Pastor Tim, along with his wife Cindy, have faithfully dedicated three decades to Hill Country Bible Church. During this time, they’ve positively impacted countless lives both in Austin and around the world. On March 31, we’ll recognize their steadfast commitment to spreading the love of Jesus across generations.
Let’s honor the Hawks for following God’s calling to serve and love our Hill Country family. We invite you to share a message of encouragement or thanks with Tim and Cindy — you can share a way that a specific sermon or message spoke to you, a time you were inspired to serve, lead or share the gospel, or a story of life transformation.
One very special memory that I will always have was when Pastor Tim welcomed me and many other men into Biblical Manhood in JourneyMen!! Truly a life changing moment that changed the trajectory of my life and that of my family!! Thank you and Cindy for your 30 years of faithful service to the family of believers at Hill Country Bible Church and BEYOND!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are always excited to listen to Tim's messages--they are always spiritually uplifting, historically informative and entertaining! Thank you Tim and Cindy for calling Hill Country Bible Church your home for the past three decades!
ReplyDeleteTony and Kristi
Tim and Cindy, We didn't get to HCBC as soon as you did, but it was close! Cindy, I distinctly remember you pushing me to serve in my area of gifting and getting me out of nursery scheduling - among many other times learning and laughing through Bible Studies. Tim, I also distinctly remember you pushing me into doing things you knew that I could do, but I was not so clear about that. You are both so significant to our spiritual growth - we were babes when we started and the majority of our learning and growth came from sitting under you both. It's been a privilege to have know y'all for these 30 years, and here's to many more. I'm hoping that our leaving the area doesn't negate the opportunity to serve together again! Congratulations on loving and serving so well! Much love from Marianne & from John!
ReplyDeleteThe Shaw family truly thanks Tim and Cindy for 30 years of sermon series, Men's Bible study, Women's Bible Study, retreats, Children's Ministry, High School Ministry, small group and friendship that has had an impact on both of us, Michael and Philip and extended to Mandy, Michael and Madison. I don't think there is any area of our lives that Hill Country Bible Church has not touched and this is because of the vision and leadership both of your have poured yourselves into. We are the recipients so we thank you for allowing God to work in you and use you to impact the Austin area in an amazing way.
ReplyDeleteI have grown so much spiritually and mentally since I started hearing Pastor Tim's messages. There was one sermon, a few years back, where he shared that he was skeptical of God in his twenties. Since I had the same experience, I felt I could truly relate to him and his words. I am so grateful for the opportunity to belong to this church with Pastor Tim as the guide, and no doubt all of the support and wisdom that Cindy has influenced the church with as well. Thank you both.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pastor Tim and Cindy for your dedication to Hill Country Bible Church and for being the hands and feet of Christ in many lives. Your authentic and personal message of the gospel has inspired me and my family for many years. I myself am a history nerd and I love how you weave so much biblical history and timeline details into the sermons you deliver. I really enjoyed the Easter story where y'all made a mock up of the tomb and you preached from the bedside where Jesus rose from the grave inside. I can never get enough of His truth! Thank you both for your service.
ReplyDeleteTim/Cindy: Ruston's loss was our gain. Thanks for your faithful service to our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 4:2
ReplyDeletePastor TIm and Cindy, we cannot thank you enough for your dedication in spreading the gospel and training the church on how to do the same. My funny story on Pastor Tim is when my wife and I met him in the welcome center, his response to us when he found out we were on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship was "oh, you are the nerdy christians." After being part of HCBC for over 4 years my comment back to Pastor is "it takes one to know one." Pastor Tim we are so proud of you and so happy that you are logical, data driven, and have passion for everyone to know God's love. As a family we have been growing in our faith and being more aware of our neighbors and friends who need the Lord. We appreciate both of your dedication and prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove,
JP, Ruby, Jaya & Gabe
Tim and Cindy, I have had the privilege to stand on the sideline and watch you two raise wonderful children and be a role model to other parents. I also appreciate that you two or real. Thanks so much for your dedication to our
ReplyDeleteChurch. Love, Debbie Powell
Tim and Cindy, It has been such a blessing to learn from the two of you for the last 12+ years since I moved to Austin. Your Biblical insights take me deeper into God's word and make me thirsty to know more. It's a joy to co-labor with you to take the gospel to those around us and wherever we go. I also appreciate your special emphasis on prayer and fasting to begin the new year. May the Lord continue to use you for His glory for many more years!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers,
Harriet
Tim - one of my fondest HCBC memories has to be our Tuesday morning one-on-ones when I served on the Elder Board. What a privilege to experience your wisdom on such a personal level. It was a weekly reminder of your deep and abiding dedication to Hill Country and to our Savior. Thank you both, Tim and Cindy, for your amazing and selfless service for 30 years! You've have been a huge blessing to our family and we are eternally grateful.
ReplyDeleteAll those thirty plus years ago we prayed that God would send a man who shared the vision and deep love of the Lord sought by church members at Hill Country Bible Church. God answered our prayers over and above what we could have imagined. You and Cindy are inspirational examples of seeking God first for the family of believers at HCBC. Thank you for challenging us to be the person God wants us to be. Every time I walk into our building I am awed at how God has blessed HCBC over the past thirty years! Thank you again. You both are dearly loved.
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ReplyDeleteAs we start at the beginning of our journey, of course, we have to talk about what an impact you both had on us during John’s accident in May of 1991. We had only been attending HCBC a short while and boy did we find out quickly how special y’all were along with all of HCBC. Love, serving, and prayer are the words that stand out as we experienced this ordeal. And we know that your leadership and example spread to everyone in the church and we were the blessed recipients of your character and love of Christ. Thank you for being such Godly influencers both then and now.
We will never forget the day that the Long’s brought us to the church for a half day of prayer. We had never committed to anything like this and Tim, you were so encouraging with that smile of yours and told us to look out because God was going to do something great. You were spot on and he has brought us through so much since then. Thanks for the inspiring words.
Just knowing you has been such an inspiration in so many ways. Cindy, your joyful smile is so uplifting not just at church, but in public. We’ve enjoyed running into all of the Hawk’s at our favorite restaurant and know that even though your time is precious you always come over to say hi…we love seeing you and catching up if even if it’s just for a few minutes. And, of course, your wonderful kids are always so friendly to us.
Cindy, you have impacted so many women’s lives (and the men who are married to them…ha!). At every event that you’ve ever shared the gospel, God has shined through you. You are so real and loving as you lead the ladies through God’s love for them. Thanks for your example of sharing Christ in such a loving and non-threatening way.
