It's hard to find a consistent rhythm in the life of the Rev. Gary Barbaree.

Over the course of any day, Barbaree can move from the trivial to the tragic while helping the members of Harris United Methodist Church in Nu'uanu.

"One minute you may talk to a family who has lost a loved one," Barbaree said. "In the next, you may be helping a youth group prepare a campout. It varies wildly."

Barbaree, 53, was ordained 29 years ago and has been ministering full time for the last 26.

He starts each day at home reading e-mails and taking phone calls — sometimes as many as 30 that need responses before he gets to the church at 10 a.m.

His week begins quietly every Monday morning. Even then his thoughts start to focus on the ideas that will make up the following Sunday's service.

Nothing formal. Mostly reading scriptures and personal Bible study.

By Wednesday and Thursday, Barbaree typically has his Sunday message crystallized in his head.

But that's just part of his calling.

Every day Barbaree meets with about 10 people who are at some turning point in their lives.

While the work can involve intense emotions, Barbaree considers it a privilege to help them through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

"I've seen people come through pain that should have killed them," Barbaree said. "But it didn't. No matter how devastating an event, I have confidence that people get restored. Not at the end of the day. But at the end of that lifetime, there really is healing."