Kevin Butcher and his wife, Sherri, went clothes shopping.  This shopping trip was difficult because they were shopping for clothes for Kevin’s father’s funeral.  Included in their purchases was a tie for Kevin.  Then Kevin and Sherri realized that neither of them knew how to tie a tie.

Kevin saw an older man in the store who was wearing a tie.  He approached the complete stranger, told him the reason for his shopping trip, and asked him if he would teach him to tie the tie.

Howell Hackler was happy to help.

Sherri Butcher later shared the special moment with her friends through social media: “Today as Kevin and I were shopping for something to wear to his dad's funeral, we both realized neither of us knew how to tie a tie.  Kevin noticed an older gentleman nearby and decided to ask if he could help.  We both thought he might think we were crazy, but we were both so wrong.

This sweet man did not hesitate when Kevin explained why he needed help and proceeded to put the tie around his neck.  He joked with [Kevin] about [how it might take] all day to get it right, but he was determined.

After a few tries of getting the right length, he gently pulled it back over Kevin’s head and thanked HIM for letting him do this!!  He reached to shake hands with him and then pulled Kevin in close to hug him and tell him how sorry he was to hear about losing his Dad.

He looked at me and said ‘take good care of him’ and he walked away.

Kevin and I both walked away quietly as we were both having a hard time fighting back the tears.

I don't know this man's name, but I will never ever forget that heartfelt smile as he thanked US for letting HIM help!!  God Bless you Sir!!!”

Sherri later used social media to reconnect with Hackler.

On the day of Kevin’s father’s funeral, Kevin and Sherri entered the funeral home and found Mr. Hackler waiting for them and wanting to say a prayer for the family.

When this family was going through a difficult time, a heartening friendship was formed.

When you and I come to the realization that we are lost in our sins and can’t find a way to “fix” our situation, we are blessed to learn that Someone has come to our rescue.

Jesus, the Son of God, “gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Galatians 1:4).

Although He was a complete stranger to us, Jesus came to our aid.  When we could not save ourselves by our own efforts, Jesus came to save us and to give us eternal life (Luke 19:10; Romans 6:23).  He gave His life for us on the cross so that we might live.

God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

Frank Miles of Fox News in writing about the encounters of the Butcher family with Hackler said it well: “The kindness of strangers really comes through in times of pain and heartbreak.”  This is certainly true for Kevin and Sherri Butcher and their encounter with Howell Hackler.  It is also profoundly true when Jesus gave His life for us so that we can be saved.  This “complete Stranger” is really our greatest Friend (see John 15:13).

Won’t YOU accept Jesus’ offer of salvation and eternal life on His terms?

-- David A. Sargent

* Information gleaned from “Ohio man thanks stranger who taught him to tie a tie for his father's funeral” by Frank Miles of Fox News -https://www.foxnews.com/us/ohio-man-tie-stranger-father-funeral.

David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

Archived issues of Living Water can be viewed and accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org