Finding Grace and Purpose after the Marines | Leo Rodas
Dan sits down with Leo Rodas, the executive director of Hope Center in Kailua, Hawaii. Leo shares his transformative journey from a challenging past in Southern California to becoming a leader in a Christian discipleship and drug rehabilitation center. Hear about his struggles with addiction, his time in the Marines, and the pivotal moments that led him to a life devoted to helping others find hope and healing. Tune in for an inspiring story of redemption, resilience, and faith.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Life's Early Challenges and Transformation: Leo grew up in a difficult environment marked by substance use and involvement in street culture during his teenage years. Despite being imprisoned for drug-related charges, he chose to change his trajectory by joining the Marine Corps, which became a pivotal period of transformation in his life.
Overcoming Trauma: Throughout his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, Leo faced life-threatening situations that left him with lasting physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite these hardships, Leo’s resilience and determination saw him through these challenges, pushing him toward recovery and growth.
Finding Faith and Redemption: A significant turning point came when someone placed a Bible on Leo's lap with the invitation to "read the red" – words of Jesus found in red letters in many Bible editions. This encounter with scripture led Leo to reflect deeply on his life, realizing God's presence in his journey and sparking a heartfelt prayer for forgiveness and renewal.
Education and Purpose: Leo’s inspiring story of academic success against difficult odds saw him achieving a bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University and a master's degree from Hawaii Pacific University. His journey in education was fueled by a newfound sense of purpose and a desire to make a positive impact.
Hope Center's Ministry: Today, as the Executive Director of Hope Center, Leo channels his experiences into helping others transform their lives. The Hope Center offers a year-long recovery program centered on discipleship, providing men with the support, vocational training, and faith-based community needed to rebuild their lives.
Leo Rodas
Leo is a dedicated servant leader with a heart for transformation and healing. A former Marine Corps infantryman, Leo served honorably for eight years, earning multiple recognitions and medals. Today, he channels that same discipline and passion into his roles as Director at Hope Center Ministries, a men’s recovery discipleship program, and as a therapist at Manoa Canon Integrated Health. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board at River of Life Mission, helping guide efforts to support Honolulu’s unhoused community. A devoted husband and father of four—with one more on the way—Leo is driven by his love for family, music, art, education, and serving others.
