Carl’s Story
It takes an unimaginable amount of character, courage and forgiveness to rise above suffering injustice. Carl Hinson has demonstrated all of those traits and he has not only avoided anger and bitterness, but he is actually finding joy by extending mercy and hope to people in need.
“I was born the fourth of ten children to hard working parents. We grew up poor, but my parents always provided for us. Carl explains how things were during his childhood. “We lived on the north side of Olathe in a black neighborhood and I went to an all black school in my early years.”
Carl and his wife Donella were married in 1971. Because Donella was white they were often treated poorly by people who couldn’t accept their marriage. “Some restaurants wouldn’t serve us. When we were looking for a place to rent, Donella had to be the one that made the arrangements with the landlord because many people would not rent to us if they knew about me.”
Carl had been raised in the church, but as happens to many he had drifted away over the years. At one point his son invited him to a breakfast at his church. Carl shares with a chuckle, “My son sort of tricked me by inviting me to the church breakfast, so I told him I will go to breakfast, but I won’t stay for Sunday School or church.” Carl did end up staying and during the sermon, he felt like the pastor’s message was directed squarely at him. He ended up rededicating his life to God.
But Carl didn’t simply make a decision about renewing his faith. He is inspired by it, and lives it every day. Despite the way many people have treated him, Carl is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of others. When Carl first went to work for Safeway as a sacker, many of his coworkers were not supportive and questioned how long he would last. Carl worked hard and eventually became a grocery store manager. Later in his career Carl had a young man working for him who didn’t speak much English, had never graduated high school and had no self confidence. No one gave him much of a chance. “I believed in this young man and I helped him get his GED. I told him when I was working, he would be answering the phones and providing assistance to customers. That young man has now been promoted to a management position”.
Carl is also making a difference in the lives of others through Hope Chapel. He is on the Governance Board and volunteers in Open Arms ministry and the monthly drive-through food distribution. He loves to talk about the Tuesday morning group that provides food and essentials to those in need. “It brings me so much joy to see how we can help people.” He also talks about the life change he has seen. “One man would barely speak or make eye contact when he came on Tuesday mornings. Now he trusts us and I can talk to him as he gets what he needs.” Carl raves about the fellowship and support that the Tuesday morning group shares. “I wish more people could see what we have. We have a bible study and pray for and support each other. We share a lot of joy and laughter as well. We are like a big family.”
Carl holds nothing against anyone. In spite of how people have treated him, Carl credits his parents and his faith for instilling a sense of purpose for his life. “I’ve been taught to treat people the way you would want to be treated, and I want to live that way every day."