Tim, we were honored to have you officiate our 10 year renewal of vows and will forever be grateful. It meant so much to us to have you re-marry us because you saw us go through quite a bit the previous five years. Here we are now married 32 years…God is good!
It’s so hard to describe what your sermons have meant to us through the years. So many inspiring and tough ones…2 stand out that were so impactful…not only our lives, but in the lives of others. Years ago you preached on heaven and hell at a time when Gail’s grandfather was experiencing cancer and near the end of his life. Gail wanted to be sure that he was going to heaven and knew her grandfather loved you because he was from Ruston and we brought him to church one Sunday and he met you and admired you. Gail drove almost 8 hours with the cassette recording of your sermon and listened with her grandfather. At the end, he said he knew after that he was going to heaven and had a smile on his face. (he was an avid fisherman and wondered about the fishermen who didn’t go to church on Sunday…after your sermon he understood it’s a relationship…not a church membership).
We will call this next sermon you preached “Unnamed” because we can’t remember what you said but God worked through it big time. As we were sitting in church and you were preaching, both of us felt like God was calling us to start a new small group. We were happy in our current small group even though it was a bit big. But God spoke through you and the next week we started The Purpose Driven Life study.
Forever grateful for both of you. John and Gail
Dear Pastor Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your faithful service to the flock at Hill Country Bible Church over these last 30 years. You and the ministries at HCBC have ministered to me and my sons through some very hard and rocky times and some incredible blessed times. We have been taught, nourished, supported and loved through the Jr. High, Sr. High, College, Ladies Ministry, Divorce Care, Singles Ministry, Freedom in Christ, prayer Ministry, and Celebrate Recovery. Thank you for the incredible teaching each and every week. I so appreciate your honesty, integrity, and passion. May you and your family be blessed for all of your hard work and sacrifice on our behalf. Well done!!
God bless you,
Cathy Harris, Matthew and Daniel
Thank you, Tim and Cindy, for faithfully sharing God's word and His will through your service and lives at HCBC for all these decades. With your willingness to serve, God has done mighty things in our church and community. With all our ministries, (especially JourneyMen for me), it's easy to forget we're considered a "mega" church. We're blessed with a beloved, humble, and very learned pastor who always engages us with God's word. Yeah, I know it's God, not you, but we sure enjoy hearing Him through you. Thanks for your part in all of it.
ReplyDeleteMuch love from Paul Brightly and family!
Thank you for all your encouragement and guidance through your words and actions over the years! You continue to inspire us all to grow in our relationship with Jesus. You both are such blessings to us.
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteWe thank you for your dedication in serving the Lord at HCBC and it is encouraging to see your commitment and focus on bringing people to Christ and growing in their relationship with Him.
We have only been members for a few years but feel the Lord led us to HCBC because it has played a key role in our spiritual growth; both as individuals and a couple. The sermons seem to “touch” on something in our lives and hearts on a weekly basis. We have a friend who is a retired preacher and after watching some of your sermons he and his wife stated that the sermons were “spirit led”. We see that quality in the other pastors’ sermons which could only be due to outstanding mentoring and the Holy Spirit. We have three grandchildren who attend Hill Country Christian School and the 10 year old comes to the worship center because he wants to hear that message over the children program.
It is also great to see the passion still burning in your hearts after 30 years. We remember one sermon several months ago when you expressed your excitement about something you learned new from reading scripture during the week. It was encouraging to see and hear. It is also very evident that there is still a strong passion to bring people into a relationship with Jesus and reminding each of us our role.
Your leadership skills are also evident. HCBC could not have become the church it is today without good leadership. This leadership skill was also evident when you led the changes being made after 30 years. A true leader keeps his eyes on the “mission” and makes changes to keep on that “mission”. A leader thinks big and that is evident in thinking about reaching Greater Austin and beyond and the Christ Together approach.
Cindy, although this note focuses on Tim’s impact which has been more visible to us, we know that for someone to be a highly effective pastor they need not only the Holy Spirit but also a supportive spouse who has a strong relationship with Christ. So in an indirect way, we feel that all of these comments are directed to you also.
Thanks again for playing such a key role in God’s kingdom and our lives.
Thank you so much for your humility as leaders, and the example you set. We love and appreciate you so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you just doesn't seem to fully express the gratitude we feel for the difference you have made in our lives and our faith. We became members of Hill Country five years ago and have been blessed beyond measure by your leadership and teaching. We have been a part of both the men's and women's bible study and have grown so much in our faith under your leadership. You are an amazing example of living out your faith and putting Christ in the center of everything you do. You challenge us to do hard things and to live out our faith, putting Christ in the center of our lives, marriage and family. Thank you for putting Christ and His truth as the center of every message and mission of Hill Country. Thank you for your dedication, love, and for leading with integrity. We are honored to have you as our pastor and blessed by your leadership. We look forward to many more years of growing to know Christ more and walk this journey of faith with you. May God richly bless you and your family. We love you both!
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy, It is hard to find the words to express our thanks to God for both of you. As Stuart has always said, "they are like Bill and Vonette Bright". Two normal individuals who took God at His word and have seen the deep and lasting fruit of obedience (John 15). Thank you for caring for your flock with love, grace and vision. Your purposeful and yielded lives have been a great inspiration to us. We are eternally grateful. We love you, Carol and Stuart
ReplyDeleteThis is only my 4th year at Hill Country but I am SO grateful for the growth I've experienced as well as some great moments.....I'll never forget Cindy's funny & touching personal stories she told during Biblical Womanhood, nor her dancing & singing joyfully to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell! LOL
ReplyDeleteThere have been so many great Sunday Sermon Series but the ones that made the most impact on me (so far) have been Strangers in a Strange Land, Killing Giants, Revelation, Small Things Count, The Book of Job, Romans and In God We Trust: Politics & Culture Without the Personalities. The series on all of the World Religions was wonderful too. I remember waiting in line at the Connections Center to meet Pastor Tim because the sermon on Atheism hit home for me (all of my immediate family are atheists). After I introduced myself and thanked him for the message, I started crying because Easter was coming & I wouldn't be able to share that with my family. Tim was kind enough to pray for me right then and there, which was a great comfort. Then on Father's Day he called all of us who either didn't have an earthly father or who had been hurt/rejected by our father to the front of the sanctuary and prayed a Benediction over us. That meant more than words can express.
Thank you Tim and Cindy for being authentic, speaking the truth in love with humor and challenging us to keep our eyes on the kingdom and looking for more ways to serve others. Happy 30th Hill Country Anniversary and Godwilling many more! :)
I love that Tim and Cindy continually point us back to the love of Jesus, the passionate pursuit of a relationship with the Father and doesn’t shy from the tougher topics. This helps equip me to reach and love others on a regular basis, in all parts of my life. It helps me love my husband better, give grace to my family when we disagree, my neighbors and coworkers when I feel wronged.
