Paia, a charming town on Maui’s North Shore, has seen many transformations. Originally a plantation town, its sugarcane roots gave way to a Bohemian hub for surfers, artists, and wanderers. By 2025, it was known for its laid-back vibe, bustling small shops, and golden beaches. Despite its small size, barely 7.5 square miles, Paia had a magnetic charm, drawing visitors and residents alike.

At the heart of this community was a young woman named Leilani. She was 24, born and raised in Paia, with a mind as curious as the winds that swept Ho’okipa Beach. She worked part-time at a local café and spent her evenings reading. Leilani had recently joined a church home group, intrigued by their promises of faith and community.

The group met every Wednesday at the home of Auntie Malia, an elder known for her warm smile and banana bread. Each session began with a prayer circle. Members took turns sharing their needs—from healing illnesses to finding lost pets. Yet, Leilani noticed something odd. Few of these prayers were answered. Weeks passed, and the same requests echoed in the circle.

“Auntie,” Leilani asked after one meeting, “why do you think our prayers don’t seem to work?”

Auntie Malia shrugged. “Maybe we must wait. Or pray harder. Faith is a mystery, child.”

Leilani wasn’t satisfied. She decided to investigate. She borrowed a Bible from the church library and studied it meticulously. She read about faith, persistence, and the promises of answered prayers. But she found no clear reason for the group’s apparent lack of success.

One Sunday, while chatting with the pastor, Leilani heard about another Bible study group meeting on Fridays. Curious, she attended. This group was smaller, and the leader, a man named Kimo, shared a different perspective.

“When you pray, believe you’ve received it already,” Kimo said. “That’s what the Bible teaches. Faith sees it as done before it happens.”

Leilani listened, fascinated. She began taking notes, comparing the two groups. The Friday group’s prayers focused on clear outcomes and a deep conviction that the answers were already given. In contrast, Auntie Malia’s group often prayed in vague terms, leaving outcomes entirely to divine will.

One Friday, Leilani shared her observations. “Do you think it’s about believing first?” she asked.

Kimo nodded. “Exactly. Faith without sight. That’s the key.”

Leilani decided to compile her findings into a letter for Pastor Keawe. It outlined the differences between the groups and suggested focusing on believing in answered prayers. Her mother, a former schoolteacher, helped edit the letter.

Leilani delivered the letter on a sunny afternoon. Pastor Keawe read it carefully. “This is insightful,” he said. “Let’s discuss it with both groups.”

Over the next five weeks, the church held joint lessons to delve deeper into the principle of believing before seeing. Each week focused on a specific aspect:

1. Faith Beyond Sight: Members learned to visualize their prayers as already answered, grounding their belief in Scripture.
2. Aligning with God’s Promises: They explored biblical promises and how to align their prayers with God’s will.
3. Speaking Life: The group practiced speaking positively and affirmatively about their requests.
4. Gratitude in Advance: Members expressed thankfulness for their prayers being answered, even before seeing results.
5. Action Steps of Faith: They discussed practical actions to demonstrate their trust in God’s provision.

Slowly, they noticed a shift. Auntie Malia’s group began to see results. Lost pets were found. Illnesses improved. Relationships mended. By December, the church community buzzed with stories of answered prayers.

One evening, after a particularly moving session, Auntie Malia pulled Leilani aside. “You’ve taught us much, child. Mahalo.”

Leilani smiled. “It’s not me. It’s all of us learning together.”

The culmination of their faith journey came during a special Christmas service. The congregation had been praying for a young boy in the community, Kaipo, who had been battling a severe illness. That evening, Kaipo and his family stood before the church to share incredible news: he had received a clean bill of health from his doctors, defying all odds.

Tears of joy filled the room as Pastor Keawe spoke. “This is the power of faith and belief. When we trust completely, miracles happen.”

Leilani sat quietly, her heart full. The year had changed her and her community forever. Faith had become more than words; it had become their way of life.