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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Each day this past week we took time to prepare for upcoming assignments, and to care for ourselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally. We exercise, write and sing about the beauties of life (song: Life Surrounds), walk on beaches or piers, wade through the Iao Stream, admire God’s hand in the infinitely varying sunsets above the…
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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…
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After weeks preparing and promoting throughout the two stakes on Maui, we held our first Healing through the Savior, 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program support meeting. As we’ve traveled and met with leaders and members of the Church, they always nod appreciatively and with tender confirmation, “That is really needed here,” followed by a humble or passionate, “Thank…
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Healing through the Savior, the 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program is now being promoted via digital means and our printed flyers across all wards and branches (two stakes) on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Part of our work is to attend all Ward Councils or 5th Sunday all-adult meetings to explain the program, raise awareness, and invite participation.…
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It was just after sunset at Kalama Park in the beach town of Kihei, Hawaii. We sat with our friends Ken and Sheron Drake, and their daughter watching a parade of bicycles go by. Each bike had multi-colored lights strung through the tire spokes and bike frames. It was the twice-weekly Hawaii Electric Light Parade…
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In 1986, a young father moved from Utah to Maui to start a new assignment at the Bank of Hawaii. His pregnant wife and young child stayed back on the mainland until a suitable affordable home was found. His initial situation was near beautiful beaches but challenging because it didn’t encourage the lifestyle change he…
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After attending our first Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) Meetings as new service missionary Group Leaders, I wrote in my journal, “I was deeply touched by Godly love for each of the [participants] who shared their recovering experiences.” It was in American Fork, Utah as we were on a brief trip home to take care of…
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We ascended a short hill to get to the small graveyard near Maui’s western shore. The map on the BillionGraves app led us to the Maileipai Cemetery entrance along the main highway in Kahana, but the gate was locked. Using the GPS navigator, we went around the neighborhood and found a narrow alley headed in…
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Joan and I have been deeply touched preparing to host addiction recovery meetings on Maui. Provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is called, “Healing through the Savior – The Addiction Recovery Program.” In our role we will plan, conduct, and set the tone for meetings where recovering addicts can come…
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We arrived at the airport before light finding the security gates closed. It was the Kahului 1st Ward’s Temple day. The Kahului Hawaii Temple was announced in 2023 but as of now has not been built or started. So, with the Kona Temple under renovation on the ‘big’ island to the south, ward members sacrifice…
Kenneth R. Hardman 