Hello Spring Creek Supporters,
I would like to begin by welcoming my son, Jacob, to Spring Creek Ministries. Jake is home from college for the summer and asked to intern with me for the next few months. It has been a great blessing to have him fill in the gaps, and help minister to the hurting. He has also created a Facebook page for the ministry (see the link on the front page of our website or look up Spring Creek Ministries on Facebook).
May was one of those months when everything seemed to come to a head. As Nancy Langford, Betty Reneau and Cecil Hadaway were all nearing the end of their lives simultaneously – we were very busy. There were many visits to the hospital, homes and hospice house. We were blessed with the opportunity to read scripture, sing songs of encouragement and pray with those hurting and their families.
Jacob & I have finally started our volunteer Hospice training. This is going to really help us in our ministry and how we affect others. I would like to take this time to encourage all of you to consider doing some volunteer work for Home Hospice. To receive proper funding they have to match their paid staff hours with 5% volunteer hours. The opportunities are endless and there are so many different jobs that need to be done – that anyone can find something to do. It doesn’t mean that you have to work directly with the sick, although you can. Karen Carter coordinates and trains volunteer workers and she is a real pleasure to work with. She can be reached at Home Hospice 432/580-9990.
Updates:
Nancy Langford passed away May 23rd – Please be praying for her husband, Boyce, as he is now taking care of his sister (Alzheimer’s) and grieving the loss of his wife.
Betty Reneau – passed away May 30th – please remember Caren, Walter & Christie and the extended family.
Cecil Hadaway passed away May 24th – Also remember his wife Vermell and her extended family.
Maci Bell – is being moved from Colorado to California to continue her therapy and is now walking on crutches.
Morris Shaw – is recovering from an accident that dislocated his shoulder. Please pray for Martha, at least until he is able to go fishing again! 🙂
Robert Lathrop is having neck surgery this week.
Family Matters:
This is Jonathan Dean Hamil – the newest addition to our family. He was born May 26th and is now the apple of my eye. He weighed 7 lbs 5 oz. You can now call me “Pappa H” if you want! Ross & Haley Hamil are the proud parents. Reed & Julie have found an apartment in San Angelo and will be moving very soon. Jacob passed all of his finals and is now officially a sophomore at Lubbock Christian University. Donna managed to get through the end of school concerts and is now packing for our thirty-year anniversary trip and vacation.
From Jacob: I just returned to Odessa from a phenomenal and spectacular freshman year at Lubbock Christian University. After some days spent looking at different job options for a summer occupation, I remembered working with Dad at the end of last summer – visiting with people who were confined to either their homes, the hospitals, and retirement facilities. I was so blessed to receive such an amazing experience. After much consideration, I proposed to Dad that I work with him again as an intern. With a huge grin on his face, he obliged on one condition: that I raise my own support. Thus, the journey began. I have now been with Spring Creek Ministries for just over a month and it has been fantastic. I have enjoyed getting to visit people I had not seen in years and helping out people who need it, whether it’s just a visit or a friendly hello. I love it, but it does come with a price. It’s an emotionally exhausting experience. Pain and suffering are never an easy thing to watch whether it’s someone you have known forever or someone you met for the first time on their last visit to the emergency room. In the past three weeks, we’ve had 3 people go home to their heavenly father after tremendous physical battles ranging from lung cancer to Parkinson’s. It was tough, but I’ve learned from Dad how to love and care for those in the grieving process, which may not always be solved by a casserole. Each of these has taught me a valuable lesson and I look forward to the months ahead!
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31
Jake
Blessings and Grace until next time,
Lonnie
