On one of the more isolated islands of the Hawaiian chain, the six students at Molokai Mission School often go to mile marker 18 and then keep driving on an unmarked, bumpy road into an intimate and lush valley.

They go because malama pono (taking care) of kupunas (the elderly) is this year’s emphasis for Christian service at the Molokai Mission School. They go to pull weeds and do general garden clean-up in a lo’i (taro patch).

One of the elderly church members, Kalua, lives alone at this beautiful and tropical spot on the island. After a couple of hours of garden work, the students are rewarded by “talking story” with Kalua. They also share some lunch with him and then tidy his kitchen.

Between the work in the garden and the stories, students take advantage of the opportunity to have their science and math class by the rushing river next to the house or at the nearby beach with their teacher, Charity Espina. These students understand one of the common phrases heard on the islands, “It is lucky you live in Hawaii.”

The little school is beginning to attract attention from the approximately 5,000 people who live on the “Friendly Isle” of Molokai. Although this island boasts no stoplight and a slow and casual lifestyle, it is also a place that needs the saving grace of Jesus Christ. For that reason, the Molokai Mission School is seeking to be a part of the vision of the Hawaii Conference to “Finish the Work Now” so all of the children can live in the heavenly paradise.