Tag Archives: Addiction Recovery

Sep. 1, 2025 – Celestial Demeanor and Temple Vision

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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 promise such service will do. We are deeply blessed. Sometimes in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

As mentioned in an earlier letter, the Saints on Maui do not yet have such convenience to temples. (The Kahului Hawaii Temple was announced nearly two years ago, but has not been started) The nearest operating temple is a thirty-minute flight and a sixty-minute drive, not to mention the normal travel and waiting times at airports and the cost. We admire and are strengthened by the faith of those who make this sacrifice. The next ‘ward temple trip’ is not for a month or so, so Sister Hardman and I made the trip to Oahu and the Hawaii Laie Temple this week. In addition to the words and spirit of the Endowment, we learned a beautiful lesson from two other patrons, a Polynesian couple. We were among the last to be seated and found ourselves in the back of the endowment room. The middle-aged brother next to me sensing I might have difficulty seeing and hearing (do I really look that old?) offered to move so that I could have a seat with better visibility. His expression was so sincere and genuine that I could hardly resist, but perhaps my pride got in the way and I politely thanked him and declined. “I’ll be okay,” I whispered. “Thank you… Mahalo.”

The word demeanor came to mind and during the session I thought about the demeanor of special people I have met in and out of the church, and in and out of the temple. Early in the session this brother moved to another seat that would allow me to scoot over a little to see the presentation better. Later in the celestial room while pondering the endowment and amazing blessings promised by Heavenly Father, we again observed this couple as they prayed together standing in a corner, and then as they kindly hugged the first-time patrons tearfully sitting on a white sofa in front of us. I don’t think they knew these fellow patrons but the aloha and love expressed in their unrushed hugs and in their eyes reflected in every way what I imagine to be a celestial demeanor. I reached for some scriptures which are always available around the temple and opened to Doctrine and Covenants 121 and reviewed the behavioral qualities of ‘righteous’ and ‘chosen’ people. “Persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile…an increase of love…full of charity towards all men…” (D&C 121:42-45) “Thank you,” I thought, “Brother and Sister (whoever you are). I want to be more like you.”

Before returning to Maui I had always wanted to visit the BYU Hawaii campus so we drove around, asked some students where we might park and find the cafeteria, then soon found ourselves in a sea of new freshmen enjoying their meal at the fine buffet. We were surprised to run into two of our ward Sunday School girls who were there to start their first semester. While eating we also visited with two other service missionary couples who were serving. We walked around campus a little more, visited the science building, then drove around the north shore and back through the central valley to Honolulu. On the flight back we had a wonderful conversation with Tony, a gentleman on his way home to Atlanta by way of Maui and Las Vegas. There are always opportunities to lift. We hope our love and demeanor blessed him that day.

On Monday we completed our twelfth in-person session of Healing through the Savior – 12 Step Addiction Recovery Program. Recovery and sobriety is a life-long process so we will start the twelve steps over again next week. On Sunday we had spoken for the first time in one of the local wards and on Monday three new participants from that ward came to our support meeting. As usual there is a feeling of joy deep in our hearts as each person shows the faith and humility to come to the Savior and receive His love and power. Our group this week was a little larger than usual. Our hearts ache for the pain and challenge they experience, but at the same time our souls are anxious for the progress we hope they make in overcoming their addictions and moving toward making and keeping covenants with God including temple covenants. Following this week’s meeting Sister Hardman presented her freshly baked Excellent Cinnamon Rolls. After most of our guests left, one sister asked for a priesthood blessing. Elder Taylor and I visited with her and administered and she was blessed and invited to see her future self as the Savior sees her and to expect miracles in her life, including her vision to someday serve in the temple.

Sister Hardman and I invite all of you to pray for us and for the people we service. Pray that each will find grace and power in Christ and make progress in their recovery. Pray that the announced temple will complete it’s planning stages, begin construction, and give the Saints in Maui hope for God’s blessings to come even more close to them than ever before. And pray for each other, even those who ‘appear to be a little older,’ that we may all join in this great work as Senior Missionaries or Senior Service Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The work blesses Sister Hardman and me, our relationship and our family, every day.

