Manulele A.

16, Hawaii, USA

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young man

Photograph by Mason Coberly

I’m from Hawaii. I’m also a receiver and running back for my high school football team.

Our team once played in a tournament on Saturday and Sunday. I had already decided I was not going to play sports on Sundays. Four teammates were injured on Saturday, so there was a lot of pressure to play on Sunday. But I didn’t play. Instead, I wanted to go to church and take the sacrament. So my cousin brought me to church.

College recruiters come to see how you perform in football tournaments. I knew I would miss opportunities by not playing on Sunday. But I also knew that Heavenly Father would bless me for my commitment. After the tournament, I was grateful that two colleges contacted me. But I was most grateful for the spirit I felt when I chose to keep the Sabbath day holy.