Jason Ila expressed remaining on the covenant path despite challenges is God’s plan for him
Jason Ila, a senior from Papua New Guinea studying social work at BYU–Hawaii, said faith has never just been a part of life—it has been the foundation of every decision he’s made. From turning down a university offer to serve a mission to adjusting to life far from home, Ila said his journey is one shaped by deep gospel roots, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his purpose.
Rooted in the gospel
Growing up, Ila said he was taught that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ should be the core of everything he does. “Sunday Sacrament services, ward, stake conferences, Family Home Evening, family scripture study and family counseling were a priority and not just a to-do list,” he said.
He said his grandmother was the only faithful member of his family and served as a spiritual guide throughout his life. He said, “Her faith, love and support have strengthened me financially, spiritually and physically.” He said she would sacrifice what she needed for him, and she would work so hard to help him earn whatever he needed.
Although his parents were not members of the Church, Ila said it did not stop him from going to church, and nourishing his faith through constant commitment to the gospel teachings. “Over time, I was eager to know what my future would be,” he said.
President Russell M. Nelson, in his April 2022 General Conference talk titled “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” said, “I promise that as you consistently give the Lord a generous portion of your time, He will multiply the remainder.”
Mission over university
“After high school, I received an offer to pursue my studies at one of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) most [prestigious] universities, The University of Papua New Guinea, as a social work major in 2017,” said Ila.
However, he said he felt a greater calling. A few years later, he had the desire to be an instrument in the Lord’s work through missionary service. He said, “I applied and later received my mission call to serve in Papua New Guinea, Lae Mission, while still attending the University of PNG. Right there and then, I decided to withdraw from the university six months into school and serve my mission.”
Sister Monica Kauwe, first lady of BYU–Hawaii, said, “Seeking revelation from God is vital not only for your personal spiritual growth but also for the success of your marriage and family.”
Ila shared, “On my mission, I had experiences that I wouldn’t trade with anything in this world. I have met so many souls on the mission, and seeing them turn to the Lord through baptism and finding light, opened my heart to learn and love more as Christ did.”
Though he knew most of the basic truths and doctrines of the gospel, Ila said, he still longed to know where life would take him. “There I was convinced to experience [life] for myself, by exercising faith,” he said.
Facing trials with faith
Toward the end of Ila’s service, he said he faced obstacles and was not able to fulfill this goal all the time as a missionary, but at the end of his mission, he said he felt inspiration to return to his home. He said, “It took a while to fully understand the Lord’s plan for me.
However, after constant prayer and fasting, immersing myself in the power of the Savior’s infinite Atonement through repentance, I found peace and reassurance that I have a loving Heavenly Father, who loves and will never forsake us especially in our hard times.”
Quoting Elder Dale G. Renlund from his April 2015 General Conference talk “Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying,” Ila said, “God cares a lot more about who we are and who we are becoming than about who we once were.” He shared this quote motivated him to keep having faith in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the power of His infinite Atonement.
He continued, “Even though it was not easy to remain faithful at a very chaotic time, with people around me who pointed fingers, judged, and mocked me,” he still felt called to share the gospel with his family. “I know for myself the Lord has a very sacred call for me in my home, sharing the same light and love I did on my mission, with my parents and loved ones who needed to hear and taste the truthfulness of His restored gospel.”
A mother's wish a change of path
Ila said after a year, “I got redirected to make education a priority after counseling with my mother. Furthering my education was something she really wished for” him to do.
He said he didn’t want to attend school at the time because he was influenced by some of his friends to serve in the military. “One day, I shared my feelings with my mother about what I wanted. She said, ‘I need you to attend BYU–Hawaii. If you choose to go into the military, I will not consider you my son.’ My mother’s words resonated with me the rest of my life,” he said.
“In 2021, I applied for BYU–Hawaii and got accepted. I started school in the Fall of 2022 and chose to continue pursuing my interests as a social work major,” he said.
Inspired to serve his people
With the encouragement and motivation from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s October 2008 General Conference message “Lift Where You Stand,” Ila said, “Seeing my people’s suffering in poverty, abuse, and environmental issues, moved me to pursue this dream.” His wish is to give back to those in his home country by motivating all to have freedom through their thoughts and everything they do.
Ila said he wants to use “the knowledge, skills and talent gained in this university to expand knowledge and help individuals from home have a voice.”
“Similar to meeting new souls and seeing their eyes light up with joy and peace in the gospel of Christ, I am moved to strive and maintain effective studies and remain on the covenant path in this journey so I can do the same returning home, lighting more eyes in the joy of life,” he said. “Despite many difficulties, such as lack of sleep, hunger at times, discouragement, and missing home a little extra, I continue so I can reach my goal and serve my people.”
A life-changing decision
“Looking back, I would say making the decision to decline a university offer to serve a full-time mission was the greatest sacrifice and yet a life-changing moment for me,” Ila said. “The Lord knew what was best for me even in moments of doubt, discouraged by families and friends, but it had a great impact on me to have faith.”
He said, “In life, it can be hard if you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, but through faith, the Lord Himself will guide you through the path that seems difficult.” He said what has encouraged him is knowing that by obtaining a good education, doors of opportunity would be opened for him.
Adjusting to a new world
“Being given the opportunity to study here at BYUH and being the only child in my family, I feel a sense of responsibility to my parents and familiy members who look up to me as a source of light, strength and inspiration,” Ila said.
Attending this university, he added, gives him so much pride and joy, yet he also fears the challenges that come with it. “Cultural shock was definitely a challenge,” he said.
He said adjusting to a new lifestyle of balancing work and studies simultaneously was something he wasn’t prepared for. “However, I was able to manage this adjustment by learning the importance of time management and prioritizing my schedules to balance studies, work and social life,” he said.
President Nelson once said, “Education is a religious responsibility.” Ila added, “Although it took me a while to figure out the best way to navigate my college [experience], this adjustment has taught [me] a lot of life lessons as I prepare to go into the real world.”