Aug. 25, 2025 – Meditation and Moloka’i

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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 that Jesus knows and understands through his Atonement (Alma 7:11-13). “Jesus honors efforts of faith;” I said, “even if we stumble.” Or in the case of Peter, a miracle happened as he walked on the water; even if but for moment.” A few days before, Joan and I studied Step 11, “Seek through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and to have the power to carry it out.” After study we visited Maui’s sacred Iao Valley and ascended to the Iao Needle viewpoint. Desiring to improve my meditation habits I asked Joan, “What is your favoring New Testament scene?” She replied, “Jesus walking on the water.” I tapped my phone and opened to Mathew 14 and we quietly read the story. “The ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary…Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea… [the disciples saw him and] were troubled…Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water (an amazing verbal act of faith by a fisherman). And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water…” Growing up I usually focused on Peter being “afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” But for sure, he walked on the water; even if but for a moment. Jesus clearly did not give up on Peter; both of them were well aware of the dangers of the sea, but Jesus honored his effort and momentary success, “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him…” At Iao, we walked down the many steps to the river where we walked on; no, we waded out into the water, sat on a large boulder, reflected and enjoyed each other’s company. To our friends last night in addiction recovery we testified of our Lords honoring of our attempts at faith and will save us when we fall. In my soul I learned more about the power of meditation on the word of God, a sacred experience.

On Sunday, under bright morning stars we boarded the Cessna 208 then flew northwest over the ocean along the world’s highest sea cliffs above the Moloka’i north coast. As the sun rose behind us we began our descent over the historic Kalaupapa peninsula and landed on the plateau at Ho’olehua airport. Bishop Bush greeted us with enthusiastic aloha and took us to the two-ward meetinghouse on the south shore in Kaunakakai. We were there to speak in both sacrament meetings and to provide information about the addiction recovery program. During a ward council meeting I got nervous because everyone seemed soft spoken and I couldn’t hear anything (my ears had not adjusted from the flight). I focused on lips, I leaned forward to hear better, I leaned backwards to capture sound bouncing off the white painted cinderblock wall, I yawned and poked at my jaw and ears; nothing worked. “How will I know if he calls on me to speak?” I prayed for my hearing to be restored. An hour and a half into the meeting I could hear well enough to understand what everyone was saying and sure enough was invited to share our message. We encouraged all ward leaders to counsel with and invite members who could benefit by the addiction recovery program. We left manuals and bulletin board posters with information.

It was a spiritual delight to attend both ward sacrament meetings where we sat on the stand, looked into the eyes of beautiful saints, partook of the sacrament and worshiped, sang to them, “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,” (LDS Hymn 1014), gave our talks, and felt a great spirit of love. We spoke of our own parents and their advocacy for us while growing up and then testified of Jesus Christ as our advocate with the Father. President Kaaa of the stake presidency followed with his testimony and encouragement for the addiction recovery program. Between and after meetings we attended Priesthood or Relief Society meeting, met many members in the foyer, some of which shared their success stories of the Savior helping them heal and are now whole and serving in the church. It was inspiring. “It is real! It is real,” expressed one of the members. Others expressed the need, either for themselves or someone they love to receive the Saviors healing. We also met with the senior missionary couple who are our counterparts on Molokai. One good brother who had experienced significant repeated healing from addiction presented us with special Leis which we wore throughout the day. After our meetings this brother took us on a small tour of the local town and then up to the Kalaupapa Overlook at 2000 feet elevation so we could see and read the posted plaques about the former leper colony down below. It was very windy on the cliff but we felt of the sacredness of the special place below. (Read a brief Wikipedia summary of early Maui church member Jonathan Napela who lived, served, and died at Kalaupapa).

On our way to the airport our guide and new friend stopped to minister to a member of the Ward. Like many homesteads on Molokai, they are old and difficult to maintain. It’s clear that on Molokai there is very limited prosperity and water. We visited this good sister who was lonely but faithful. We heard some of her story then asked if she had a favorite hymn. “I am a Child of God,” she replied. So, before we left, with a picture of the Savior and the Laie Temple behind her on the wall we all sang the first verse together. We prayed, hugged, and left with a longing and loving spirit. It was a sweet experience. We made it to the airport just in time to board and make the beautiful flight back to Maui along the same route we came that morning.

