I spent this past week with a very old and dear friend, Dr. Bob Hoots. He has been a significant part of my life since 1974; I am one of only a handful of people he ever baptized. Bob Hoots is an evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene, but more pointedly, Brother Bob is an evangelist for his Lord wherever his is led to go. He lives through the love of Jesus and serves through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is well-traveled, I ran into him once on I-75 in Georgia as he was rushing off to another engagement. He recognized me and slowed down. Seeing that smile and those wide knowing eyes was a balm for my soul that has lasted for years.
Brother Bob is reaching the end of his faithful service to his Lord. He shared the doctors have told him he needs a new heart, but at 78, he would have a very rough time with the surgery. He said tonight, “Well, they told me I was in trouble either way it went.” And then he flashed that heart warming smile and I heard that unique giggle that can only come from him.
We had prayer tonight for Brother Bob after he ended the service. I was humbled and deeply saddened to know this could be the last time I might see this great man here on earth. When the prayer ended Brother Bob raised his head and looked me in the eye and said Brother Myers, we go back a long way you and I.
I have received many awards and recognitions during my life, but none of that can compare to having this Saint of God look into my eyes, call me by name and hug my neck. Nothing until the time when Jesus does this in heaven will ever compare.
Brother Bob doesn’t have email and I take that as an indication he will ever know what I have said here, but that is fitting and proper. It has been my privilege to know this Saint of God and I look forward to the time when I will see his bright smile, hear his mellow voice and feel his gentle arms around my shoulders once again . . . in Heaven.
Humbled and Loved,
The Snake Killer
