Karl's Biography      I cannot remember a time in my life when singing was not my passion. I began playing in garage bands at the age of eleven, and continued to dedicate myself to music and performing throughout my high school years. I knew this was my best area of expression and I loved it... still do!      After graduation, all my dreams seemed to fall together. I joined a band called the Wright Brothers. Karl (left) & The Wright Brothers performing with Johnny Cash      We enjoyed a successful career performing from coast to coast, including appearances on Hee Haw, The Today Show, and the Grand Ole Opry. We had a recording contract with Warner Brothers and singles in the Top 40... what more could I ask?      During this time, I came face to face with the claims of Jesus Christ. My life and my attitudes started to change, however, there was something standing in my path. Over a ten year period, I had developed an addiction to prescription drugs for a back problem. I tried to handle it myself, but was unsuccessful and when I finally hit bottom, the doctors advised me I would need hospitalization to kick the habit. But in a desperate cry to the Lord, He miraculously healed me of this addiction that had held me in bondage for a decade.      God has turned my desire to sing into the ministry I now have for Him. My mission has been to travel from church to church, regardless of denomination, sharing God's message in song and word. I have personally ministered to more than 500,000 people throughout the Midwest of America, England, Ireland, Belgium and Nicaragua.       The message God wants me to convey is that, in the midst of all the choices the world offers us, we must keep our focus on Jesus Christ. He is The Way, The Truth and The Life.

June 2011      I just returned from a two weekend ministry tour in Minnesota. I usually block out ten to twelve days and try to garner as many ministry dates as possible in those few days. I am sometimes blessed with six or seven services on trips like this one. Well, this past trip only yielded four dates. I entertained thoughts of cancelling the dates. However, I did not have the time to reschedule locally and I ended up making the twelve hour trip, one way by car, to Minneapolis. I must admit, the idea of driving 24 hours round trip for four services seemed a bit risky with the economy and gas prices where they are. Seven or six services would warrant the time and effort, but four? This is where I have to stop and pray: “Dear Lord, I am so grateful for all you have given me in this ministry. Stay with me in the days to come. Amen.” I pray this prayer because at times like this, when I make the effort and leave the details up to God, He always shows up to bless, encourage, and confirm. First, God blessed because all four services were nothing short of wonderful. Beautiful times of praise and worship and good solid teaching, thanks to the Holy Spirit coming through (as He always does if I get out of the way and let Him minister as He sees fit). Encouraged by the generosity of God’s people. Those four congregations gave financially to the ministry as much as seven services typically do. These people have been affected by the slumping economy just as we all have. They have many financial obligations just like all of us. But the Lord moved and God’s people blessed. God once again confirmed that I was exactly where I was supposed to be traveling where He leads me. He just wants obedience. When He asks, “Who shall I send?” and I obey, He continues to bless and encourage and confirm that I am doing what He wants me to do. Thank you once again. You provide the means to continue spreading the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. Lives have been forever changed thanks to your generosity. God bless you.      In addition to weekly Sunday services and concerts, I have been blessed over the last few months to serve our community in a variety of ways. In April our youngest son and I helped with Kids Against Hunger Pack-a-thon where we packed over 220,000 meals for hungry children around the globe. We ministered at the Hamilton County Jail in February and March, and in the Indiana Correctional Facility in February and May. Sprinkled throughout the first half of this year I have ministered at funerals and officiated weddings. We have also been able to minister to the homeless population of Indianapolis through our work at CityView. A December highlight was delivering school supplies to a village in Belize, Central America where we visited teachers and principals in three of the Cornelius Foundation International sponsored schools there. I want to thank you for your prayers and support as this variety of important work is done only through your help.      If you haven’t visited my Web site lately take a minute and explore this new Web site. Here you will see a list of upcoming appearances and other news about Karl Hinkle Music Ministry. Thanks to Dan Lawhorn for filming a recent concert at Radiant and posting me on YouTube and to Dave Lee for linking to my Web site and my FaceBook page.      Thank you to the pastors and members of my home church, Radiant Christian Life, for their love and support. If you don’t have a church home at this time and live in the north Indianapolis area, I invite you to visit RCL (16162 Carey Road in Westfield) Sundays at 9:30 or 11am.      To those who pray for this ministry and for my family, I say thank you a thousand fold. To those who offer financial support, my heart is filled with gratitude; this work could not continue without you. If you are in a position to financially help me continue to reach out, you may make your tax deductible donation to Radiant Christian Life Church and use the enclosed envelope. You may also use the PayPal button on this Web site. Blessings to you and yours this day and always, Karl