Aug. 18, 2025 – A still small voice, and a house sketch

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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 or todays obligations, yet aware and calm enough to allow my thoughts to be guided by God’s whisper (D&C 85:6) and perfect mildness. (Helaman 5:30) In full disclosure, this doesn’t happen every morning, but I wish it did. This week it happened on Saturday morning and it was persistent. Over and over I imagined myself getting out of bed, opening my journal and drawing a simple two-dimensional sketch of a house in which I was writing the elements of a ‘House of Order.’ Okay, perhaps that wasn’t very revelatory as, like many of you, Joan and I had been studying Doctrine and Covenants Section 88 the day before in preparation for teaching on Sunday. The phrase, ‘House of Order,’ comes from a well-known scripture, “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;” (D&C 88:118).

So, what was the revelation? It was that I needed to keep this lesson simple and clear and help our sixteen- and seventeen-year-old students apply part of its powerful message. The problem was, Section 88 is an “olive leaf” of peace to the Saints; it contains some of the most powerful and revelatory doctrine about God, his galactic creations, his work, his power, his light, even the light and power of Christ. As we studied this week we were filled with so much wonder that we didn’t know how to choose the portion that we should focus on for our class. “It’s all great; we want to teach it all.” It was overwhelming. Revelation provided the answer; focus on learning and preparing to learn by establishing a house (or personal life) of prayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory, order, and of God. So I finally got up and drew the imagined house in my journal, opened the scriptures and began to populate the house with some of the things God wanted all to teach and learn (D&C 88: 77-80), followed by the process of being most effective at teaching and learning (D&C 88:118-126). 

It wasn’t until standing in front of these wonderful youth on Sunday that I realized they were starting another year of school (some were even heading off to college), and during our discussion we could see and feel that they were grasping more fully God’s reasons for them to learn spiritual as well as secular knowledge so that they could be effective in His work (which may have something to do with the Lord including the “parable of the man sending his servants into the field and visiting them in turn” (D&C 88:51-61). You decide. And by the way, Sister Hardman’s cinnamon roll creations helped satisfy classroom taste buds while providing an object lesson or spiral symbol of Gods galactic creations.

There are definitely applications of D&C 88 to our work as group leaders in the Addiction Recovery Program. As Sister Hardman and I prepare with faith, prayer and learning to establish a setting or house of God, participants experience love and support. We learn right along with them and this week was no different as we moved from the “thorough repentance” steps into the sustaining steps 10 through 12. Step 10, is “Continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong, promptly admit it.” The more I studied this step the more excited I grew that this is an emphasis I need each day to get over some of my compulsive behaviors such as being prideful, judgmental or impatient. Among other principles, this step includes being intentionally accountable to God, drawing close to him in morning and evening prayer, and throughout the day to protect us from drifting back into old habits. “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (D&C 88:63)

I’m realizing that if I truly want to stop unfavorable habits I need to more continuously remember the Saviors Atonement, example and teachings throughout the day. I need to watch myself, anticipate the triggers, and be ready to apply Christ’s power to help me be better. This scripture in the Book of Mormon means so much more to me now. “If ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.” (Mosiah 4:30)

This week we took several excursions to keep our physical and emotional house in order and to enjoy Gods creations; his children and nature. We took the coastal lava flow hike called the La Perouse Bay, a historical isolated bay on the south tip of Maui with coral beaches, black goats and powerful waves. On another day we ascended a small trail near the top of Haleakala. We visited the Wunders in Pukalani, a faithful couple upcountry who are continuously serving and very interested in our work. They loaned us a DVD called, “Road to Zion – Travels in Church History, The Hawaiian Episodes.” We love learning Hawaiian church history. So we camped out in our meetinghouse library for two evenings (the only place we could find a DVD player). And of course we regularly massage our bare feet walking along fine-sand beaches.

