John Hilger (1946-2017), a farmer famous for his potatoes, sweet corn, strawberries and thirty other vegetables, grew up with loving parents, and adventurous siblings. John had many tales about his siblings working and playing in the fields, as well as fishing jaunts to the farm pond.

After attending Purdue University, John returned to a career in farming, and became a farm market and restaurant entrepreneur, shared with his brother, Joe.

In the midst of John's business ventures in 1971, John and Mary, a school teacher, met in a tomato patch and sparks flew. After a five-year relationship, they married in 1976 and raised six beautiful daughters in search of a son. God had other plans; He knew John would be the best father for girls.

In 2011 John was called to become a deacon. Being a school teacher, Mary loved to research the scriptures for his homilies. They would spend hours each week, reflecting on the scriptures. Without fail, John would weave in stories from his childhood on the farm, the adventures at the market and restaurant, and his life with his six daughters and loving wife. Living with seven women was not always easy for John. He must have been a saint to deal daily with the female hormones and sensitivity of his loved ones.

The ups and downs of John’s life only enriched his understanding of God's Word. John was the victim of a flood in 1981 and lost his business in 2008. He faced unmerited betrayal and great persecution by others during this difficult time, yet he continued to love them anyway, teaching everyone the gift of forgiveness. Life's lessons permeated John's preaching of the Word.

This book compiles the homilies Deacon John gave during his short five years of ministry before he passed away. This book will make you laugh and cry, sometimes simultaneously. While embracing the Word of God, you will enjoy a glimpse of Deacon John's life on the farm and adventures with his family, seasoned with his witty sense of humor.