Bob Finishes His Race
By Becky Hallman
Home at last!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
Crossing the Finish Line
On December 24, 2021, our courageous champion, Bob Hallman, finished his earthly race and is now celebrating his eternal Epic Life with all of Heaven's saints! No more pain or suffering! His life's mission was "loving God, loving others, and making disciples" and his impact has been profound. While he is sorely missed, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he influenced, bearing abundant fruit for years to come. He was a man of great courage, unwavering integrity, and loving-kindness. He ran his race incredibly well! He pastored faithfully and biblically for over 40 years and embraced his final challenge of cancer with joy, maximizing it for God’s glory. Our family thanks you for your incredible outpouring of support, prayers and love during this painful time.
Final Leg
Bob was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer in 2017. Even though we were uncertain how long Bob had to live, he embraced his cancer journey with the joy and peace that only God could give. He retired as a pastor but continued what he loved most—the organic ministry of divine appointments with people, always encouraging and strengthening them in their faith, praying for them. He also ministered to many cancer patients.
In the last six months of his life, we knew his current cancer medication was no longer working but we were hopeful that there would be another type of therapy. It eventually became clear that he had only two available options: chemo or hospice. In the fall of 2021, his health began to noticeably decline and after being damaged by many strokes in November, his oncologist eliminated chemo as an option. Chemo would cause more clotting/strokes and cause more suffering. At the beginning of hospice care, he was able to give one last message to a group of friends.
Cancer is like a rollercoaster—there are a lot of ups and downs along the way! But the Lord has been a steady anchor for our souls. We are so grateful that God gave us almost five years together as a couple and family to make more beautiful memories. My sons and I will forever be grateful for his godly leadership in our home and we know countless others were blessed by his faithful, unwavering commitment to teaching God's Word and leading the church with integrity.
Cheering Us On
Bob has joined the saints of Heaven who are cheering us on as we continue to run the course that God has marked out for each of us. So, let's keep running with perseverance while fixing our eyes on Jesus! (Hebrews 12:1-2) If you need a little encouragement, listen to Bob's short inspirational message on Heaven!
You'll also be encouraged by Bob's inspiring sermon, Death: Friend or Foe, given in December 2009. As believers in Christ, we have nothing to fear! Let us each embrace living the EPIC LIFE of following Christ with all of our hearts and souls! We have nothing to lose and only Heaven to gain!