BYU–Hawaii Security Manager Iona Teriipaia reminded students of the value and strength of faith. BYUH ohana members shared it uplifted and inspired them by reminding them to lead by faith.
In his devotional on March 16, 2021, Teriipaia shared the story of his parents’ struggle to raise enough money to be sealed in the New Zealand Temple. He said when he was three 3 years old, his parents with two other children younger than he was, were able to be part of the group of Tahitians to travel to be sealed in the Auckland New Zealand Temple.
They were unable to save enough money to go, so their president told them to try all that they could do to raise money and “have faith and the Lord will provide a way.” After a while, they said opportunities started to come and they were able to go and get sealed with their family.
Melissa D. Katoa, a former BYU-Pathway Worldwide missionary from Tonga, watched the devotional from Australia, said the story touched her heart. “I know that the people from the islands have such immovable faith despite the financial circumstances they face.
“I was glad to learn that his parents were able to collect the funds and fly to the New Zealand Temple with 58 other Tahitians. What a wonderful Christmas present to be sealed for all time and eternity,” she exclaimed.
In his talk, Teriipaia also shared he was deployed while in the military in Turkey and Iraq and said before leaving the base, he would pause and say a prayer asking Heavenly Father to keep him and his team safe.
Katoa said this story reminded her of how important it is to lead by faith and to always set an example for others, regardless of occupation.
Kaisa Tevaga, a BYUH housing contractor from Kahuku, said Teriipaia was his former bishop and was always willing to help him. “In our ward, I was the president of his young men. With the support of our ward council, and especially him, we were able to get so many inactive members back to church.”
Tevaga felt uplifted by Teriipaia’s talk, he said, particularly when he shared he prayed every day while in the army to lead his crew. Tevaga said he was inspired by how Teriipaia put his trust in God to protect him, his family and those around him.
“Faith is believing in things that are not seen but are true,” Tevaga said. Faith is important, even if he can’t see it, he added.
Edmond Saksak, a senior from Vanuatu majoring in political science, works with Iona Teriipaia and said his talk made his day. “It was such a great and inspiring talk.” Saksak said Teriipaia lives what he speaks.