Week 18 – August 5 – A Tsunami and Joan’s Tree

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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 evening. We offered prayer and remained in our apartment a safe elevation from the coast. Checking the news periodically we learned of the waves progress and the mostly vacated coastal areas. In the end there were locations where the ocean dropped many feet and rose a few. But other than significant traffic jams and life interruptions, we are not aware of major damages. We were grateful for the technology and professionals who were extra cautious to keep people safe. Later in the week we walked along a couple of our favorite beaches and boardwalks where all looked normal.

We were recently called as Sunday School teachers in our home ward, Kahului 1st Ward. This Sunday was the first opportunity we had to significantly prepare and give the lesson. We have ages 16 & 17. At the beginning of class we tried to share the delicious Orange Cookies that Sister Hardman made that morning, but all but one declined, saying they needed to wait until the end of class, because it was fast Sunday. (Yes, they taught us something that day.) Like most classes throughout the church this week our topic was Doctrine & Covenants, Section 84. We studied the applicable Come, Follow Me pages and (with tips from our Gardner family in Utah who have the same calling) we prayerfully selected the points on which we would focus. I like outlining and diagraming so to move forward on our lesson I diagramed the chosen material (See picture). We are so grateful for all the ordinances of the Gospel and for the literal power of Godliness that is manifest in them (D&C 84:20). We see and feel that power each time we participate in an ordinance, especially in the temple. We had a pretty good size group this Sunday and they were kind, happy, attentive, and participated when we asked. It was reassuring to feel of the spirit in their presence and to hear their knowledge of the Gospel. This statement from President Russell M. Nelson summarizes the message, “Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power of God.” (Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 77). Sister Hardman’s Orange Cookies were enjoyed after the meeting. Later that day we got a message from the bishop. “Any cookies handed out at Sunday School must be brought over to the Bishop’s house for tasting beforehand.” We love our happy hearted bishop. (His daughter in our class had eatin several cookies )

We obtained more training this week for hosting the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP). This time from a five-year ARP Coordinator in Oklahoma. We have received training from our coordinator in Honolulu as well as from coordinators in Anaheim, American Fork, and now Oklahoma. Each brings reminders on conducting the program per the Church administrative guide as well as helpful tips from their experience. We are grateful for each. Attendance at our weekly ARP support meeting varies from a few to a dozen participants. This week we read Step 8 together, “Make a written list of all persons we have harmed and become willing to make restitution to them.” There is great doctrinal content in the guide book regarding forgiving and being forgiven and the peace and power that comes as we do both. We feel love and compassion for those who come, and we are encouraged to be patient towards those who don’t always come. We pray each week that the Lord will remove their barriers and give them the courage to attend and receive support. More and more, those who come are becoming excellent support for each other. Sister Hardman’s Orange Cookies were enjoyed after the meeting.

Over the months, and even years that we have been coming to Maui, we have developed a few traditions and unique things we notice around the island. When we are craving an excellent burger and we have a little time on our hands, we head for the Ulupalakua Ranch, located upcountry on the southwestern slopes of the Haleakala volcano. In addition to conservation activities, the ranch runs 2,300 Angus cows which are marketed around Hawaii. The area is forested, green and often obscured by clouds. The country store humorously identifies itself as the “Road to Hana Recovery Station” (you pass right by it returning from Hana on the southern route). Anyway, the burgers are wonderful. On a clear day from our apartment 20-miles across the Maui Valley, and many other places along the southwest shore, we see a large tree-looking structure on the skyline ridge above Ulupalakua. It stands out so prominently and we see it so frequently that we even gave it a name, Joan’s Tree, because it looks like a birthmark on her leg. Until recently we haven’t known whether it is a tree or a man-made camouflage antenna. “It looks too big to be an isolated tree on the ridge,” we would say to ourselves. On a clear day this week we set out to solve the mystery (and get a burger). As we approached the Ranch, the sky was clear and blue and boom, just a mile or two away, there it was, tall and beautiful and looking very much like a lone tall natural tree. We pulled into the Ranch and these two traditions came together, eating a great burger in sight of the great tree that we call Joan’s Tree.