ReplyDeleteI always feel rejuvenated, purposeful, peaceful, thankful, and joyful from attending HCBC. I love that there are so many ways to serve, and so many great folks to serve with!
I don’t know how I would have made it through 15 years of single parenting without such valuable teaching, wisdom and community love – I know Tim and Cindy care about everyone in the church family and having programs to meet our needs.
Some of my favorite and most meaningful sermon series: Nehemiah, Run, Margins, Biblical womanhood with Cindy, Women’s xmas event and the encouragement to engage my community.
Thank you for your commitment to spread the gospel, especially outside our local area with go trips.
Their humility, openness, kindness, honesty are a beautiful example to people who attend and other ministers around the country and world. I know a lot of people who have had bad experiences with church goers and faiths. I am thankful to have a family with leaders I can honestly be proud of and I events I can invite them too where they can feel comfortable.
Thank you for your commitment, vision and patience through the years. You are deeply appreciated and loved!
Amy Lawrence
Joy having cancer? I got diagnosed with prostrate cancer last year. I did not say bad words. I started radiation treatment. I went everyday for months. I saw people a lot worse than me. I take Christian songs and put them on cds. They brought me comfort. I believed God had a plan. More than to travel to treatment.I asked and was given permission to supply music cds to anyone at oncology center. cancer is gone, cds are helping others and I saw my tech ladies last time there. I was over whelmed with joy to see them. I owe this to attending HCBC. Pastor Tim you're the best. AS Steph Macloud says,'Oh Lord I have been blessed'.
ReplyDeleteAnd just like that, BOOM, thirty years! Great job Tim and Cindy! As a relatively new believer, I began attending HCBC Lakeline 20 years ago. Thanks to your dedication and discipleship, I now get the privilege to build into others. Thank you for never allowing me to be "comfortable" in my seat. Thank you for modeling servant leadership and thank you for your friendship to me and my family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for countless messages from God’s Word. Thank you for your challenge and encouragement to “reach those around us with the Life Changing Reality of Jesus Christ.” We are on One Mission today because of God’s call we felt through you, the many supportive staff and believers at HCBC. Congratulations and may God continue to bless you both!
ReplyDeletePastor Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteYou both are examples of lives well-lived. Venus and I started and grew our ministry here at Hill Country Bible Church and unknown number of lives were changed and continue to make a difference because of your leadership and heart for others. I continue to recall the day Venus and I walked toward the stage after your sermon and asked you whether you know how we can secure a spot to do translation for Persian-speaking audience and you mentioned evangelism ministry is where I need to reach. Things were never the same since then. Do not forget when you got there to heaven, save me a seat on the table, because we want to sit by you. Continue to bring fruits for the kingdom. We all live once, but if we live it right, once is enough. Love/Grace, Steve
Pastor Tim, about 8 years or so ago you challenged us to attend Church service every Sunday for a year. I accepted that challenge and did it. The only HCBC services I missed was when I was on a mission trip and visiting my parents. We attended their church that Sunday. Why is this important. For many many years I found all kinds of excuses why I couldn't attend. Now the community I have around me here in Austin and around the country is something I cannot imagine not having. Your application in the sermons helps me apply what I learn and event share with others. My grace stories are something I share to encourage others and hopefully see the love in Christ in. Thank you for all the ministries and vision we have to share with others. One last thing. I still remember Tom Johnson telling me he was so excited to what God will do with the explore God campaign. It taught me to look at the past to give excitement for what God will do in the futures. I still wear my Explore God band. Thank you is not enough but I look forward to celebrate all these things in Heaven you Jesus and those you have touched.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for always being transparent and following God through the challenges. Cindy, I know Tim could not be the leader he is without your love and support. Tim, your teaching has been life-changing. Thank you also for praying for and wholeheartedly supporting the visual arts ministry. And I've lost count of all the times you've provided wonderful gems in your sermons that I get to pass along to my students. What a blessing y'all are!!!
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy, I don't know how or where to begin! As the spiritual leaders of our church body, you have modeled so much for us about Godly life, growing to become the husbands, wives, fathers and mothers that God calls us to be! Biblical Manhood was crucial for me in that process and equipped and motivated me to reconnect with my estranged father after decades of no contact just before he died! You and Cindy both supported and vouched for my character during difficult legal challenges that also symbolized for me Christ's redemptive work to restore my life and my career (on a much smaller scale of course!) You both have come to know the less than perfect "us" that is my family, with all of the shortcomings, questions, confessions and sin areas that are associated with that, and yet (amazingly) remain our closest friends!
ReplyDeleteYou both have been such a direct blessing from God's hand to us, our church, Austin and all parts of the world that you have touched, and I know that you both will hear "Well done, good and faithful servant!!" (Matthew 25:23).
Thank you Tim and Cindy for all that you do and have done. If it were not for you and HCBC my marriage would have never made it. In 2008, a time when my life was changing for the worst, things acutally changed for the better because of you both, God's grace and HCBC. You are a gift to us all!!!
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate the incredible work you’ve done over the years. When we were moving back to the Austin area we contacted friends and told them we lean towards pastors from DTS and expository teaching with emphasis on the Bible. They mentioned a fairly new church and the neighborhood nearby. We have been so blessed to be part of HCBC, though not as long as your family. Having our children grow up in the church, two of them baptized by you, one married at the church, another graduating from Dallas Baptist University and DTS, and Christine and I serving in several ways over nearly 30 years has been such a blessing as we have grown spiritually thanks to such godly people and teachers. And to see the church grow and reach the entire Austin region and around the world, from humble beginnings behind the DQ so many years ago and spread hope to so many. We pray for you and your family and thank God for all you have done and still do. Thank you, Tim and Cindy.
ReplyDeleteThe Cherepons
Thank you both so much for your dedication to and love for the body of Christ. I have loved attending HCBC over the years and have found so much encouragement in the sermons that have helped me understand and grow in the faith. Through this church, my family and I have really grown in a closer relationship with God and we so appreciate Pastor Tim's messages that go deep into the word of God, give hard evidence for our faith, and discuss topics that are sometimes hard to discuss. God has used this church as such a blessing in my life, allowing me to bless others and change my character and the trajectory of my life. Thank you both for truly following God's calling.
