesters say students can fight off holiday blues with exercise and hanging out with friends

BY ELI HADLEY

“Find people to spend time with during the break. Social support is a major deterrent for being lonely and homesick....I would also recommend contacting family back home.�

Graphics by Brooklyn Redd

With winter break approaching fast, BYU– Hawaii’s students, particularly those on the IWORK program, will spend the holidays in Laie. Holiday depression, or “holiday blues,” can be a time of joy, but it can also be a time of “sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety,” according to WebMD. Students said they believed the best way to counter the holiday blues involved spending time with friends and staying active.

For those staying in Laie for the holiday break, Libby Templeton, a senior from Washington State majoring in social studies education, said, “I think it’s really hard for students at this school. There are either students who are away from their families feeling lonely, or there are people who have created families here in Hawaii and leave them to go back to the mainland. I feel it causes us to feel lost and wonder where we really belong.”

The winter break, which begins after graduation on Dec. 13 and lasts a week past New Year’s Day until Jan. 8 when Winter Semester starts, leaves the campus depleted of students, many of them on the mainland, for a little over three weeks. With many students gone and no classes in session, Justin Lee, a sophomore from Malaysia majoring in psychology, said he believed the mix of homesickness and having little to do could potentially cause an individual to feel depressed.

“I know most students here are out on their own for the first time in their lives,” said Lee. “Having to take care of themselves and having to own up to their responsibilities does bring up quite a lot of stress.

“Couple it with not having family around during the holidays and, in this context, Christmas, which the majority would agree is best spent with family members. It would be very easy for someone to feel down and lonely.”

Additionally, Ana Tucunduva, a junior from Brazil also majoring in psychology, described how the thought of missing out on one’s cherished family traditions could contribute to

feeling “blue” during the holidays. “Each one of us has certain traditions during Christmas. We eat with our family, everyone gathers together, we play games, watch certain movies and so on.

“But not all of us are lucky enough to go home, so we just stay. We might become depressed because we’ll remember the good times our family is having and wish we were there.”

Having no classes to go to might also contribute to a student’s holiday sadness.

According to Stephen English, a freshman from Florida majoring in communications, a lack of socialization can prove to be crippling to someone’s happiness.

“If their friends from school aren’t from the same place and go home, a person could end up getting lonely. Other factors might include being worried about finances, giftgiving and other issues,” he added.

One of those other issues, in particular, was Seasonal Affective Disorder. Templeton, being from Washington, said she experienced the disorder in her home state.

“Seasonal Affective Disorder is when the weather, typically the lack of sunlight, causes mood changes. People who are typically very healthy may show signs of depression or anxiety. People with depression and anxiety have worse symptoms because of it.”

In a state such as Washington, individuals are more susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is due to more severe seasonal changes compared with Hawaii, which boasts a warm climate and plenty of sunlight.

To combat the disorder, Templeton and others in Washington and various areas affected by heavy winter weather use lightboxes, which are boxes filled with bright lights intended to mimic outdoor light. They provide the user with Vitamin D to help. “Others use medication, exercise, or therapy, but personally, I’d rather run away to Hawaii,” she admitted.

One student staying in Laie for the entire break is Christina Augurea, a freshman from Papua New Guinea majoring in political

“Happiness is a choice. I just have to live in the moment. If something fun happens, I’ll go out and try to involve myself, but I’ll definitely take a little time for myself.”

science. She explained how she hasn't spent Christmas with her family in Papua New Guinea since before her mission nearly three years ago, and celebrating the holidays away from her family was “like erasing all those loving memories of Christmas each time I’m away.”

To counter depression during the holidays, English described how he believed it essential for students to look to others for support.

“Students can turn to their wards and engage with them. It’s an opportunity to make new friends if their friends are gone over the break.

I’d want them to move along their levels of personal connections as they’re available.”

Lee said he felt the likelihood of an individual getting depressed during the holiday season varied from person to person. “The ones who are independent or more capable of adjusting to life here on campus won't suffer as greatly. But for sure, being home for Christmas beats any form of staying here on campus.

“I would say keep yourself busy. Find people to spend time with during the break.

Social support is a major deterrent for being lonely and homesick. I personally play video games and badminton. I would also recommend contacting family back home. We have the technology and resources to do so, so why not just use it to your advantage?”

Augurea, who shared she was not sure what she would do with her winter break, said she was determined to stay active. “If on holidays I do nothing, it makes me want to just stay in my room and causes me to sleep, wake up, and do nothing.

“Happiness is a choice. I just have to live in the moment. If something fun happens, I’ll go out and try to involve myself, but I’ll definitely take a little time for myself.”

Graphic by Taffie Kwok

Seniors X Llewel Galapon Angala and Jen Bilan celebrate graduation together.

Photo by Shazer Llanera.