|
Arriving at Ball Camp eight years ago, I found a church full of people who were warm and friendly. One of those people, Ron Schumann, quickly became a key part of my life. When I first came to Ball Camp, Ron was leading our Youth Ministry and our Education Program. He, early on, impressed me as someone who paid attention to details. His thoroughness and dependability were apparent in our first weeks together.
As I got to know Ron, I saw how much he loved the church. He worked diligently to help us achieve our goals and live out our purpose. Yet, his love for the church was about more than programs and tasks. His heart was for people, and his love for the church expressed itself most fully one person at a time.
Talking to Ron was never difficult. His gift of listening was one of his best ways of demonstrating his concern and care for the people of Ball Camp. His words of encouragement and comfort gave strength in times of trial.
Ron’s willingness to think of new ways to involve people in the life and ministry of Ball Camp was a source of joy and excitement for me. Some of my favorite memories are of talking to Ron about ideas for ministering to our church and community. Sitting together, tossing ideas back and forth, was both fruitful and enjoyable. He had the wonderful gift of being able to take those conversations and turn them into actual activities and programs that touched the lives of people.
Whether we were talking about Youth, Sunday School, or counseling, the motivation behind everything that Rod did grew out of his connection with the Lord and his desire for others to have that same kind of relationship with God. In my own life, when facing challenges, I was especially comforted knowing that Ron was praying for me. This was true because I knew him to be a man who walked with the Lord.
Over the years, Ron contributed to the well-being of Ball Camp in numerous ways. The church was without a Senior Pastor for almost two years before I was called. During that time, the church relied on Ron in most every way conceivable. He provided ministry to the church during that interim time that will always be remembered by those who received it.
Over the last eight years, I have seen Ron do all kinds of things that I have appreciated. His skills and abilities have always been top-notch. As much as I have appreciated the many things that he did for the church, the one thing that I have appreciated the most has been his friendship. It has been a privilege to work with him and it has been a joy.
Now, as Ron moves his ministry of counseling into private practice, he will be greatly missed. There is no question that we will be less without him here serving with us. Even as our paths part, we know with confidence that God will take what has happened and work it together for good in the lives of Ron’s future clients as well as in our life together here at Ball Camp.
With much gratitude for 13 years of fruitful service, join me in praying God’s richest blessings into Ron’s tomorrows. May the Lord always be near him and grant him peace now and forevermore.
I want to personally encourage you to come and express your appreciation to Ron at a reception in his honor immediately following our 11:00 worship service on February 8. Ron will be in the Fellowship Hall to say good-bye to you.
Joy and peace,
Ed
|