ReplyDeleteMy family and I moved to Cedar Park in June 2003. We live about two miles from HCBC but I was not interested in visiting HCBC because of its size. We visited other churches but had not found a church home. I am employed with the U.S. Army as a civilian and in January 2004, I was deployed to Afghanistan for four months. My wife, Terrie and our two small children, Lauden (6) and Miranda (4) remained behind to continue to get settled in. Terrie and the kids were playing at a playground just down the street from HCBC and my son, Lauden was playing on the big boulders that formed a perimeter for the playground. He stumbled and fell face first and hit a jagged part of a boulder that was jutting out and it went right through his left cheek. He was bleeding profusely and my wife was frantic. A woman and her kids who were also playing at the playground rendered aid to my wife and my children, driving them to the Emergency Room. My daughter Miranda was attending First Foundations pre-school with is affiliated with HCBC. Terrie had her hands full trying to take care of my son and so Miranda had to skip a couple of days from pre-school. Miranda’s teacher from First Foundations called my wife to check in on Miranda due to her being absent and Terrie told her about her current situation with Lauden. I do not recall her name but she informed Terrie that she would be coming by to provide food for my family. She and several other people from HCBC showed up at my house with food but most importantly she told Terrie about a program with HCBC called SOS (Servants on Standby) and within that program are members of HCBC who have specific skill sets such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and doctors. With her was a plastic surgeon who told Terrie that he was going to take care of Lauden and repair his face. Terrie called me in Afghanistan to tell me the joyous news. I was so amazed by the love of Jesus Christ that was shown to my family from members of HCBC that upon my return home, we visited HCBC and subsequently became members. My family and I have served in several capacities within HCBC, both of my children were save as a result of a partnership with the children’s ministry, AWANAs and backyard bible clubs. . Who knew, from that from one act of kindness like a drop in a pond that the ripple effects would be expansive, enriching and eternal.
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy, your living testimony, dedication, mentorship, leadership and vision have impacted so many lives and we the Sharpe family are eternally grateful.
Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteWe just want to thank you both for your obedience to come to Austin. We have only been with HCBC 15 or so years but we have heard the stories of the origins of HCBC and of the trials y'all also had to endure. Now, looking back on that 30 years later, isn't it amazing what God has done through your lives and HCBC? This is so Romans 8:28-30. Truly you both were predestined to be here. Dawn and I actually met at Hill Country through the singles ministry during the Purpose Driven Life series. We both enjoy serving together on a few of the many opportunities HCBC provides and doing so has greatly enriched our marriage and our own walks with Jesus Christ. This is the only Bible church Dawn and I have ever been exposed to. I cannot express how essential the Biblical teaching we have received at Hill Country has become to the growth and development of our individual relationships with God. As for me, one of the series in particular will always stand out as a paramount truth that I needed to hear and that was from the Power Tool series and that God is an unconditional lover who is 100% for me 100% of the time. And I can go right to my Bible and see where He says that! And that was exactly what I needed to hear that day, every other day, and I can hear it anytime I want by simply turning to His word. When you then pair that truth with the book of Ephesians that has been brilliantly expounded through "From a Mess to a Masterpiece" one truly never has to doubt just how much we are loved by God. Thank you both for your love and leadership and I pray this blessing for you and all of your family.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” -Numbers 6:24-26
With all our love and prayers,
Chris and Dawn Freeman
Tim,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for helping create such a wonderful environment of family and learning at HCBC. I count myself very lucky to have landed at HCBC when we were searching for our next Church home. Looking back as your 30 yr anniversary approaches had me thinking; I have been lucky enough to have had three long term church homes with three amazing long tenure Pastors. I grew up in Richardson with Dr Charles Vanderslice at RHBC. When I moved to Austin for school I landed at Hyde Park Baptist with Dr Ralph Smith. When we looked for a new Church Home over a decade and a half ago, we found you at HCBC and we knew it was home. You have proven our initial feelings to be so very true. HCBC is home. HCBC helped my wife and I with premarital counseling and helped perform a lovely outdoor service. You have created a place we are happy and proud to bring our Grandson David in the same way my Mother took me to RHBC and Dr Vanderslice. You are doing great work with HCBC and we appreciate you so very much.
Love,
Greg & Michele McKay & David Detmer
Tim & Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your faithful leadership of HCBC over the last 30 years! We have always been encouraged by your example, leadership, and teaching. Thanks for taking a risk on a young couple right out of seminary, and giving us a chance to learn and lead. I pray that God will continue to bless you both in this next season of life and ministry. May your influence increase as you continue to love God, love people, and spread the gospel of Jesus to every man, woman, and child in our region. We are so grateful that we have been able to be a part of this amazing movement with you.
-Keith & Barie
Tim and Cindy, your leadership has been invaluable to our family over the last 15+ years. We feel so blessed to be a part of an amazing church family. To be able to reflect back at our personal spiritual growth and our maturity as friends, family, neighbors, employees, leaders and servants has been remarkable. Your fingerprints, prayers and leadership have had a tremendous impact on us and we are so very grateful.
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteIt has been so inspiring to watch how God has used Hill Country to teach and spread his love. Thank you for being a faithful servant and for challenging us to grow to be more like Christ. Just this week a neighbor who is new to our church stopped by and told me how much she is learning. It is fun to hear perspective from fresh, new eyes! Lois Robinson
We moved to Austin in 1995 and it was quite a search for a new church. Hill Country was still meeting in the gym! The third time we visited, I told Chris I really felt like Hill Country was where we needed to be. There were 2 main things we discussed: one was the children's ministry, that they taught and not just babysat the kids. Josh liked being there, and he was only 2 at the time! Pastor Tim, you were the second reason, because we realized right away that God had given you the gift of teaching, and that you would not preach anything you could not back up with the Bible. Tim and Cindy, there are so many stories we could tell you of how Hill Country has changed and shaped our lives. We have been challenged to get out of our comfort zones, to volunteer and be involved in different ministries over the years. And we have been blessed over and over when we were trying to be a blessing! Kinda cool how God does that. We are so thankful for the ministries, for the staff who are so dedicated to serving the Lord, for the retreats, for the friends we have made, and especially for our Small Group. These are the people we have done life with, who have been Jesus to us so many times! Our sons are grown now, our son Josh just got married! It was so sweet to see him want so badly to bring his Sweetie (at the time fiance) to Christmas Eve Service! She just had to be there for the carols, candles and snow! We can personally attest to the fact that you have reached multiple generations through your faithful service. It has been an honor and a privilege to attend and be part of serving at Hill Country Bible Church! We love you so much!
ReplyDeleteAfter 20 years with you leading us and building into our lives at Hill Country, the impact you both have had in my life and the life of our family feels hard to distill down to just a few stories, but let me share a couple highlights.
