You can’t do it alone: You need Jesus
At Joy in Jesus retreats, the typical camp stories are anything but ordinary: They are often powerful reminders of Christ’s love. In late September, camper Ron was sitting alone on a bench reading his Bible. Julie Luetke, a Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) Consultant who helps organize the two annual Joy in Jesus retreats, sat down for a visit. Ron turned to her and said, “If it weren’t for Him, where would I be now?”
Ron is 67 years old. Born into a Lutheran family, he did most of his growing up in Owatonna State School (OSS), which provided academic and vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities. His family sent him to OSS when he was about 11 in hopes of meeting his special education needs. He lived there for 16 years, though it wasn’t the best environment for him.
“It was a school you could get into trouble mighty quick, and I did,” Ron said. “A friend, Tim, told me I
wouldn’t live long if I kept smoking and using drugs. That gave me something to think about.”
OSS closed in 1970. Back at home living with his parents in Hanska, Minn., Ron was in his late 30s when another friend came into his life: Kris was a teenager who delivered the “Mankato Free Press” in Hanska. He took a liking to Ron.
“My friend Kris brought me to Jesus. He invited me to church,” Ron said. “Kris’ whole family treated me good. We had some good times at their house. Kris and his family didn’t give up on me. It was my Christian friends, Kris and Tim, who helped me stop drinking and using drugs.”
When Kris died in a tragic swimming accident, Ron was devastated and his faith wavered. He went to church, and things started to get better. In 1995, he began to turn himself over to God. He was baptized, and God put Christians in his life. Gradually, life got better. When Ron moved to Mankato, Minn., he found JCM Bible classes at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and School.
“God brought me to Mt. Olive, the truth church,” Ron said. “I got better then because people were praying for me. Confirmation helped me so much. I still don’t understand everything, but the pastors help me. I am grateful to the pastors at Mt. Olive in Mankato.”
Ron has had many health problems, but says God has solved all of them, including being hit by a truck but not harmed. He has a girlfriend, Suzie (pictured with Ron), who loves him and likes to attend JCM with him. Ron has a good job and a nice place to live with friendly staff whom he appreciates.
“If you believe in the gospel and are baptized, you will be saved. Do what is right in God’s sight, and everything will go well. I am glad I am Jesus’ brother and friend. God does work in many ways,” Ron said. “I’m staying with Jesus.”
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