Here we are, six months into the year. Where does the time go? Just last
week it was Christmas and now it’s spring. I think someone has been hitting
the fast forward button on life. What a blessed year we’ve had already.
Having traveled in 11 states so far this year, we’ve ministered to 12,751
souls during 220 services. We have discovered a new outlet for keeping
everyone up to date on our travels and what we are up to. You can keep up
with us daily through our Hinkle Family Facebook page. Every day it is
updated with our whereabouts and our whatabouts, lol. A link for the page
can be located on our web site, www.hinklefamily.org.
There are so many people to mention that I would surely end up with carpal
tunnel syndrome were I to attempt it. It would read like the “begat lists”
of the Bible. We’ve met many new friends and visited many old ones. Thank
you to Faithway Baptist Church in Troy, TN for adding this ministry to your
mission program. Thank you to ALL of our supporters both financially and
prayerfully. Thank you for allowing God to work through you for senior
citizens. I wish all of you could accompany us, in person, to the nursing
homes we visit. It’s one thing to read about, but it’s altogether something
else to experience. To see the life in folks that are considered down for
the count is inspiring, encouraging and comforting.
We were at a nursing home not long ago in Trumann, AR and met a gentleman
that was wheeled into the room looking vacant and disassociated from all
that was going on. The staff put him in the back of the room and there he
sat, not really looking at anything, just staring off into space. I wondered
what effect the service would have on him and made a point of watching for
his reaction. From the first strike of the accordions keys, his attention
was riveted on us. I loved watching the change of his expression. When the
kids got up to sing Jesus Loves Me, he could hardly contain himself. He
looked thoughtful during the slower songs and clapped during the peppier. As
James played faster on the guitar, he clapped faster and his smile got wider
and wider. It was a delight to watch him. As he was being wheeled from the
room I paused to speak to him. He was unable to communicate with words but
he waved his hands and bounced up and down in his wheel chair. I was
reminded of how Paul JR acts when he gets excited. His manner while exiting
was far different than his entrance.
Please, look at our schedule located on our web site. If there is ever a
time that you would be able to join us in ministry during one of our
services, we would love to have you. Call before traveling long distances.
The schedule can take on a life of its own and is always changing.
May the Lord bless and keep you..... Sarah Hinkle