08/02/2026
A Volunteer’s Journey with Lifeline
Sexton has supported Lifeline for years, first introduced by Charlie Baker back when Jim Trimble led the program. After the tornado, working closely with clients for the first time, Sexton discovered something deeper than service. Here’s the story, in Sexton’s own words.
Charlie Baker introduced me to Lifeline when Jim Trimble was heading the program. I stayed on the fringes by getting people to donate washers and dryers, setting up with the church to provide a gallon bag of hygiene items, and getting them clothes. This was several years before Eric Miller was my contact.
I went back to work and traveled for a while, so I had a gap trying to help. When I retired, I could see the need. I didn’t get close to any of the clients until the tornado. Heartland had trucks coming in right and left with clothes, water, food, and more. We had to store most of it at Guy Grey’s warehouses. We needed help. I called Lifeline and they provided the clients as a community service, the help we needed.
I got close to these guys. I heard their stories. It woke me up, and I realized they needed a friend, someone who could be their true friend. I conducted a Life Skills class for a couple of years, and that really opened my eyes to their struggles. I still carry pictures of Steele Hunt and Alan Jackson. Losing them felt like losing a family member. I realized they needed more than finishing the program, they needed help for a new start. I have grown a lot in my understanding. It became more than the Christian thing to do.
Love you guys! Keep up the good work.
— Sexton, June 2026
