Remembering Gramps

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior, the LORD Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20  (Read Revelation 21 & 22).

Hey Gang, For years Gramps was looking heavenward ‘eagerly awaiting the return of His Savior!”  Our plan was to go together in the clouds, but the Father had other plans. Did we pray and a expect healing miracle? Indeed!!  Did we see many miracles during this last year? Indeed! In our lives and the lives of others and many prayers answered!! Our prayer was always- strength for today and “Thy will be done.”

Our God is very special when we look for Him in every facet of life.  It was our choice to share some morning devotions together. I want to share from one of Kermit’s favorite monthly booklet called Beside Still Waters, a Mennonite publication.  This was from May 20, 2020- the day of our graveside service where we gathered and had a solemn but joyful service, as we said good-bye through tears.

Devotional Title: The Upward, Forward Look

                The Bible account of Abraham gives us an inspiring example of one who looked forward by faith. “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10). 

The author spoke of others whose eyes were on the world and pleasures of life, example- Lot’s wife.

                As heaven-bound pilgrims, we need to focus by faith on the unseen, eternal realities and remember the troubles of this life will soon be over, and Heaven Will Be Worth it ALL.  We look forward with joyful anticipation to our eternal home in glory, where we shall “ever be with the Lord”. (Read 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18)

                Keep pressing onward, looking forward, and gazing upward!  (Mark Kropf of Halsey, OR)

Sooooo, Gramps would tell you, young and old: “Set your eyes on Jesus, Do not be deceived” read Matthew 24-25 and II Timothy 3:1-9. Be alert to what Jesus said about the times before His return and LOOK UP!!!!

Blessings,

Gma Jean

PS Recently a special friend shared this Scripture ‘as a eulogy for our dear brother’s life’: “And he went a little further , fell on his face and prayed, saying, O my Father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not my will, but as You will.”  Matthew 26:39

  Gramps now singing praises in Glory.We will try to continue blogs at least once weekly from his early ones and some we discussed together

  Kermit Hainley September 4,1933 -May 16,2020

September 04, 1933 - May 16, 2020

On May 16, 2020, at his home in Big Rapids, One of God’s Warrior’s, Kermit Roy Hainley, 86, met Jesus face to face, and heard these words, “well done my good and faithful son”.

 Kermit was born to John and Catherine Hainley on September 4, 1933, near Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was the third of four boys.  

 Kermit graduated from Altoona High School in Pennsylvania, where he was a Tri-State Champion Drummer. He attended Findlay College where he met, “the bride of my youth” Twila Jean (Beery) Hainley.   On August 11, 1957, they were married and went on to share over 62 years together. They had four children. He also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Ferris State University for his work with youth and families.

Kermit’s life was filled with many accomplishments including being part of military family. He served in the United State Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller for 4 years; a year of that in Korea. After his service he worked another 4 years at the Greater Pittsburg Airport.

After leaving Pennsylvania, he worked in a youth detention center where his heart’s desire was to find a way to reach youth before they were locked up. So in 1966, Kermit and Jean set out from California to Michigan to start a group home. That group home grew to be a multi-faceted, God- Focused treatment program known as Eagle Village, Inc. in Hersey, Michigan. Kermit served as the Founder and President for 26 years. During those years he was recognized both on a State and National level for his innovative work with youth and families. Kermit was recently awarded the Northern Lights Lifetime Achievement Award through the Mecosta County Community Foundation.

The Village continues to embrace the spiritual foundation he modeled, ministering to countless families, youth and staff. Kermit, and Jean continued to meet the needs of youth and families across the nation as they developed the Family Tool Shed. He was a mentor and prayer warrior for many.   He enjoyed driving his big orange tractor, traveling (especially to Israel and the Tetons), working with wood, being outdoors, camping and black-pot cooking.

He loved his family and talking about Eagle Village. He also enjoyed his church family and friends nationwide. Above all this he loved his Lord and served him faithfully.

He is survived by his wife, Twila Jean Hainley and daughters, Cathey (Steve) Prudhomme and Marjie (James) Wirth, and daughter-in-law, Dixie Hainley. Grandchildren include; Dusti (Bren) Skeens, Lyndsie Hainley, Kendra Prudhomme-Smith Jeremy (Megan) Prudhomme, Christopher (Lynn) Hainley, Corey (Rachel) Prudhomme, and Brandon Wirth.   He also had 9 great grandchildren and many more that he prayed for.

He was reunited with his parents and sons Michael W. Hainley, David G. Hainley and grandson Ryan S. Prudhomme.

A Celebration of his Life is tentatively planned for August.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Eagle Village, Inc. 4507 170^th Avenue, Hersey, MI 49639 or online at eaglevillage.org

Resurrection Life Church, 14734 215^th Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or online rlcbr.org