By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
After serving in the ministry for more than 50 years, well-known Hartselle evangelist Junior Hill has four good reasons for writing his autobiography.
The Lord led him to write it.
To remind himself what God has done for him.
To assure his children and grandchildren of God's graciousness in their lives.
To thank the faithful and dedicated pastors who have touched and blessed his life.
"They Call Him Junior" is the 13th book Hill has penned, but the first based solely on his life. His wife of 49 years, Carole, wrote "A Letter From Home," the last chapter of his autobiography. The Hills have two children and five grandchildren.
"Local people and churches might be interested in my life story, the joys and struggles," Hill explained. "It also might be a way to get to know all the new folks in Hartselle."
Hartselle natives will recognize many of the people and places Hill describes in "They Call Him Junior," including Snow Hill, F.E. "Fessor" Burleson, Nasty Branch, and Mrs. Zula Montgomery, and other readers will enjoy getting to know them through Hill's ministry.
Each chapter of the book also features an original sketch by Hartselle artist Gayle Strider.
"There comes a time in the life of every child of God that requires the need to pause, reflect upon the incredible blessings of the past, and gladly praise Him for all that He has done," Hill writes in the preface. "Johnson Oatman described that process of thanksgiving so wisely when he wrote, 'Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.' At 69 years of age, and now obviously in the twilight of my ministry, it seemed an appropriate time to do some counting."
"They Call Him Junior" is available for sale at Suzy's Hallmark on Main Street in downtown Hartselle and online at www.juniorhillministries.com for $20.