Kenneth R. Hardman
A reservoir of meaningful stories and songs
Category: Service Stories
Stories from missionary and other service experiences about faith, people, unexpected lessons, and the quiet ways the Lord works as we try to serve Him and one another.
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Our hearts are broken when we hear of broken lives, and broken relationships. Addiction or other compulsive behaviors seems to break everything that is good. We are often asked to share some of our personal experience working in the addiction recovery program (ARP). Since participation is anonymous to encourage honesty and supportiveness, people introduce themselves…
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In recent years before our service mission in Hawaii, Sister Hardman and I had developed the habit of attending the temple regularly, often weekly. Like many of you we were blessed to choose from several temples within a thirty-minute drive from our home in Utah. Serving ancestors and renewing our covenants does everything our prophets…
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“He walked on the water; even if but for a moment.” We spoke these words at our addiction recovery support group last night as we studied together, Healing through the Savior, Step 11. Each of our guests had just shared some hopes, setbacks, and successes regarding their addictions. At the end we bore our testimony…
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When is your most likely time for personal revelation? When is the earth, wind, and fire quiet and the mind at peace enough to hear that “still small voice?” (Ref. 1 Kings 19:12) For me it is early in the morning after a good nights rest, just before I’m conscious enough to remember yesterday’s concerns…
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I was afraid I might get sea sick on the way to Sacrament Meeting! We rose very early on Sunday and though greeted by a beautiful calm east sky surrounding Haleakala, as we pulled onto the Maalaea dock we were greeted by boulders that had been thrown from the sea into the parking area. We…
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The week started with a Tsunami! On Tuesday afternoon, July 29th, all phones on the island gave hourly high-pitched tones and displayed the message to leave coastal areas and move to higher ground. A strong earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia set up strong swells in the ocean and the waves were expected to reach Hawaii that…
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Tuesday – Outside, the summer sun gave contrast to the deep blue sky and white scattered clouds which in turn deepened the colors of the five tall stained-glass windows inside the sealing room at the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple. Sister Hardman and I sat amidst other family members as our oldest grandson stood by the…
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Each week on Maui, we look forward to Mondays when we conduct Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meetings. Each gathering is an hour of compassion and learning as we are blessed to feel a touch of the Saviors love for each person, and for ourselves. At the conclusion of each meeting, the service missionaries are…
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Stopped into Walmart this week; we don’t remember why. Perhaps it was to meet a fellow missionary from another faith, Aleka (see photo), A sweet lady who motioned us to sit with her so she could spread the word about God. We had a delightful conversation and wished her well in pointing people to Christ.…
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(Personal! But okay to share) “A miracle happens each time you walk through that door.” Words like these came from my mouth as we started this week’s Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support group meeting. I continued sincerely, “The Savior takes from our hearts and minds any criticism or judgement. In fact this is evidence that…