ReplyDeleteTim: In every sermon, the Holy Spirit uses you to speak to me (or step on my toes.). One of the most memorable for us are a sermon where Drew and I both felt like we were being told to “go to Egypt” and step out in faith to homeschool. The other was in the Spring of 2009 you had a sermon on the recession and that people were hurting. You urged us to think of how we could help. Because of my background in career counseling, I had read with interest about Job Seekers Network starting earlier in the year, so I called Craig Foster and asked if I could help. That was 10 years ago. Now I am an employee of JSN, and through our programs we help 900 job seekers each year, with many people coming to know Jesus or growing in their faith through the programs of ministry. The workshops I’ve developed there allow me to follow my calling in helping other people discover their calling.
Cindy: Intentionally investing in women to help them be the best child of God, wife, mom, friend, servant and person is what comes to mind when I think of your impact for me and 1,000s of other ladies. I am so blessed to have you lead me and several other elders’ wives in becoming Fully Formed Followers. Your stories, applications, and the way you purposefully live out the truths we learned are so inspiring. I actually can hear your voice in my head each week, just in my day to day living and as I now lead my group of FFF.
Thank you both for your heart for Jesus and His people here at HCBC. We are forever changed because of it!
We moved to Austin in 2012 from Dubai and Hill Country Bible Church was the first church we visited as we were searching for a new church family. Needless to say that after that first Sunday service we attended, there was no need to search any further. Hearing Tim's message we knew that there was something special and that the Lord has blessed the Hawks family and Hill Country Bible Church. We have been with HCBC for 6 years now and we enjoy every Sunday. Thanks for your Leadership Tim and Cindy. You are a blessing and inspiration to us all.
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy, I just wanted to take this chance to thank you for your years of service to Hill Country Bible Church. I don't think you will fully understand the depth and breadth of the impact that you have had on the thousands of people that have attended the church over your 30 years until we are all together in the presence of our Lord and Savior. However, I can tell you that you and your service have had a profound and eternal impact on my family and me. I have experienced more spiritual growth in my 22 years at HCBC than I could ever have imagined. I am a better husband, a better father, a better friend, a better worker, a better boss and a better man because of what I have both learned and observed from you.
ReplyDeleteTim, I was blessed to be able to go through Biblical Manhood under you myself (twice!) and then go through it with each of my two sons two more times, ALL with you as the lead teacher. I truly believe that, because of that teaching, all three of us are better equipped to be the men that God has called us to be and to better model real Christian masculinity. I also wanted to say that it is an honor and a privilege to serve with you on our elder board.
Cindy, thank you for your heart to invest in the people of our church and especially your mentoring and teaching over the years. You are a very gifted teacher and you have blessed many lives for eternity by sharing your gift and loving people. I can assure you that you have greatly blessed my wife, Becky, by your investments in her!
Thank you both for your commitment to be incarnational leaders and your commitment to our Lord, Jesus Christ! You are both a blessing to more people than you can know.
Dear Pastor Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI can not begin to thank you for your amazing leadership and teachings inside church as well as the amazing bible studies. I came to this church broken, a marriage falling apart, and an addiction to alcohol eating away at my soul. The first line prayer group at the end of service found me a small group that were so amazing. So much love and acceptance. Which led to so many God moments, the perfect mentor, the perfect counselor, the help I desperately needed all because a church family knew how to offer not just some direction but non-judgemental support. You two are a part of that miracle. Later I was a group Leader in CR giving away what Christ gave me back for 6 years. My husband and I were reunited early on with forgiveness abounding which led us to lead a small Group for awhile and we love serving now as members in the start up church of Crystal Falls. God has been so amazing, even in my darkest hours when the past tried to haunt me with lies I cry out to my loving Abba thanking him for all the beautiful people in our lives and love to share this message with those whom God puts into my life. Life here on earth is full of both joy and suffering. But this I know when our Savior returns in Glory to bring me home I will be with Him in the most perfect place, forever with my Lord and Savior. My favorite sermon series was on Revelation where your knowledge was so impactful and it finally made sense. May God continue to bless you both with that light and love that shines out as beacons in an often dark and evil world. With Grace and Love may you both know how much you bring to this church family. Happy 30 wonderful years! Nick and Amy ><>
We thank you both so much for your dedication and service to all of us at Hill Country! Your leadership is a blessing to all who attend! We are so thankful for your guidance, wisdom, emthusiasm, and time whether it be your friendly handshake and "Good morning" every Sunday morning, your sermons, your men's and women's bible study groups, your leadership in our community and across the nation/world and so many other countless ways. We are so lucky and blessed to have your as our pastor and pastor's wife! Here's to another 30! :)
ReplyDeleteAnne and TJ Dilworth
Pastor Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThere are no words great enough to express the gratitude our family has for you both. What a blessing you have been in so many lives. We started coming to Hill Country 17 years ago. Our oldest daughter was 5 years old and our youngest daughter was just born. They are now college age and you have helped shape them into the young women they are today. We were all four baptized at Hill Country. My mom and her husband moved here from California four years ago and started attending Hill Country right away and have become members of the church. Needless to say, you two have impacted our lives more than you know. Our community is blessed beyond words to have you both in our lives. We greatly thank you!
The Harvey’s
Attending Hill Country Bible has changed our lives for the better and forever! Our daughter was a senior in high school and no one in the family was truly engaged with the church we were attending. Once we began attending church services at Hill Country and volunteering at the church,our spiritual lives renewed! Our daughter became more involved and attended a faith group in college where she met and became friends with several others who were believers that further strengthened her faith. She also met a faithful young man who she recently married. Alec traveled to Israel with Pastor Tim and Cindy, Ann attended the Women's Bible Study with Cindy, Ann volunteered at Job Seekers and Alec volunteered to usher. Attending church services on Sunday became something everyone in the family wanted to do instead of feeling like it was an obligation. Thanks so much for all that you have done for the community and worldwide. We feel blessed to have met you and know you and appreciate your role in helping to bring the Holy Spirit into our lives living each day to serve the Lord.
ReplyDeleteAlec & Ann McKinley
So thankful for the years of service.... Here are some specifics:
ReplyDelete*Sitting in Bible study next to a neighbor I had brought as a guest, listening to Cindy speak ( laughing regularly of course), and feeling God whisper- "this is exactly where you are supposed to be right now."
*When Tim and the elders came to pray for my mother in law, who was dying of cancer-- just a feeling of the incredible PEACE that surrounded us all as we prayed.
* The tons of sermon and Bible study notes that I have kept in a notebook and occasionally refer to -- this is the wisdom that has guided my husband and I as we raised our children these past 15 years! ( I took a picture of all the notes and will send it in!)
