Meet the Author
Don Hammatt lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is the father of three grown children and the grandfather of nine. In the summer of 1970, as he was driving across Texas, Don came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior. At that time he invited Christ into his life and began to grow as a Christian. In 1995, as a result of a number of trials and tragedies in his life, Don began to understand Jesus as his Life. Since that time, he continued to grow in understanding of Galatians 2:20; "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." For approximately 25 years Don tried to live the Christian life by his own strength; until the Holy Spirit made it abundantly clear to him that he was failing miserably. He recognized that the only person who can live the Christian life is Christ Himself. In 2001, Don began verbally sharing "The Jesus Story" with his young grandchildren. Their simple faith in accepting the Gospel led Don to put the story into book form. Don was committed to helping others to know Jesus as Savior and to know Him as Life. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly," John 10:10. On Christmas Day 2015, Don went to be with the Lord. The ministry is being carried on by God's grace, and stewarded by Don's daughter in his memory.
Meet the Illustrator
When Don Hammatt first talked to me about illustrating "The Jesus Story", I was delighted! Then, I was overwhelmed. No one knows what Jesus looked like, so who am I, to even try?
So, I prayed, "Lord, help me to show who You are, and not what You look like", then it was much easier. It was His tender touch, the looks of love and joy as He ministered. It was His ability to look in the face of those that persecuted Him, and forgive. Don prayed over every word, and I prayed over every illustration.
"Jesus in Me", is a simple picture of His life in us, as we trust in Him, and walk by faith. Don Hammatt lived his life in such a way that anyone who spent time with him saw Jesus. God gave His faithful servant a vision, and a heart that found joy in serving. I have been so blessed to have worked with him on these books, but even more honored to have been his friend. What a joy to see this ministry span the globe, and touch lives. Praise Him!
- Christine (Anthony) Leone
Christine (Anthony) Leone is a working artist, who lives in Olympia Fields, Illinois. She has been painting murals in homes and businesses for over 30 years. She is an award-winning, Distinguished member of Chicago Pastel Painters and has illustrated several books. Christine is married, has three grown daughters and four granddaughters..