Week 16 – July 21 – Some notes on God, love, mercy, and joy

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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 invited to bear testimony of how the Atonement of Jesus Christ has blessed or healed them personally. On Tuesdays we typically write our weekly letter. This week’s letter is a bit personal but will give the reader some idea of the prayer, study and thought we go through to prepare for bearing personal testimony of Healing through the Savior.

On some days we refresh ourselves by taking a walk in the white sand like along Keawakapu Beach in south Kihei, or through the Iao Stream below the historic Iao Needle. God’s creations, his children and this earth, features and motion, are beautiful. Mid-week, as ARP Group Leaders, we start studying the next step in the twelve steps. We personally benefit from these studies as the principles of faith, repentance, accountability, healing and spiritual awakening are needed by all whether struggling with addiction, compulsive behavior, pains or shortcomings. (We are thinking more and more that ARP as a masterclass in personally applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ.)

Prayerfully anxious to apply principles to my own weaknesses or burdens, and while hiking from the base to the top of our neighborhood Wailuku Heights, a general conference message prompted the thought, “I need to start at the base, the foundational commandments, and work my way up. Then I’ll find the answers to my questions and comfort regarding burdens.” At the time of the prompting I may have been listening to, “The Great Commandment—Love the Lord,” by President Ezra Taft Benson (General Conference, April 1988). President Benson said, “Why did God put the first commandment first? Because He knows that if we truly loved Him we would want to keep all of His other commandments…” Later I searched for scriptures and for talks on the ‘great commandments,’ and chose two.

That day on our way to the Hoapili trailhead and ancient lava flow (see pictures), we listened to, “The Love of God,” by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (General Conference, Oct. 2009), and “Bridging the Two Great Commandments,” by Elder Gary E. Stevenson (General Conference, April 2024). These were a great help. President Uchtdorf taught, “Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope…”

I find ‘divine hope’ each time I show love for Him by reading his word. I was anxious as I recently approached my next chapter, Alma 32, to read again about planting and nourishing the seed of faith as described by Alma. As anticipated it was a wonderful refresh on faith and truth and knowing what is good. What I didn’t expect was how much meaning I would find in the very next chapter, Alma 33. (I think God knows what we need and when we are ready for it and then when we pray, He prompts our reading schedule accordingly.) A few days later I read Alma 33 again. Being focused on my concerns, I had prayed for Heavenly Fathers help that, like others in need of healing, I too would progress more intentionally in my faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and receive healing more fully and joy more regularly. I carefully read, and He answered. I slowed down and re-read each verse. The following phrases stood out as if to me personally.

“Thou wast merciful when I prayed…” (verse 4-10) “Thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity, and it is because of thy Son…for in thee is my joy…” (v. 11) I wondered if the Lord was disappointed with my lack of faith when I read Alma quoting Zenos, “For behold, he said: Thou art angry, O lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son.” (v. 16) I thought, am I not believing enough? And then, “Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live…” Some looked, others didn’t. “Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.” (v. 19-20) Do I really believe Christ can heal me?

As a good engineer, I diagramed in my journal what I was learning. And then I read the final verse, Alma 33:23, and discovered that the Lord provided a perfect summary already (brackets and emphasis added). “And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall [plant this word in your hearts], and as it [beginneth to swell] even so [nourish it by your faith]. And behold, [it will become a tree,] [springing up in you] unto [everlasting life]. And [then may God grant] unto you that [your burdens may be light], [through the joy of his Son]. And even [all this can ye do if ye will]. Amen.” (Alma 33:23)

I need to love God and my fellow brothers and sisters with all my heart, believe in His mercies through His Son, feel the swelling joy, nourish it by faith even amidst challenges, let it and feel it grow into many branches toward everlasting life, and then let the joy of his Son lighten my burdens and brighten my hope. I do love Him. And yes, the Atonement of Jesus Christ has and will continue to bless our lives.

As a footnote, with our prior trek and pioneer music background, we conducted a Hoedown in our Kahului home ward (see pictures). It was fun singing, telling stories and calling dances like the heel-toe Polka and Virginia Real. After the hoedown we took a red-eye flight to Utah where over the next few days we visited and played with grandkids, celebrated our daughters birthday, and prepare for the sealing of our oldest grandson. (More on the wedding next week.)

