Hear from students with church callings as they share the blessings and burdens of their ministry
Several BYU–Hawaii students share their experiences in navigating church callings in the midst of other work and academic responsibilities. Despite the challenges they faced, all recognized unique blessings which came from their respective callings, including being empowered to give back to the community that once helped them.
Fostering personal growth through eternal perspectives
To Zachary Cruz, a psychology senior from Australia, being called as a second counselor of the bishopric provided him with much insight. He shared the calling enabled him to learn the bishopric’s behind-the-scenes procedures and responsibilities that often go unnoticed by the public.
I see God not only as a friend, master, brother, or teacher, but also as the greatest counselor.
From planning ward activities and scheduling meetings to handling tithing and extending church callings, Cruz experienced firsthand the service and sacrifice offered by the bishopric to its ward members. “It’s amazing to see how much love our bishop and first counselor have for the members,” he commented.
Cruz learned much throughout his one and a half years of service. In particular, he said he found that “God is actively present in the lives of His children.” He had seen countless members undergo difficult trials, and even helped several of them himself.
As each member emerged from their challenges “esteemed and refined,” Cruz stated that he witnessed God’s works of love in every one of them. “These experiences are a testament that God is real and still performs miracles in these latter days,” he said.
However, callings also come with its difficulties, Cruz stated. He noted the challenge of balancing his church calling and work as a student lead in the New Student Onboarding (NSO). He shared that he sometimes lost track of ward tasks, particularly during the start of semesters where NSO is at its busiest.
Aside from this, Cruz also struggled with unsureties in his capacity as second counselor. He often asked himself, “What more can I do for the ward and the Lord?”
Fortunately, Cruz was able to delegate responsibilities with his leaders and co-workers, and received additional assistance from his friends. With their support, he overcame every struggle and continued serving to the best of his abilities.
All in all, Cruz found his church calling to be a great blessing. He explained that serving as second counselor improved his views of others and himself. Having been previously judgemental and disregarding of others, he has learned to see others past their struggles in a more compassionate light.
Cruz also viewed God in a new light. “God really is the greatest counselor,” he said. “He feels what others feel, knows how to validate others’ perspectives and loves with unconditional and positive regard.”
As Cruz continues to serve in his calling, he hopes to develop that type of empathy in all aspects of his life.
Harnessing spiritual harmony through musical melody
As a ward pianist of one and a half years, Thaddeus Mak, a computer science junior from Indonesia, had seen how his calling helped many members “feel the Holy Spirit.” Mak said, “I definitely see my calling as a blessing."
For Mak, serving as ward pianist blessed a number of people in his ward. He referenced an interaction with another ward member in the past. Someone had come up to him and expressed their gratitude for his piano playing, noting that it helped them “feel the Holy Spirit.”
As for himself, Mak experienced much development in his calling. Aside from improving his musical abilities, music also enabled him to feel God’s love even more.
But, being a ward pianist also came with its challenges, Mak said. A hymn may not be well known by members or the tempo may be difficult to adjust. Whatever it is, Mak explained that these difficulties may influence a pianist’s confidence, and consequently affects how well they play.
Music can help bring the Holy Ghost as well as peace in our lives.
Nevertheless, Mak continued to spend ample time honing his musical abilities. He regularly set time apart to practice hymn songs, planned out his weekly schedule and ensured that he still had some time for himself.
“I really love to play the piano, and I know that this calling can be a blessing to others too,” he concluded.
Cultivating spiritual improvement through mortal agency
According to Matt Sant, a biology and intercultural peacebuilding sophomore from Louisiana, serving as elders quorum president has significantly increased his compassion for his ward. He now believes that everyone not only belongs, but is also needed in the quorum.
“I feel a little bit like the Grinch, in that my heart has grown three sizes,” he commented. Although he has served in the position for almost two years, Sant still found difficulties in ministering as elders quorum president. “I always have the feeling that I am never doing enough,” he stated.
Sant recognized that he had room to improve in his ministering. A comforting thought to this, however, is knowing that he is not alone. The support of his two counselors and other ward members encouraged him to strive for self-improvement, particularly in his stewardship and spirituality.
For Sant, spiritual growth is a matter of agency. He stated that one may choose to put in spiritual effort, such as accepting church callings, or not. Regardless, “[God’s] work still goes on, whether someone decides to participate in it, or not, he explained.
“We just have to try our best and trust that the Lord will take our five loaves and two fish to feed thousands,” he concluded.