In this radio conversation, Joan Thomas Hendrick and I discuss our relationship. With my love for her … and my spiritual gift of encouragement … I delight in frequently and honestly thanking her for all she does for our family and me … and for marrying me! She tells how she learned that the two of us were to be married … considerably before I did!
These comments are not forced … and she assures me that she loves to hear my words of appreciation for her. Then she urges each man to do the same for his wife.
We are teemed and bonded for life and for ministry. Amazingly this Western Oklahoma (Weatherford … on old highway 66) farm girl drove the tractors, cooked for the hired hands at harvest time, and drove the trucks loaded with harvested wheat to the “elevators” in Weatherford for storage and sale. Fast forward: now Joan has uploaded and posted hundreds of our radio segments for anytime listening … anywhere in the world … on www.haroldhendrick.com.
In her past she marched in the parades playing the clarinet, played the piano and organ in church services (as well as the accordion), was FFA Queen and became “Miss Weatherford!” I don’t think there has ever been a “Miss Weatherford” crowned since. So, as far as I know, Joan Thomas Hendrick is the reigning “Miss Weatherford!” … right now!
Ours is the ministry of love and encouragement! We have biblical grounds: “ … Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds … Let us encourage one another …” (Hebrews 10:24, 25).
In God’s Word, Jesus says there is no marriage in Heaven. But I think I am going to ask Him if, in our case, He would please make an exception?!
Marriage really “works” for us. Blessed with our three children, their spouses, and our 14 grandchildren. We will celebrate our 56th anniversary August 12, 2017!
“… give thanks in all circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)
To hear something of my (HHH) personal spiritual experience as a young man, check out anytime radio titled … “Drawn to faith in Jesus brought me joy, forgiveness, purpose, inner-peace, abundant & eternal life” … by clicking here.
Bonus: funny family stories …
When the evangelist came to rural Christian churches for periodic “revival meetings” in those days – which usually meant church services with gospel singing and preaching every night for a week — it was the custom for active church members to invite the “preacher” to their homes and each provide a meal for the guest preacher. During one of those meal times, Joan’s mom, Edna Thomas, overheard this conversation wherein the visiting preacher was witnessing to Joan on the porch of their country home between Weatherford and Clinton, OK, just off old highway 66. He was sharing the gospel with Joan … who was at the “ripe old age” of four (4). He was making his final appeal for her to be saved. He concluded by saying, “Joanie, don’t you want to go to Heaven?”
Her response: “No, I like it right here on the farm!”
Years later, right after graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University, my first ministry position was with the FBC of Weatherford, OK. Joan and my friendship was taking serious turns when, one evening, in her home she gave me her picture for my wallet. I got excited … except not so much when I turned her photo over and looked at the back. In her handwriting it read: “To Tommy!!”
But the story continued happily for me. Tommy came in “second” … or so. Joan married me … and we are thankful to be living “happily ever afterward!”
