Respected Hawaiian kahuna gave up the traditions of his fathers for membership in the LDS faith.
In 1930s Hawaiʻi, a respected kahuna, or Hawaiian priest, was known for extraordinary spiritual gifts, including healing the sick, casting out unclean spirits, and receiving knowledge of future events.
His ancestors prophesied that a greater power would one day return to Hawaii. When he found it, he gave up everything. In the 1930s, a respected Hawaiian Kahuna [clears throat] or priest possessed spiritual gifts that amazed those around him. According to his greatgrandson, Kumu Hula Jang Kaim Kawa, this man could heal the sick, cast out unclean spirits, command the elements of nature, and receive knowledge of past and future events.
At the time, he became close friends with a Latter-day Saint mission president named Castle B. Murphy. Over the years, Elder Murphy witnessed many of the Kahuna's spiritual gifts firsthand. Despite their friendship, the Kahuna showed little interest in joining the church. Then one day, Elder Murphy taught him about the Melchazdc priesthood. He explained that this higher priesthood authority had existed in ancient times, was lost from the earth after the deaths of Christ's apostles, and had been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith.
Something about that message struck him deeply. For the first time, he became interested in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He soon made the decision to be baptized. But there was a price. The kahuna understood that baptism would require him to completely abandon the spiritual practices and powers he had inherited from his ancestors. His family and friends strongly opposed his decision.
Walking away meant severing ties with traditions that had been passed down for generations. Yet, he chose to move forward. He gave up his role as a kahuna, ended his connection with those ancient practices, and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A few weeks later, Elder Murphy asked him a question. Why, with all the marvelous spiritual gifts and abilities that you possess, did you throw those things away for the church?
The former Kahuna sat him down and shared something remarkable. He explained that when he was a boy, his father and grandfather had trained him in those spiritual traditions, but they had also taught him something else. They told him that the power they were giving him was only a lesser power. They said that long ago their ancestors had once possessed a greater power, but it had been taken away.
One day they said that greater power would return to the Hawaiian Islands. And when it did, he would recognize it. The former Kahuna looked at Elder Murphy and said that greater power our ancestors waited generations to return was the Melzdc priesthood. He remained faithful for the rest of his life. And according to his great-grandson, it was his sacrifice and testimony that helped inspire future generations to embrace the gospel as well.
Sometimes faith requires us to walk away from things we treasure, including some cultural traditions. But when we recognize something greater, the sacrifice becomes worth it.
