One of my greatest regrets is never playing racquetball with Ron Jones. Of course, I know a few people who regret that they DID get to play racquetball with Ron Jones, because they “got beat so bad!” Still, I would have loved seeing Ron in action at least once in his prime – even if it was against me! But I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on Ron’s ministry. I had the joy and honor of serving under Pastor Ron as a Day Camp Director and Children’s Ministry Intern here at Forcey in 2003-2005. I know what it is to receive Ron’s ministry personally. In fact, in many ways, Ron’s office was like a racquetball court. In racquetball, you have to be ready for anything. The ball can take any bounce off any wall at any time. You have to be ready to spin in any direction and, even when it seems impossible, you have to find a way – off this wall or that wall or over your head or under your legs – to get that ball back to the front wall.

This is what Ron did in his office every day for almost forty years. No matter what came at him in any conversation, he was ready, he was steady, and he found a way to point people to Jesus. I talked to Ron about anything and everything – ministry decisions, people issues, marriage questions, parenting challenges, personal struggles with doubt and disappointment and defeat, future life direction, and more. Every time, he listened, led me to feel more loved and cared for by Jesus, and found a way to get me thinking about how to better love Jesus and others. And I walked out feeling heard and loved, and with a real sense of what I needed to do. And many of you know exactly what I’m talking about, because Ron was ready when you were coming at him from every direction, and he found a way with you.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Does this verse not perfectly describe Ron Jones? Church, there is no replacing Ron. But the Lord surely would love it if together we evidenced more of the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that has been so characteristic of his life and ministry. Let’s be ready for anything as we come alongside of one another. And let’s find a way to point people to Jesus, no matter what.

And, while we’re at it, let’s make this last month of ministry one of Ron’s best. Let’s look forward to the BBQ on September 22nd. Let’s find ways to express appreciation to Ron and of course Glenda too! Because whether or not we have had the honor of being beaten by Ron in racquetball, we have all been blessed by his ministry.