This week our brother Jerry Hill will head to prison for things he was a part of before he left the depths of addiction and became a Christian. He will need our support, our encouragement, our letters, and our prayers (James 5:16). We hope and pray that his time in prison is short. After a few months of mandated prison ministry, we expect Jerry to be back preaching in Spicewood and worshipping with us from time-to-time at SW. When we have the information, the church office will have details about how to contact Jerry and help with any expenses he might have.
I met Jerry Hill over three years ago when he was still at the Home of Recovery and Restoration. Jerry applied to school and was admitted. Jerry has always been open about his past. He made sure that the School Administration was aware of his legal status, his record, and his recovery from addiction. This type of openness and honesty is necessary for someone with Jerry’s past. Jerry had to miss class for court dates and face the past decisions that he had made. More than others, Jerry had to work hard to show that he was going to make the most of his time here.
As a student, Jerry proved himself a hard worker (Romans 12:11) and a constant encourager (cf. Acts 4:36). He graduated in June 2025, earning his diploma in Bible Studies. His servant-heartedness earned him the “Carl Garner Lighthouse Award” for Christian Service. This is the most prestigious individual award that SWSBS gives to students – only one per year – that rewards scholarship, service, and attitude. What truly set Jerry apart as a student was his ability to lift others up. He encourages every age group with his positivity and thoughtfulness. His classmates readily cheered him on because he was always cheering for them. He was and is a bright light in the school. I have personally asked Jerry, even after graduation, to spend more time at the school to help his attitude of service shine on and rub off on others (Philippians 3:17). Jerry readily gives of himself and his time to serve and help others (2 Corinthians 12:15). Every member who has interacted with Jerry over the past three years has stories about Jerry’s positivity and encouragement .
We have been blessed to get to know Jerry’s story of recovery and conversion. And, we have been blessed to have Jerry as a student and now an alumnus. However, I am most thankful that I have been able to know Jerry as a man and a friend. This is the type of man that I want to be around, and the type of man I want to influence others for good (Proverbs 27:9-10). I know about Jerry’s past – the dark part of things he did before I ever met him. I know it because he has been open and honest. However, I also know about Jerry’s present – who he is now because I have seen his diligence in school and thoughtfulness towards others. He has proven to me and those around him that he is trustworthy and dependable, having overcome and still overcoming the issues that plagued him before. I am proud to call Jerry Hill my friend.
-Trent Kennedy