Kahalu'u Ward Message 8/30/26

Kahaluu Bishop

Aug 29

4 min read

Aloha Kahaluʻu Ward,

This past week I had to travel to Yokosuka Naval Station in Japan for work. Leeah and Aden decided to tag along with me on this trip, so it became a nice time for us to spend time together with Aden knowing that he would soon be off on his mission soon and starting his journey into adulthood. On our first night, around 2 o'clock in the morning, we awoke to our hotel room rumbling and shaking side to side from an actual earthquake! I jumped out of bed and opened the window to sirens blaring and warnings being repeated in Japanese over the loud street speakers. A few minutes passed and all was ok where we were at.

The next day I wondered, how are the buildings in Japan, made out of cement able to withstand common instances of earthquake occurrences? A simple Google search revealed, "Japan builds earthquake-resistant structures by following strict Building Standard Law regulations and utilizing three main engineering tiers—taishin (reinforcement), seishin (damping), and menshin (isolation)—that allow buildings to move with seismic forces rather than fight them."

Right away, it made me think of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Church standards do not restrict freedom, they establish the boundaries needed to survive spiritual tremors. Taishin (Reinforcement) is the engineering goal of reinforcing walls, beams, and columns so the core frame stands firm against forces pushing against it. This reminded me of putting on the whole armor of God to withstand the temptations of the day and stand firm when trials hit directly. Building personal spiritual strength through prayer, scripture study, and obedience reinforces our ability to stand strong. Seishin (Damping), or the use of shock absorbers and dampers absorb, disperse, and cushion the energy of a quake so the building frame doesn't snap. The Atonement of Jesus Christ acts as the ultimate spiritual damper, taking the brunt of our grief, sin, and distress.

Menshin (Isolation) is separating the structure from the foundation using flexible bearings or pads so the ground can shake underneath the building without transferring that force directly to the living space above. As Latter-day Saints, we often hear the phrase, "Being In the World, But Not of the World". Covenants create a buffer between our inner life and all the chaos out in the world, keeping us grounded even when everything around us feels like it's constantly shifting.

Earthquakes in real life, emotional life, and spiritual life are scary and when you don't know what to do, it is easy to feel distressed. I can testify based on the experiences in my life, that trying my best to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, even through my many mistakes, gives me strength and hope to face and overcome challenges and adversity. I pray and hope for protection, peace, and happiness to flourish among the Saints of our ward every day, and know those things all possible through Jesus Christ.

Love each of you, Bishop Tano Kahalu'u Ward

Sacrament Meeting

August 30, Sunday 8:30 am - Sacrament Program: CLICK HERE
Zoom Link for Sacrament Meeting available upon request. Please contact Bishop Tano or Bro. Laimana. Don't be afraid to ask. We are happy to accommodate you.

Announcements

ATTENTION ELDERS QUORUM: Please protect our youth & sign up for Seminary Security this month: CLICK HERE JOIN OUR WHATSAPP Community for mobile Ward alerts. While on phone: CLICK HERE

Missionary Meals: Our missionaries need meals and visits! Please sign up to meet with the Elders using this MEAL CALENDAR, or call them at (808) 379-8012
Please set appointments to renew your Temple Recommends before they expire. Bro. Laimana can assist you.
- August 30, Sunday 8:30 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center
- September 1, Tuesday 6:30 pm - Joint Sports Night w/K2 @ Kaneohe Stake Center
- September 1, Tuesday 6:30 pm - Temple & Family History Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center
- September 6, Sunday 8:30 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center
- September 8, Tuesday 6:30 pm - Valiant Activities (Boys and Girls) @ Kaneohe Stake Center
- September 8, Tuesday 6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center
- September 8, Tuesday 6:30 pm - Temple & Family History Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center

TEACHING GOSPEL PRINCIPLES TO OUR CHILDREN

Parents show love for their children when they teach them.

Parents must teach children compassion and service.

Parents must teach children honesty and respect for others’ property.

Parents must teach children about the rewards of honest labor.

Parents must teach children moral purity.

Refer to the Marriage and Family Relations Participant’s Study Guide. Review the doctrines and principles in this lesson. Married couples can receive great benefits from reading and discussing the articles in the study guide From Bro. & Sis. Soon Marriage & Family Relations Specialists

MISSIONARY CORNER

Yesterday, Elder Aden Tano opened his mission call to serve in the Japan, Tokyo South Mission! He will be reporting to the mission field on December 30th! We are so proud of this young man and his willingness to serve the Lord and love the people of Japan in his dedication over the next 2 years.