The Nebraska Living Times is under new ownership
By Becky Uehling
Grant Tribune Correspondent
After nearly 10 years, the Christian newspaper The Nebraska Living Times is under new ownership. Owner Becky Uehling has announced that James and Kara Hatcher of Grant have taken ownership of the paper.
“I am pleased to announce that the Hatchers have taken ownership of the Living Times, and I am excited as they get going,” Uehling said.
Uehling purchased the state-wide Christian paper in 2016 from Norfolk resident Shelly Burke-Rodriguez. For nearly 9 years, Uehling continued, with the help of sponsors and supporters, to run the paper as a printed, state-wide ministry, making the paper available, in many instances free-of-charge to the public. However, in the middle of last year, rising mailing and printing costs moved the paper to an online only paper. It was at that time Uehling started to consider a new direction for the newspaper.
“I believe that God is leading me to hand the Living Times over to other faithful Christians to nurture and continue forward,” Uehling said. “And, as things go with God, all pieces fell into place over the past few months that clearly led me to believe that God has called the Hatchers to take on this ministry.”
Uehling thanks all of her supporters over the years, and thanks them for believing in the good that the small paper could do for God’s Kingdom.
“I look forward to the day when together we will see just how far God has used, and will continue to use, The Nebraska Living Times to reach His people,” she said.
James and Kara Hatcher
James and Kara Hatcher moved back home to Perkins County four years ago and live in Grant. They have always been involved with ministries and serving Christ. James Hatcher said he first noticed the Living Times at Meats and More in Paxton, Nebraska, and picked it up while waiting for Ron Jay to calculate his bill.
“The more I read, the more I thought, ‘This is awesome!’ I remember thinking, ‘I want to do something to contribute to this paper,’” he said.
What excites the Hatchers about the ministry of the Living Times is the opportunity to encourage and love the people who read it and share Jesus with a world that needs the hope of our Savior, Jesus Christ, James said.
James said last year he had a conviction to reach out and make the bold move and ask Uehling about the possibility of writing a column for her.
“For me, the idea of writing something public had a certain fear attached to it. To say it was a leap in faith is an understatement,” he said.
When he started to reach out to Uehling, little did he know it would lead them to ownership of the paper. “It was a resounding yes when Becky messaged us about taking over the paper. We are excited to see what God will do in this next chapter of the Living Times,” he said.
The Hatchers have been married for 25 years and have four boys, Isaiah 21, Jacob 18, Micah 15, and Caleb 5. Over the years, Hatcher have participated in women’s recovery ministries, children’s and youth ministries, and praise teams.
Those who want to support the mission of the Nebraska Living Times are asked to reach out to the Hatchers.