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.

  • Week 3 – April 21, 2025 – How it all Started or Designing your own Service Mission

    Amidst days of joy, twice this week we had unexplainable episodes of darkness. Whether caused by personal weaknesses or external factors, we needed to be mindful and spiritually cognizant. Regardless, our new stake president felt inspired to counsel us mid week, “As you prepare for this assignment, I invite you to study the Sermon on…

  • Week 2 – April 14, 2025 – Feeling Mahalo for our first week

    The contrast was striking, a massive cruise ship in port backed by the beautiful wave-filled Pacific to the north, and a very old multi-story apartment complex on the shore of Kahului Bay. Before stake conference we had asked the Relief Society president, Celeste M. for someone in need of a loving visit. “Morning!” she replied.…

  • Week 1 – April 7, 2025 – We’ve worked here. We’ve played here. Now we feel like serving here.

    What keeps drawing us to Maui? Most would say it’s the tropical breeze, brilliant rainbows and waterfalls, foot-massaging sandy beaches, or God’s hand in the compelling everchanging sunsets. For us, we wondered, what would it be like to serve the people here? Even more, there was a recurring prompting, some unfinished business, an obligation yet…

  • He Rescues Me

    While serving our two-year mission helping youth appreciate their ancestors, I reflected much on the faith and determination of my own ancestors and those who came with the Willie and Martin handcart companies in 1856. This song reflects some of my reflection. Please enjoy, be inspired, and share. Sincerely, Ken

  • At the conclusion of our Mosida service mission

    At the conclusion of our service mission we spoke in our ward sacrament meeting about our experience. We wrote, and the choir sang this song, “He Rescues Me.” Here are the lyrics. Handcart saints who crossed the plains through snow and wind and dreams,Mid trials of faith and frozen tears drew back from icy streams.With…

  • For the Joy Set Before Me

    Happy Easter. I wrote this song and recorded it with my daughters. Click on the link below to hear the song while watching a music video. I hope you feel the love of Jesus Christ. Sincerely, Ken Hardman. http://sacredsheetmusic.org/song/For_the_Joy_Set_Before_Me_SB_by_Kenneth_R_Hardman