A few days ago, Jeff Hylton was a hero. To Steph Pridgen. He had found her glasses, which she especially needed that day. Well, even if he’d recruited the kids to find them, it was still a heroic effort, to delegate in the knick of time, haha.
Uncle Hyltee is also this Steph’s hero. He became this when 1. he started a fire last Friday with Brooks and that was what was waiting for us when we “got home from school” (it was still daylight) and 2. we were exchanging war stories by the fire later that nite and he told one that deserved a medal. In all seriousness, I’ve had several opportunities to get to know Jeff over the course of stayin at their place; those times and convos have been some of the most enlightening and invigorating. I connect most quickly with ppl who can laugh at themselves and others, who enjoy craziness or have an element of that. With Uncle Hyltee, the deal was sealed by skipping formalities and ponderin what I’d eat or drink for $ (or outta curiosity). His getting sick with some sorta swine flu-like respiratory bug and 
being bed ridden and only able to communicate via blog comments or fb also sped up the process of friendship. It was during the time that Jeff was in quarantine that I realized he has the x-factor, which by definition is an unexplainable factor that adds value to something or someone. His charismatic presence is noticed when he isn’t around. This stems from his true gift of hospitality and giving and loving ppl. Along with Alycea, his beautiful, sweet and humble wife, they re-define hospitality, in my opinion. Through Jeff and Alycea’s example, I have much to learn about engaging with people, embracing the concept of “the more the merrier”, yet still being intentional and having quality conversations or time.. oh, and not losing that goofy side – humor’s huge.
being bed ridden and only able to communicate via blog comments or fb also sped up the process of friendship. It was during the time that Jeff was in quarantine that I realized he has the x-factor, which by definition is an unexplainable factor that adds value to something or someone. His charismatic presence is noticed when he isn’t around. This stems from his true gift of hospitality and giving and loving ppl. Along with Alycea, his beautiful, sweet and humble wife, they re-define hospitality, in my opinion. Through Jeff and Alycea’s example, I have much to learn about engaging with people, embracing the concept of “the more the merrier”, yet still being intentional and having quality conversations or time.. oh, and not losing that goofy side – humor’s huge.
From mere observation, Jeff is a:
Family man
Business man
Godly man
Funny man
Man’s man
But from hearing his stories against the backdrop of fires or other casual settings, I’ve seen how one can be all of the above and be relevant without being irreverent. The fact that Jeff works in the financial industry but has discipled co-workers, led Bible studies in the office and has a spirit that sets him apart enough for them to start inquiring, speaks volumes.. I was only in the business world for a short stint, but one doesn’t need too much experience in the field to know how lucrative it is.. This is the kind of missionary work that I think often gets neglected, overlooked or under-emphasized because when we think of missions, it connotes Africa, orphans, rough living conditions, etc. In all actuality, Jeff’s mission field is more of a reality and much harder, with an audience that is quicker to judge and slower to understand.. but he’s doing modern evangelism by investing in relationships constantly and naturally, so much so that it isn’t doing so much as being. He told me that two major steps in evangelism, quite simply, are 1. the person meets you 2. the person likes you. If both are achieved, you now have a foot in the door to build on… from there, Jeff loves on them with his gifts of hospitality and giving… giving of his time, experience and resources.. opening up his home as a safe place to have fun, let your hair down and be who you are, free of judgment. It made me think, how many times does it just stop at 1? Sure, you can meet so many ppl these days, quite easily. But how easy is it for that person to like you? To be put at ease in your presence? To see in you the possibility of more – more of gaining his trust, more of sharing his life, more of accepting his flaws, more of building his character?
I also especially love hearing his heart for men, specifically for non-believers. It’s refreshing to be in the company of someone who loves Jesus but loves fun – and that’s his MOA for reaching out to men. Prob sounds more like a “duh” stmt than an “aha” 
one, but I think it needs to be applauded or at least recognized, because it isn’t common to actually see this play out. As Jeff told me stories about man ski adventures, I got super excited – not just cuz guys’ sense of fun usually involves ridiculousness or hilarity, but cuz stuff is stirring in these environments.. the Spirit’s allowed to work in an unconventional way… it’s not hanging out with an ulterior motive.. it’s not finding a loophole in religion. in fact, it’s not about religion at all, but about relationships. sharing the gospel starts first with sharing who you are and what you have. Jeff’s vision is to see/help men experience freedom from “church” so they can see and love the Lord… and I am completely on board. He cherishes his guy time – whether it’s with one or many – and his house and his company promote freedom. Just being here for two weeks, I can testify to that.
one, but I think it needs to be applauded or at least recognized, because it isn’t common to actually see this play out. As Jeff told me stories about man ski adventures, I got super excited – not just cuz guys’ sense of fun usually involves ridiculousness or hilarity, but cuz stuff is stirring in these environments.. the Spirit’s allowed to work in an unconventional way… it’s not hanging out with an ulterior motive.. it’s not finding a loophole in religion. in fact, it’s not about religion at all, but about relationships. sharing the gospel starts first with sharing who you are and what you have. Jeff’s vision is to see/help men experience freedom from “church” so they can see and love the Lord… and I am completely on board. He cherishes his guy time – whether it’s with one or many – and his house and his company promote freedom. Just being here for two weeks, I can testify to that.
As Jeff and Alycea continue to discover and develop their ministry/vision/call, I can already tell they’re gonna be affecting more and more lives… those that are walking into their home and family get to experience how Jesus would’ve hosted a party. I have so much respect for them and am grateful that God placed them across my path.
Uncle Hyltee, more importantly than the fact that you’re a hero to two Stephs, is that you’re a fire starter… you liven the room but you also set something alive in ppl… I have no doubt that your contagious personality will continue to bring fishers of men… or maybe fellow firemen. =P
One amazing family! Jeff and Alycea with kids: Bennett, Brittany and Brooks.
