At this same church, Rose Besaw had a big influence on me. Her dedication as a Christian wife and mother was evident. She always had joy in the Lord while endeavoring to direct conversations and life’s experiences toward what was glorifying to Him. She was all about evangelizing and edifying everyone who came into her path. Her son, Dave, was one of my closest friends with whom I spent a lot of time. Her godly influence on his life was striking as he respected her highly. This same positive model had a significant affect on me.
During these same years, I came to know the man who had the greatest impact on my life, Ruel Glover. He was the first individual who had the spiritual fortitude to challenge my “pride”, yet he did so in such a loving and wise manner, his efforts gently lead me in the direction of spiritual growth. Ruel was an “open book”. He would share his vast knowledge of the Word while openly admitting his failures. I could see the kind of humility in him that I saw spoken about in the Word. Another thing I learned from his lifestyle was the living connection between the teaching of the Word and practice. We would discuss the Bible and not always agree. Often, after we had differed, when I was leaving Ruel would still accept me and love me despite these differences. I was not able to love him back, but went away angry. Over time, his example helped me learn to love those who disagree with me, which has become one of the most valuable and foundational things in all of my relationships.
There are so many essential lessons I learned from him, they could fill this entire article. Let me illustrate this by sharing about when Ruel went to be with the Lord 10 years ago. At his memorial, people had an open opportunity to share how he had impacted their lives. Dozens of individuals spoke unprepared and unprompted for a solid hour about how his life had influenced them. It would have continued, but the rented time on the auditorium expired. When I die, I would love to have a similar legacy in the Lord which I knew Ruel to have had and which I observed that he had obtained with many others at his commemoration. In my lifetime, I have spent far more time with a number of other believers, but the time I had with Ruel became the most significant compass directing my Christian life.
Lloyd McIrvin is another man who commanded immediate respect. His humble actions and kind, deliberate words moved me. I never heard anyone ever have any criticism of Lloyd. When his health and abilities were declining because of muscular and nerve degeneration, I never saw his Christian example wane. Now he is experiencing comfort with our Lord.
Sybil Renberg is another “angel” in my life. When I was in need, she rose from her cancer induced death bed and spent three hours counseling and comforting me. She had also baked bread from scratch for us before we arrived. We had no idea how ill she was until her daughter told us before we left that Sybil had not done these things for anyone else. And for me, the wise words she shared that day enabled me to move forward in my life.
Perry Cramblit is another brother who is dear to me. He was appreciative for his fellowship with me and I benefited greatly from his Christian experience and practical application of the Word to real-life situations. His appropriate and targeted counsel helped me navigate numerous challenges I have faced.
Gary Schubert has long been a solid friend in Christ to me. He has been supportive, encouraging, and gracious in our relationship. He has a unique way of talking about the Word of God and demonstrating it in his actions which others can clearly see. Gary has been a good Christian example to both me and my wife, to the point of counseling us in our marriage.
Mark Stearns is a brother I have known since Bible school days. I began as one of his teachers, and I have become also one of his students. When I have a question in the Bible, Mark is usually the person I go to. Having known him for some 30 years, I have seen him progressively grow in knowledge of the Word. This has consistently been followed by change in his character, motives and attitudes – a true picture for me of Christian maturity.
Another brother with whom I seek fellowship and counsel is Jeff McCleary. I have found his insights into the Word to be invaluable and have profited from the practical applications of truth he has learned from years of living for Christ. After speaking with Jeff, I am always encouraged. He has helped me significantly improve my interpersonal relationships with others. With confidence and humility, acknowledging he is not perfect, Jeff impresses me as one of the most well-rounded Believers I know.
Dale Price is a brother with whom I have not always gotten along. A few years ago, after he had contracted cancer, we got together and Dale was “big enough” to ask for forgiveness regarding how he had wronged me in the past. I was also able to forgive him and ask that he forgive me for my wrongs toward him. Following this, we shared in many deep and real things regarding life and God’s Word. One thing we discussed for about an hour was how glorious it will be when we stand in the presence of our Lord. This was one of the best hours of my life. Those who knew Dale heard him express he had the purpose of reconciling with everyone with whom he felt any kind of tension, before he came into the presence of Jesus Christ. Now, Dale is with the Lord and he went out on a high note. What an example for us all.
Cody Leary is a brother who has become dear to me. Our paths crossed in his early 20’s and I took him under my wing to mentor him. Little did I know at that time what an impact he would have on my life. For seven years our relationship blossomed. Cody taught me many things by both word and deed. I profited by seeing his gentleness, patience, positivity, conviction and love which was demonstrated in his life. Now, Cody is working as a Physics professor in another state, he is a husband and father, and we continue to encourage one another to please the Lord.
Finally, my wife, Debi, is my best friend. After more than 30 years of marriage, we have grown a lot together and in the Lord. She has been my strongest and best critic, whose counsel I have come to respect. We have spent a great deal of time together discussing God’s Word and how it applies to our everyday lives. I get the benefit not only of a woman’s view on things, but also the wisdom of a dedicated Christian. I feel like I am married to a “Pricilla” and am fortunate to have more than a spouse.
Hopefully you have been blessed by hearing about the ministry these brothers and sisters in Christ have had toward me. We are often commanded to be thankful for what God has done for us and many times this is accomplished through other members in the Body of Christ. Most of those mentioned were not paid for their service to our Lord, but each one will be richly rewarded by God for what they have done. So we should persistently seek to be built up by the ministries of God’s children who are fervently living their lives by His power. And, may each of us join this group of believers so we too will participate in the joyful reality of accomplishing something eternal in the lives of others.
