Jerry Hill

Russell Garrigus

In 1965 I enlisted in the US Navy where aptitudes testing opened doors of surprising opportunity for me. There I learned how to study effectively, to use college correspondence courses, to fly airplanes and to control air traffic. Transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration in 1970, working in the San Francisco Bay Area, then Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, then finally in St. Louis where injuries in an auto accident abruptly ended my aviation career in 1978.

During recovery from those injuries, the Lord Jesus began calling me deeper into fellowship with Him. I subsequently worked sales and management jobs in California, Germany, and Oklahoma as they afforded Christian evangelism and ministry opportunities. In 1992 the Lord sent me home to Parke County as His "foreign missionary." At first I didn't know what He meant by that; but I came here learning to hear and obey the Holy Spirit in all things. 2nd Timothy 3:12 says "...all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution," which I did. My therapeutic foster parenting work with at-risk adolescents and handicapped children was misunderstood, then mistrusted, gossiped about and finally slandered to the point I was sent to prison for a crime I did not commit and doubt happened at all except in the excited imaginations of my accusers.

During my imprisonment I completed the Master of Theology program, Christian Counseling Certification, by correspondence from The Christian Bible College and Seminary. More importantly, in prison I experienced The Spirit of Jesus Christ more intimately as my ONLY true and unfailing friend. He protected me and used me to minister effectively there. His favor led to my early release. Now, living again in Parke County since 2003, the slanderous gossip has subsided. 1st Peter 3: 14 says: "... even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and respect, having a good conscience, that WHEN THEY DEFAME YOU as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." I clearly understand this passage was part of my assignment here. The Lord Jesus Christ has given me grace to forgive all of you who have misjudged me and/or participated in the slander, even those of you who still do it. Any and all of you are welcome to come visit Char and me in our humble home on High Street or the summer ministry house on Erie, or to chat through the messaging systems on this site or by telephone.

I've been financially compensated for mistakes made. My financial and medical needs are met. My Helpmate Charlene is a wonderful blessing! Jesus has delivered me from smoking, from biting my fingernails, from heart disease and emphysema. He delivered me and still delivers me from the "noisesome pestilence" (persistent slander). He is even now delivering me from the obesity and diabetes trying to kill me.

My best learning experiences during high school happened outside of classes, usually off-campus and often because I kept my mouth shut about them. Therefore, learning to be discrete is my fondest memory of high school.

Track-Cross Country