Nov. 3, 2025

We spent this last week at home in Utah for personal business, doctor appointments, temple sessions, and time with family. While there we were able to help our son Mike and his family relocate from Santaquin to Eagle Mountain. We had several gatherings with other family members and celebrated Halloween, Melanie’s birthday (see Olive Garden picture) and our 45^th Wedding anniversary (see picture of music video) with them. Being late fall, we enjoyed gathering up and bagging the golden leaves (picture). Mom lost her wedding ring in the leaves, so we thought. We prayed, and were led to find it in one of the fingers of her gardening glove. Just before returning to Maui we were able to spend a couple hours with our daughter Lisa from Alaska, whom we haven’t seen for a year.

While away we continued to do what we could to further our service on Maui. We conducted our weekly Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) Meeting by Zoom, compiled some helpful information for ARP participants to find additional support, and coordinated a few speaking assignments in various wards on Maui. We continue planning for our 2026 Maui ward youth handcart trek. We are very grateful for our Sunday School president who substituted teaching our youth Sunday School class, and for senior missionary Elder Taylor who substituted for us at the in-person ARP meeting. Not to forget Elder and Sister Marriott who take us to and from the airport each time we travel. 

We are glad to be back on Maui. We have come to love and feel loved by our friends here. Our Kahului 1^stWard Newsletter editor asked us to compose a message about our work as service missionaries. The following is the result of that request.

“Simon Peter walked on the water; even if but for a moment.” We spoke these words one night at the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), called Healing through the Savior. Each participant had just shared some setbacks, hopes 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;” we said, “even if we stumble.” Like Peter, a miracle happened as he walked on the water; even if but for a moment.” Earlier, Joan and I had visited Maui’s sacred Iao Valley and ascended to the needle viewpoint. I asked Joan, “What is your favorite 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…Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water…” When he sank, Jesus 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 waded out into the water, sat on a large boulder, reflecting and sensing truth. To our friends in addiction recovery we testified of our Lords honoring of our attempts at faith and as we call on Him, will save us when we fall.

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. As Service Missionary Group Leaders, we have conducted support meetings on Maui for about six months. We also conduct a weekly remote session by Zoom for participants on Maui, Moloka’i, and Lana’i. We have learned much on how to conduct these meetings and how to provide love and support to those with compulsive or addictive behaviors. With the Savior in our hearts, compassion comes naturally.

Since these meetings are anonymous and confidential, we don’t take roll but they speak by first names. As we read and discuss the 12 steps of recovery we sense a measure of their pain followed by the hope they feel as they seek Healing through the Savior. Their observations about Gospel principles are often profound. Their sharing can be heartbreaking, and we are anxious for their success in recovery. They plead for help. Sister Hardman and I invite all of you to pray for us and for the people we serve. Pray that each will find grace and power in Christ and make progress. The work blesses Sister Hardman and me, our relationship and even our family.

Jesus came with healing in His wings and is mighty to save. He lives to bless us with His love. In Addiction Recovery meetings all find hope, help and healing, even those whose hearts break for their loved-ones. In Healing through the Savior, we find Him.