*Relationships, friends, and neighbors who have heard the gospel because of Hill Country.
Thank you Lord for these faithful servants! From the Zaza Family
Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your wise and kind leadership through HCBC since we arrived in Austin in March of 1994. We have been blessed over and over by your example of humble Christlike love and sacrificial service to bring the Word to Austin and a church home that continues to grow. It was during our first year that we enjoyed a warm and sincere welcome in your home as new members of the church behind the Dairy Queen! We have enjoyed seeing our families grow up and the many ways that you have both supported us, our direct family, and our small groups during difficult times of losses. We are always grateful for your biblical teaching with practical ways that help us follow in the steps of Christ for Austin and beyond for His Kingdom.
Our love and thanks, Craig & Deborah West
Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your faithful service to the Lord and His people for 30 years at HCBC!
You have both been a tremendous blessing to me and my family, and I will always be grateful for the Lord sending us here after seminary.
I remember when Catherine and I came in to Austin, to visit HCBC together, when I was interviewing for a position on staff. Meeting both of you and seeing the ministry that you guys had built in the few years that you had been here, and hearing your vision for the future, led us both to say that HCBC would be a church we would want to attend as a family, even if we were not joining the staff.
I consider being at HCBC and serving under Tim as one of the most significant impacts on my spiritual growth. What a privilege it has been to serve alongside both of you! I pray that the Lord will continue to use you both mightily in the years ahead.
Thanks and Blessings,
Wayne
Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteTim, thank you so much for being my pastor and teacher for the past 25 years and Cindy for being his most amazing wife, a mentor, women’s ministry teacher and friend.
You both have made it so easy to follow you because of the great love you have shown for God, his word and his people.
You have challenged me through the years to take risks, to take long looks at my heart and be willing to ask God to change me.
You have taught and equipped me to love and serve others and to be willing and excited to share the good news with neighbors and friends and others who need Jesus.
The Great Investment, Beyond the Open Door, Nehemiah series, Rethinking Womanhood, Walls...so many times over the years that God used you both to make a big spiritual change in my life.
It has been a privilege and a blessing to have both of you here for the past 30 years.
With overflowing gratitude and love,
Catherine Schomaker
Pastor Tim and Cindy, thank you so much for your heart for the Lord! God has given each of you the gift of teaching and leading others to Christ. Thank you for being "real", loving and encouraging us to apply God's Word daily. I have been blessed to know you and be a part of Hill Country Bible Church.
ReplyDeleteLove and Blessings, Linda
Tim - thank you for recognizing the need to invest in individuals and for investing your time and gifts in me. 2 Timothy 2:2. And thank you, Cindy, for encouraging him to do so. May God continue to bless you both and the work you do for His kingdom.
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing anniversary! We are thankful to God for your presence at Hill Country and your leadership.
Tim, I understand the enormity of the time and effort involved in preparing a sermon every week, Men’s Bible study, and mentoring men. You have the ability to help us understand and empathize with the people in the Bible and challenge us to rely on Jesus to be better than we were last week. I have appreciated your intellect and humor (it always seems that you have a whole truckload of information that you want to share in your sermons were there only time.) The latest change to the church structure was a significant and you captained it with aplomb. In the darkest time in my life, you prayed for me and offered help, counsel, resources to help point me to the only One who can heal.
Cindy, with your ready smile, leading women with grace, wisdom and humor. Always ready to listen, always ready to challenge. I have appreciated your input in my life and the compassion you have for others.
I am different today because of the influence of people like you who pour themselves out for the sake of others. God's richest blessing on you in this time of celebration.
Tim and Cindy, we arrived in Austin almost exactly 9 years ago. We visited two churches on our first weekend, and God clearly showed us he had prepared a special place for us at Hill Country Bible Church. Hardly a week has passed since when the Holy Spirit has not spoken directly to my soul through one of your sermons. I've likewise shared your messages countless times on social media for friends who were in need of the same encouragement. Cindy, the hours I have spent laughing and crying under your teaching have transformed me as a woman, wife, and mom. Now to see your daughters Kate and Lady mentoring my daughter in the same way is a priceless blessing. I thank God for your faithfulness in leading HCBC for 30 years. God has used you to transform us! Dawn Roberts
ReplyDeletePastor Tim and Cindy, we are so thankful for your ministry to us at HCBC. We moved here 3 years ago and were in search of a congregation with biblical teaching similar to the one we left in Dallas. We were so excited that our God lead us to HCBC, and leaders like yourselves. We love you and look forward to continuing our journey with you, and our HCBC family and beyond. Thank you for your faithful service to our King. David and Terri Buggs.
ReplyDeleteTim, having worked with you side by side at Hill Country Bible Church, I have firsthand knowledge that you do not just talk the talk, you walk the walk. You have completely given your heart to Christ and with every fiber of your being you want everyone to understand the joy of that relationship. Your vulnerability to share your own suffering and doubt, your authentic tears on more than one occasion and your honest truth spoken to me when I was suffering encouraged me and gave me hope. Cindy, your faith, humor and heart for women has changed lives. Thank you both for your service to us, to this community and to your family. Many blessings to you both! - Kelly Jones
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy ~ you have been such servants of God throughout your time here at HCBC. We haven’t been here the full 30 years but we have been so blessed by your messages, your service, and the way you and your family have shown us how to live a Godly life. The message that meant the most to me was after the Sandy Hook school shooting. So many people say “How could there be a loving God and let this type of thing happen.” You taught us that these shootings and all of the other bad things that happen in our world are not about God but about sin. That made such a profound effect on me and it gave me an opportunity to share Christ with those who don’t understand who our loving God really is. This message also helped me to answer some of those same questions in my own mind. It has been a privilege to be a part of HCBC and to deepen my relationship with Christ through your teaching. We love you and we are eternally grateful for the sacrifices you and your family have made for HCBC. William and Melanie Hadley.
ReplyDeleteDear Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your service at Hill Country BIble Church. I have been so blessed by y'all's ministry. The Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from God and I can see that God has used Hill Country Bible Church to give me so many blessings. I was raised at HCBC. My dad made sure that I went to Journeymen with him and would spend time with me every Saturday to have breakfast and study the Bible together. I enjoyed the time with my dad, but have been shown what a huge blessing that was for my dad to guide me and show me what a Godly man does. I found out about production at HCBC and have found a 10 year long passion that I am so blessed to be able to do. I met my wife, Diana here and we both had many Godly people advising us while we were dating and helped us understand the commitment of a lifetime together.