Week 15 – July 14 – Jesus Christ walks these halls

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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. We attended the multi-stake Pioneer Day chili cookoff and pioneer exhibits activity. We’re getting to know more members and guests including these delightful sister missionaries (see photo). On Sunday we spoke in the Wailuku Ward about Jesus Christ as our Advocate, and sang My Shepherd Will Supply My Need. It always feels wonderful to sing about the Savior while connecting worshipful eyes with others through music. On Monday with other volunteers we served at the Maui Food Bank (see photos) filling 900 boxes for distribution across three islands. Later that day we conducted our weekly Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meeting. It has been a fulfilling week with study and service. For the rest of this letter may I again make comparisons with ancient times, earlier latter-days missionaries, and our experiences today?

It is painful to learn of the difficulties and setbacks of God’s children. Nevertheless, when we have the courage to trust Him and repent and to keep doing his will amidst opposition, then darkness and pain is turned into light and joy. In the Book of Mormon, Enos said, “my guilt was swept away.” (Enos 1:6) Alma the younger exclaimed, “I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain…” (Alma 36:19-21)

In our service in Gods kingdom in the latter-days, there are also difficulties and spiritual setbacks. Yet, when we trust Him and go forward centered in Christ, joy emerges. In 1852 here on Maui, a year and a half into their missionary labors, Elder George Q. Cannon and his companions had experienced much trial, opposition, and setbacks; nevertheless, his trust in God was inspiring. Finally, after a year, his first hopeful contact Jonathan Napela accepted baptism and they began translating the Book of Mormon. Hundreds had already been baptized and following one of the first church conferences near ‘Iao Valley, Wailuku (walking distance from our apartment), an amazing miracle was performed causing Elder Cannon to compare his feelings with the prior year, and tried to express his gratitude and joy.

“A person that they had been called upon to baptize, had been crawling for five years not able to walk upright; she was believing and three of them went to pray with her that she might be restored—afterwards they commanded her in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to arise and walk—she immediately stood up and walked and they afterwards baptized her—those who saw her were astonished at it & several came into the Church at the same time. They seemed to be filled with the spirit while dilating upon it and upon the marvelous power of the Lord as manifested in the Church in these days. I was so full that language was too faint to attempt to describe my feelings, I could not talk; this was felt by Brother Uaua also. When I compared my present feelings with the feelings experienced by me this time last year in this place, and I looked at the progress of the work and the power of my Father that accompanied it; I felt that the goodness of the Lord was adorable and past describing. This day has been one of my feast days, a day that gives the soul food for reflection for some time and is not with its reminiscences easily erased from the memory.” (The Journals of George Q. Cannon, Hawaiian Mission, 1850-1854, pg. 172)

In our 2025 Addiction Recovery Program mission on Maui, we are meeting people who are or were in bondage to addiction. Like Elder Cannon, there are situations that seem bleak, painful and without hope. But just having them show up at their first recovery support meeting is an amazing miracle. As Sister Hardman and I strive to put our trust in God and keep our view centered in the Atonement of Jesus Christ we see our new friends in a much more loving and hopeful light. We are granted and motivated by the pre-joy that Jesus felt as expressed by the apostle Paul, “who for the joy that was set before [Christ] endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2) We have every confidence that our friends are loved. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16-17) We feel His love for our friends.

At the end of our ARP meeting this week I prayed in my heart to know what the Lord would have me say in my testimony. Step 5 is the topic of Confession. I bore testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, emphasizing trusting God with our confession and trusting our Savior with the ability to help and give us power to overcome. I noted that even in our youthful perhaps small mistakes we need to turn to the Savior less our small sins turn into patterns toward larger behavioral mistakes and then to addictions to try to cover our pain. I spoke of my parents who were probably embarrassed when I got into childhood mischief but noted their love and confidence in helping me. I testified that God is a loving Heavenly Father who doesn’t feel shame but gives us love and opportunities to learn and grow and repent. Like spiritually connecting through music in sacrament meeting, spiritually connecting through these words of love and testimony during the ARP meeting witnessed to us that Gods love was present. As we have heard addicts say about their recovery even while in prison, “Jesus Christ walks these halls.”