We often hear that the Lord is “hastening his work,” (Nelson, Oct. 2024) and he certainly is. However, is seems that even when we “anxiously engage in a good cause” (D&C 58:27) there are often delays or disappointments requiring patience. Although minor, such has been true for us. But perhaps they are only setbacks from our perspective. The spirit whispers that this is His work and it may take a little time for us or others to prepare or get organized in the way he needs us to be. In his infinite perspective and wisdom, it may take a little time for people (including us), and things to get in place in order for us and the people we meet to receive and accomplish the Lords hastening work.

It was December 19, 1850 when Elder George Q. Cannon first set foot in Lahaina. He and his companions having been seasick through much of their journey from California to Oahu and then to Maui, the ‘bucket’ seemed a constant companion. (My heart goes out to them for I too am susceptible to motion sickness.) “I felt more feelings of despondency than I had done since I left home, “Elder Cannon wrote. “I felt that it was a great trial and cross to go to a foreign nation and preach the gospel.” After finding a suitable place to stay, he mastered his feelings and they got “busily engaged” in their work. The work did not come easy and many disappointments set them back including language barriers. “I feel a great anxiety to be able to talk with them and impart unto them the glorious truths of which we are the bearers…” After a while, when some of the missionaries became discouraged, felt they were wasting time, and decided to go home, Elder Cannon sought for revelation in prayer. “Every time I had prayed to the Lord that there might be a good work done here I had felt my bosom warm and felt the spirit continually whispering to me if I should persevere I should be blest…” He persevered, worked hard to learn the language, and then set out for a great work on Maui. (The Journals of George Q. Cannon, Hawaiian Missions, Ch. 1-2)

We too have had some delays getting things in order for the work we have been called to do. But in hindsight, that month or two waiting for this or that may have been needed for people (including us), and things to get in place, physically, emotionally and spiritually. After two months of studying the language and attempts at preaching in Lahaina, Elder Cannon wrote, “I have been thinking…to strike out tomorrow on a tramp round the Island, my desire to learn the language is the principle reason. I want also to see the situation of things at different parts of the Island…” In a similar spirit, Sister Hardman and I have been ‘tramping’ around the Island, visiting, getting acquainted with “the situation of things,” and recently under direction of stake and ward leaders, getting to know the saints, sharing a message about Jesus Christ as our Advocate, and putting in place the foundation for inviting participants to the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP). 

Sunday we started at the Kihei 1^st Ward invited by very capable Bishop Maetani to acquaint his ward council with the resources provided by the church to help those with addiction or compulsive behaviors. With scriptures we counselled together on how coming unto Christ blesses us with power and grace to be perfected in him. (Moroni 10:32) In the same ward, Sister Hardman and I spoke in sacrament meeting and told of advocates in our lives, especially our parents, and then bore testimony of Jesus Christ, our advocate with the Father. “Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice…” (Mosiah 15:9). Stake President Kelii Wunder was also in attendance and bore his testimony of these principles. We had a similar opportunity across the island in the Waiehu ward council. Our meetings concluded Sunday in our home ward, Kahului 1^st Ward where we had been invited to sing a musical number in sacrament meeting. We sang, “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,” (Hymn 1014). We practiced a lot and felt it was a contribution to the spirit of the meeting.

Because of these ongoing visits to the wards, we were blessed to welcome the next day a good number of new participants to the ARP support meeting, Healing through the Savior. We felt we were on sacred ground as with more than a dozen participants we read through Step 2 of the 12-steps, discussed the principles, then listened to each person tell their story of hope. Attendees include addicts, spouses of addicts, supporters and people wanting to learn. “I need this too,” I shared as part of my closing testimony. “There are things I want and need to improve but can’t seem to do it on my own. I too need the Saviors help, power, and grace.” I ponder a lot, how this is done. How do I enable the power of Christ to help me overcome things I can’t seem to do on my own? Part of the answer seems to be in understanding my relationship with him, and how he feels for me and advocates for me, and each of you. At the last minute I felt prompted to recite my testimony with the group in words I had compiled in a song last year. Many of you have already heard it. To emphasize our personal relationship, I wrote it as a duet, a personal conversation between Jesus and me, or any one of his followers. It is called, “For the Joy Set Before Me.”

Even with great tensions in the world, we concluded our week feeling Gods love for all of his children. The Lord is hastening his work.