I have been able to share the blessings of HCBC with those around me as well. Griefshare helped me and my friends through a rough time and got them to step into a church when they hadn't been in years. I've heard and have even experienced stories where someone was planning on ending their life, but because of the connections at HCBC, there was someone there to stop them. I have been able to point people to HCBC to learn English, get a job, get financial help. I am so thankful for the ministry that y'all have been doing for the past 30 years.
Thank you.
Dear Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteWe want to thank you for your 30 years of service and for the impact you have had in our community and in our family's life! God led us to HCBC at a critical point in our lives when our oldest was just starting middle school. Our children have had the fortune of growing up in a church environment which challenged them to grow spiritually. Thank you both for your vision and leadership. Kim and I appreciate your personal investment in our lives and it has been spiritually life-changing. We love you and pray that God continues to pour out his blessings on you and your family.
Barry and Kim Williamson
Dear Pastor Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your 30 years of dedication to HCBC! On a personal note, we want to thank you for providing a church home for our family. Before we were married in 2016, we both attended different churches, but decided to find a new church to start attending together. After visiting many churches, HCBC felt like "home" immediately. We are now active at the Crystal Falls campus and we feel so blessed by the friends that have become family at both the Lakeline and Crystal Falls campuses. Thank you for being such compassionate and loyal leaders. God bless you both and your family!
Blessings,
Heather and Bill Bala
Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteMy family and I wanted to lift you both up on serving the Lord at HCBC for 30 years! I recognize your obedience to the Lord when you dedicated yourself to serving Jesus and spreading the Gospel over 35 years ago. It is obvious that the Lord has blessed HCBC beyond what anyone could have imagined when HCBC was first started. You and Cindy have been an integral part of this growth. My family and I honors the both of you for pouring your lives into this Church and the people within and outside of HCBC. I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and speak to your hearts as you lead our Church the into the future. I also pray for a hedge of protection around the both of you and your kids and that God continues to bless HCBC and its leadership.
Dear Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI am ever thankful for having y'all as our pastors. Tim, you have the extraordinary ability to craft a sermon each week that is clear and accessible to new believers, as well as being rich with teaching that informs and inspires those who have spent decades studying the Bible and growing in the faith. I have been greatly blessed every week by your teaching. Thank you for committing your life to teaching the gospel. Tens of thousands have been enriched by your transparent faith and your careful study. Cindy, I thank you as well. Thank you for providing such an example of excellence in teaching women (that's a lot harder than Tim's teaching task, IMHO). Thank you for making a place for me to serve at HCBC. Thank you for the many times you've met with me to give me wisdom and direction and encouragement. You're the BEST! Thank you both, Tim and Cindy, for your wise leadership and single-minded focus on serving Christ in our city.
With deep admiration and fond affection.
Cheryl Sneeringer
My family has been members for about 4 years now and we're truly grateful God brought us to Hill Country. Your leadership flows down through the church body and we're blessed by your humility, insight, love, and faith in Jesus. May you have 30 more years :) and may God bless you both for your diligence and stewardship of God's people.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
The Petersons
Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThe Freeman family would like to thank you for your unwavering dedication and servant leadership to Hill Country Bible Church over the past 30 years. Thank you for the countless hours you have invested in preparation to teach and lead within our congregation and our community, but thank you most of all for so faithfully allowing God to use you as His instruments to dispense His love, truth, wisdom, grace, mercy, compassion and encouragement. There have been times that I've entered the walls of HCBC on a given Sunday with my mind thrashing over the events of the prior week and concerned about what tomorrow might bring, but I left with new perspective - God's perspective - because you faithfully taught and reminded me about who God is, and the great love He has for me, my family and for the whole world. What I have learned from your teaching of God's Word is also being planted in the hearts of 4th and 5th grade boys in Children's Ministry, and in the other men I serve with.
With sincere gratitude to God for your impact on our lives,
John, Jackie and Christina Freeman
Dear Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThough, regretfully, I have not had the opportunity to get to know you well personally, you have both made a tremendous impact on my life through your leadership and teaching during my 15 years at Hill Country Bible Church. Tim, your ability to cut to the heart of an issue and shed new light on “old” passages is nothing short of amazing. But, more than that, the relevant, practical and fresh applications you draw from the lessons week after week are what spur me on to live out my faith. The exhortation that has had the biggest impact on me is decidedly untheological. But it has become my mantra whenever I am faced with anything that requires courage or causes discomfort: “Lean in to the awkward.” I will never forget that, and I will never again be able to walk away from an opportunity to honor God or help others simply because it makes me feel uncomfortable. So thank you for that!
And, Cindy, the first time I attended Gracepath was during Biblical Womanhood one year. That study was nothing short of life changing for me. And your personal stories about throwing keys away inside McDonald’s bags and locking them in trunks are not only hilarious, but wholly affirming to this girl, who has gone trash can diving in front of the entire food court at Lakeline Mall! I am in the absolute best of company!
The two of you are incredibly gifted by God, and it is to Him that I give thanks for orchestrating my life so that my husband Mark and I would come to Hill Country Bible Church 15 years ago and have the supreme opportunity to raise our three daughters here under the leadership of Tim and Cindy Hawks.
With Gratitude and Affection,
Neisha Frank
P.S. my 16-year-old daughter said that if she were to write you a note, she would say, “You are a power couple, and you guys are legends.”
Our family has searched for a church that not only supported the Deaf ministry but supported the Deaf children’s ministry. After searching for 15 years we found HCBC. Now my husband can enjoy and receive a quality interpreter message but my elementary, preschool and high school deaf kids can all go to class and get the Word in their language as well in American Sign Language. I cannot tell you how thankful we are to have that and most importantly have pastors that support the ministry. The Deaf people are a very seriously umreached people. The dedication, servants hearts and love you have for your congregation is more than enough for our big family. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy, your servant hearts, love of your family and love of His church have inspired Cindy and I since we first touched down in Austin in 1995. Thank you both for living real and incarnational lives that have affected so many for the Kingdom! Our family is definitely one of those that have been so blessed.
ReplyDeleteThe Lumpkin's are super thankful for your service for all these years! Although I haven't attended HCBC as long as Kyle I am so thankful for the deep roots that our family has here and how all these years later you both are still making an impact in our lives and the lives of so many! We are blessed to call Hill Country home!
ReplyDeleteDear Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteIt is with immense gratitude that I share a message of how you have impacted my family tree through your ministry and teaching. You have personally demonstrated that there is unexpected power in vulnerability and unexpected joy in sacrifice. I have learned from your example that the very best YES for my time, talent, and treasure is to invest all that I have in the pursuit of holiness and serving others. I am eternally grateful for your influence in my life. I pray that I will have a fraction of the same influence on someone else's eternity.
