international missions' three musketeers by Don Robirds   Find out more about the ministry of Free Will Baptist International Missions at www.fwbgo.com.

“All for one and one for all!”

Who can read Alexander Dumas’ famous line from his classic volume, The Three Musketeers, without hearing the clink of swords raised together in a salute? Or not anticipate a full-scale, though happy-go-lucky, assault on a common enemy?

Charlie Hingst, Jimmy Carter, and Walter Hatfield—the three musketeers of International Missions’ shipping department—all have one thing in common: they love the Lord and are committed to the missions department and missionaries. These three top-notch Free Will Baptist men combine 45 years of part-time labor given freely to International Missions since 1986.

General Director James Forlines says, “Thank the Lord for Charlie, Jimmy, and Walt. They are a delight to work with and are very valuable members of our team.” According to April Bybee, assistant to the director of stateside development, “They manage a wide variety of logistics. Their outstanding service, coupled with glowing, selfless attitudes, make them endearing and special to IM.”

Lone Ranger

Charlie Hingst became the first musketeer after his retirement as the manager of the branch office of Otis Elevator Company in Nashville, Tennessee. When Rolla Smith and Don Robirds approached Charlie after Sunday school one day at Donelson FWB Church, they were certain he was too healthy to sit in a rocking chair after retirement. Charlie recalls, “I don’t remember hesitating at all. I was looking for something to do.”

Photo (left to right): Jimmy Carter, Walter Hatfield, and Charlie Hingst

When he asked what the job would include, Willie Midgett, secretary to the director of deputation at that time, responded, “There is not enough paper in this office to write your job description.” Charlie took the challenge anyway.

The former WWII Merchant Marine radio officer who holds BS and MS degrees from Georgia Technical University laid down his manager’s mantle on a Friday in January of 1986 and donned his new ministry at Foreign Missions on the following Monday. The delightful 86-year-old gentleman still displays a picture of health and vitality. Uniquely, Charlie completed 22 years at IM in January of this year and was honored by the staff on his birthday, February 22 (2-22-22), a date he shares with another outstanding man in history—George Washington.

During those 22 years, many missionaries have passed through the department and were given Charlie’s special treatment. “His kindness, helpfulness, and smiles have made checking the mail a joy,” say missionaries Bobby and Geneva Poole of Brazil.

“He always makes us feel special when we see him,” declare Ledgel and Sharon Ferguson from France. Charlie has delighted in the special relationships with missionaries like Jeff and Susan Turnbough of Spain: “Susan sent me pictures of their children. When I first started they were little and she has kept me informed. Now Matthew is back in Spain, and he and Brooke have a baby. These memories are special.”
Hingst began working full-time with a partial pay package, but decided he would rather give his time freely.

He cut back to three days a week and then to two days when he moved 50 miles northeast of Nashville. Amazingly, he continued making the 100-mile round-trip until he lost Judy, his wife of 55 years, to cancer in 2001. When asked what made him continue making that drive, he responded simply, “It seemed like I had found a niche I didn’t want to leave under any circumstances. The people I work with in the missions department are such a delight that I really look forward to coming to work.”

After Judy’s death, Charlie sold his home and moved to LaVergne, Tennessee, much closer to the mission office. He later married Juanita Patterson, a widow and long-time friend, and she has supported his continued involvement.

Dynamic Duo

Recognizing the heavy workload Charlie was bearing, Eugene Waddell approached Jimmy Carter, a long-time deacon at Cofer’s Chapel FWB Church in Nashville, about volunteering after his retirement. Jimmy was the clerical supervisor in the Department of Radiology at Vanderbilt University and his wife, Doris, was an X-ray technician. When Jimmy retired in 1993, after 42 years and two months, he threw in his lot with the joyful ex-elevator chief in the IM shipping department. He has continued for 15 years.

The 79-year-old deacon spends two days a week at IM and declares, “It certainly has been a satisfying experience, and I felt it was the will of the Lord. The highlight of my experience has been the people I have worked with and have been associated with here. I have been able to meet quite a few of the missionaries, and it has always been a privilege and a thrill.”

Terrific Trio

Walter Hatfield and his wife, Anne, moved to Nashville in 2000, a few years after Walt had retired from theChrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan. They immediately began to volunteer their time in the missions’ office. Today, Anne’s poor health keeps her from the job, but Walt pops in on Charlie and Jimmy regularly on Thursdays when the workload seems heaviest.

“This has really been a blessing and rewarding for me,” confides the 72-year-old deacon from Rejoice FWB Church in Nashville. “I look forward to it, and as the youngest, working with Charlie and Jimmy has taught me a lot.” He has continued for eight years. When he found himself in the hospital in December of 2007, he says it was great to know “missionaries around the world were praying for me.”

Swords Raised

Probably one of the most challenging times for the warehouse trio comes in late June and July when they gather elements for the Free Will Baptist National Convention. Often, materials aren ’t printed until the last minute, so packing and labeling everything quickly can prove tricky.

These amazing men have won the admiration of the IM staff, missionaries, and those working in the Free Will Baptist National Offices building. “One outstanding thing, among many positive attributes possessed by these three gentlemen, is their quiet willingness to work behind the scenes on behalf of the missionaries, the staff, and the Lord,” says Steve Lytle, director of field operations.

Charlie challenges anyone who is approaching retirement and looking for an opportunity: “One of the most satisfying things to do is to become a part of a program like International Missions.” Jimmy adds, “I would certainly recommend it. I believe you are going to be in the will of the Lord to do this.”

Volunteer opportunities are not limited to retirees. Anyone who has some spare time, or people who have been laid off and are drawing unemployment checks can also be blessings and receive blessings from volunteering for the Lord. Simply contact International Missions and tell them you would like to help. Though specific assignments may not be available at that moment, someone will point out ways to get involved.

In the final analysis, the three humble servants featured in this article have contributed more to the cause of world outreach than can ever be imagined. Rob Conley, director of financial operations, notes: “These volunteers have saved the Mission countless thousands of dollars. They are some of the Kingdom’s finest unsung heroes.”

ABOUT THE WRITER: Don Robirds served with International Missions as a missionary to Brazil, editor of HeartBeat and director of public relations. Now retired, he freelances as a writer, editor, and proofreader.

So you don’t live in the Nashville area?

Other options for volunteer work:

• Homeless shelters

• Rescue missions

• Crisis pregnancy centers

• Church-sponsored mother’s-day-out programs

• Teach English to immigrants