Page 12 - Town Crier November 2016 Rev C

ISSUE NUMBER 161 NOVEMBER 2016
THE TOWN CRIER

The Joyous Life of Jacob Hall
Contributed by Elaine Hunt

In Jacob Hall’s short life, he taught many lessons as he walked among his family, friends, and
acquaintances. Many times, he did not use words but he always used a smile and joyful counte-
nance. His disposition and his friendly greetings melted many a hardened heart. Jacob simply
loved God, his church, and his family and was unashamed to show it.

Anyone who met Jacob in the Oakdale parking lot on any given Sunday morning saw his joyful
approach to being in God’s house. Many mornings his voice joined that of his younger sister as
they contemplated Sunday school. With boundless energy, he joined hands with his Grandpa Steve walking merrily
into the building. Jacob was an example of why Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come to me:
for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14)

Jacob’s gift of joy extended to everyone he met. Sunday school teacher Regina Orzechowski met Jacob when he was
two and she remembers how attentive he was even at that age. She believes that for the brief time he was in this world,
God used him to show us it was easy to be joyful. She found it so hard to be upset around Jacob because he was so
always happy. Regina knows the Bible says there are angels among us and that is what Jacob was and will always be
to her and others.

Paula Grubbs remembers how Jacob loved coming to church with his grandparents, Steve and Sandra McAdams. She
loved seeing his smile that reached from ear to ear on Sunday mornings as he headed to Sunday school. She witnessed
his love for Jesus in the way he listened intently to the teachings of His Word! Jacob was like a sponge soaking up the
Truths of God's word. Through this tragedy, Jacob’s life affirmed to her the importance of children's ministry and shar-
ing the Gospel with all ages. The book of Mark describes how Jesus loves children; and He took the children in His
arms, placed His hand on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)

Jacob shared his love of Jesus with everyone who would listen. Classmates and teachers at Townville Elementary
School saw his joy as he attended the Good News Club after school program. He took advantage of every opportunity
to hear the Good News and he was quick to share it with family and friends. His desire to become a super hero grew as
he learned. Jacob, blessed with a servant’s heart, desired to save and protect his family and community using the love
of Jesus. Paula Grubbs said it best, “today Jacob is with Jesus, his hero.”

SIGNS I HAVE SEEN
by Roy Kelly

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