In His grace,
Glenna Sager
Tim, Our Father has revealed so much about Himself to me through you. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to speak the Truth through you for year after year. The joy you experience in this life will pale in comparison to the rewards awaiting you in eternity. Cindy, I won’t pretend to know how much your devotion to helping our congregation grow in God’s love has influenced my family, especially my wife and daughters growth into Godly women. All I can say is thank you, now while I can’t fully know the impact your efforts have made on my family and I look forward to thanking you again in heaven when we can see it all clearly. Thank you both for your selfless, persistent and intentional love. T. Morgan
ReplyDeleteTim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI just want to thank you for all the years of service. I have been at Hill Country now for over years and been blessed being part of your wonderful church family. It was an honor to do Biblical Manhood and hear both of your speak and even seeing Cindy come to the young adults class. I admire the way you set the example for us to follow and look forward to seeing what the future brings.
Thanks,
Timothy Michelini
Pastor Tim and Cindy;
ReplyDeleteWe are relatively new to HCBC but have felt at home since the first visit. Kassi Hemerka is our daughter and her family and ours love the church and thank you so much for your vision and care in all areas. We look forward to knowing you all better but are so blessed with your insight, hard research, and anointing and thank you for the pieces of your heart that you share in every concern and teaching. Keep up the great work and strive for the WELL DONE you will hear from Jesus. Just saying the Well Done here and now also!!! Steve and Cory Konz
Tim and Cindy - when I think of y'all I think of Hebrews 13: "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith... obey your leaders...as they keep watch over you..." You two have truly lived this out. Your faithfulness to God's initial call on your lives to come to Texas, and that daily walk of living that out has been evident to our church by the fruitfulness of your lives and impact. Over these many years I've appreciated your genuineness in relationships and your perseverance in ministry. You have run the good race, and I'm praying for MANY more years of impacting our world for Jesus Christ. Love you two! Libby
ReplyDeleteWhen I moved back to Austin in 2009, I did not have a strong relationship with God and Jesus and was a bit lost. I was recommended to go visit HCBC and it changed my life. The messages delivered by Pastor Tim are lessons I can easily relate to in my life and as I attended services regularly, my relationship with God and Jesus developed and strengthened. I got baptized in an HCBC outdoor baptism and look forward to every Sunday morning with excitement and anticipation of a wonderful service highlighted by a strong message I can carry with me going forward.Thank you so much for your commitment to the church and the community and changing lives for the better all across Central Texas with the messages of the Bible, God, and Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteI have considered myself a Christian all of my life but it wasn't until I started attending HCBC about 10 years ago that I have had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It was due to your tremendous gift of teaching the Bible that I was able to really feel a connection with Jesus and for that I truly thank you. I look forward to your message each week. Thank you Tim and Cindy for your dedication to God and your life changing ministry! Nancy
ReplyDeleteDear Tim and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteJulia and I would like to congratulate you and thank you for 30 years of service at Hill Country. Your selfless service has had a profound impact upon our family. We first visited HCBC ~15 years ago and moving to Hill Country was an agonizing decision at the time. However, in hindsight, it is clear to both of us that it was indeed God’s will and one of the best decisions we have ever made. As a parent of two college students, I see the incredibly strong influence our post-Christian culture exerts on them and cannot imagine having done less to prepare them before they left home.
Tim, your clear teaching each week of God’s word and how to apply it to our everyday life has been transformative to both of us and to our children as well. Cindy, Julia has attended and been involved in many events and classes in which you have spoke and she feels the same way about your teaching. Not only are you both outstanding teachers of God’s word but more importantly you live transparent lives…really attempting to live out what you teach. I think this may be your defining characteristic. HCBC is a large church and although we have only spoken at length a couple of times, I still feel known and valued from the interactions that we have had. It is my prayer that God will continue to use you just as effectively for the next 30 years as he has the past 30 years.
Blessings,
Rob & Julia White
Dear Tim and Cindy, Barb and I wanted to thank you for your shining examples of what it means to live for Jesus. For the past 15 years we have been immeasurably blessed to be part of the HCBC body. I am always proud to let people know what church we attend.
ReplyDeleteWhen we moved down from Dallas, we were concerned that we would not find a church that had what we left behind. (We were long time members at Fellowship Bible Church/Plano, Gene Getz...we were newly weds and such babes when we started attending.) I will never forget our first Sunday at HCBC. It was as if we had stepped into FBC only in Austin. The structure and flow were identical, the size was the same, everything except the guy teaching. Why this guy looked extremely intelligent and he had a unusual transparent style that was captivating. We were both giddy when we left. "NO-WAY! God, are you trying to trick us, are you trying to pull a fast one here?"
We returned the next Sunday and never looked back. Not only that, turns out it just kept getting better! This church had a vision, a plan, they were busy and full of life.
Barb and I thank God for both of you laying down your lives for us/ the body and beyond, for encouraging us and building us up just as you are doing. Happy 30th Anniversary Tim and Cindy, your eternal friends,
Love you, Kim and Barb Mozejko
Thank you for your teachings and the sharing of God's word. I was saved from the pain and disappointment that would arise from marrying an unbeliever. Thanks for allowing God to use you both in such a way that makes a difference in my life. God bless you both as you continue to serve HIM!
ReplyDeleteLast night 3 Spanish speaking friends accompanied me to the Christmas Service at Lakeline Mall. My friends had tears in their eyes when we sang the Spanish Christmas song. They commented afterwards that they appreciated the fact that the Spanish community is recognized by HCBC. They were also especially touched by the candle lighting ceremony. I am praying that the seeds were planted, and that God will work in their hearts. Last night was the best Christmas gift ever! Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteI can not think of a sermon that did not inspire or speak to me. Tim’s sermons have always spoken directly to me in a crowd of 6000 or more people. Only The Holy Spirit could do that through Him! He is a gifted preacher and teacher for sure. I will never forget how, back in 2002, I walked up front to ask him to pray and visit with him a bit and I had never spoken with him before and he already knew my name out of a church of 6000. Also, as a single mom, I used to go to the gym with my teenage son. One Sunday afternoon, we happened to see Tim across the gym, lifting weights. I encouraged my teenage son to just go say hi. I watched from across the room while I was waking on the treadmill, when Pastor Tim stopped what he was doin, to take the time to show my teenage son a few tips on lifting weights. So impressed by the personable approach he had with my son as well as the first time I spoke with him. Cindy has always been such a blessing to me with her love and kindness. She even took the time to help me find out how to find someone to do fully formed follower with. She is a wonderful sister in The Lord. Thank you to both Tim and Cindy Hawks for everything over my past 21 years with Hill Country Lakeline.
ReplyDelete