Gospel Reflection – Road to Hana

Along with the clouds which poured-out all the way back home, the Lord’s spirit poured-out peace to our souls having been on his errand

Sister and Elder Hardman at Hana Branch

Being 7:00 AM on a Sunday, we owned the Hana Highway. Only ‘Mongo,’ (my name for each mongoose who ran across the road) triggered sudden taps on the brake pedal. Happily, the rain defied the forecast and each tire successfully gripped six-hundred turns giving everchanging perspective to the windward coast and lush land. We opened the window and breathed deep. Rainbow Eucalyptus, Bamboo, Banana, Taro, and the African Tulip Trees proudly displaying their striking orange-red flowers. 

Our assignment was to attend the Hana Branch at 8:30 AM, train branch leaders on their role in Healing through the Savior, 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) and after sacrament meeting present the ARP to a combined meeting of Relief Society and Elders.

During the contemplative two-hour drive Sister Hardman and I reflected on our assignment and on our experiences over the past year as ARP Group Leaders. “How does one truly obtain the power of Christ to overcome a weakness? Is it humbly believing in him and trusting him? What can we emphasize to our friends in recovery so Christ’s power can heal and sustain them? I briefly turned to Sister Hardman to see if she grew tired of so many questions without pause. She encouraged me to continue. The scenery enhanced our discussion with its seemingly endless Gospel analogies –  Winding roads, frequent waterfalls and pools, water streaming its way to the ocean, narrow bridges, aboundant life, cautious turns, deep woods and mists of darkness, mud slides and fallen trees, ocean views, pounding waves… Being Sunday we couldn’t stop for fresh banana bread, but half way to Hana this thought came, perhaps some personal revelation. “Maybe it is not our place to know exactly how Christ’s power can heal and sustain each individual. Perhaps the answer lies in study, prayer, then personal revelation to each individual.”

At the small, 3-wing meetinghouse, we were warmly greeted in the customary Hawaiian way, blessed by the singing, sacrament, and special testimonies given by members, non-members, and visitors. President Satot, the local, kind and humble leader gave us generous time during council and combined meetings. Standing next to a monitor we showed the church addiction recovery website, overviewed the ARP, explained church resources, and encouraged all to invite family or friends who could benefit by these safe and compassionate support meetings. 

Being two-hours from the nearest ‘in-person’ ARP sessions, we encouraged future participants to ‘call-in’ from Hana attending virtually each week. “Would it be possible,” the Relief Society president asked, “for several persons to gather here in Hana and participate in the Zoom meeting?” “Certainly,” I replied. Sister Hardman nodded. We discussed some roadblocks that addicts probably experience. Like rain, narrow bridges, or fallen trees that might impede progress on the road, embarrassment or shame might block someone from coming for support. I moved to the center of the group. We discussed the confidential and anonymous nature of the meetings but also admonished each of us present to be less judgmental of those struggling with addiction. “Jesus was and is so good showing love to the ‘one’ in need of healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.” We spoke of the miracle that Sister Hardman and I experience every time we host a session, “The Lord doesn’t allow us to feel any judgement, only his love and compassion in these rooms.”

“How could we get an ‘in-person’ meeting here in Hana?” From this and similar questions, it seemed evident there was immediate need for more local and frequent ARP support. I turned to the branch president, who nodded as I said, “That’s a conversation that you can discuss in Branch Council, and President Satot can consult with stake leaders to determine the best way to proceed.”

A counselor in the branch presidency had invited the youth to attend. He asked, “What advice would you give to our youth? Some of them are faced with drugs or alcohol in their homes.”

“Thank you for that question.” I silently pled for spiritual help, but fumbled through something like, “For the Strength of Youth speaks of the sacred temple-like nature of our bodies, a gift created in God’s image. It is so important to keep ourselves clean and protect our agency…” Then, remembering their deep Aloha love for Ohana, I looked at the youth and said, “You must stay close to the Lord. But you must also love and respect others. Pray and read your scriptures and receive strength and for your situation… personal revelation.” Feeling that my answer fell short, I asked the group, “Can someone please provide more help to the youth?” A good brother made a helpful comment and we moved forward.

Thanks to a prompting a few days earlier, I called upon Saul to help conclude our presentation. “Saul went about, ‘breathing out threatening’s… against the disciples of the Lord… As he journeyed… suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth… Saul, why persecutes though me?’ Saul was blinded, then repented. The Lord commanded disciple Ananias to put his hand on Saul and heal him. ‘Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints… But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name…” (Acts 9:1-15)

“I bear testimony that we are all chosen vessels and that God does not give up on anyone. We testify that God loves all of his children and through the Holy Ghost prompts loving and gentle ministers to bless them. Like Jesus, he sees us as we can be, not just as we are.” (Isaiah 53:10)

The rain finally caught up with the forecast. But along with the clouds which poured-out all the way back home the Lord’s spirit poured-out peace to our souls having been on his errand. We drove slower, pondering our feelings from Hana, and felt love for those special saints in God’s unique and remote paradise.