Second Career Ministers

Have you wondered lately if God would like you to do something different with your life? Maybe you are middle-aged, in a well established career, or even retired. Nonetheless you feel a void in your life.
            Ron Wilson felt that void, though he was living the American dream. He was vice president of sales for a national insurance company, had a loving wife and family, and grandchildren to spoil. He also served on the boards of Sports World Ministries and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
            Sensing God wanted him in full-time ministry, Ron took early retirement in 1997 and began working with ICM (International Cooperating Ministries), an organization that helps congregations overseas in building churches. Ron traveled to India on behalf of ICM and knew instantly, “this is the place.” He says, “God was calling me to do something bigger than I could imagine. I KNEW everything I had done in my life was to prepare me for India. I love it there. I love the people.”
            Now a Harvestime missionary with Open Bible and liaison with ICM, Ron travels regularly to India and parts of Africa. Because of this partnership with ICM, Open Bible has recently built 44 churches in India, 18 in Uganda, and several more in Liberia, Argentina, and Cuba; 15 more are under construction.
            During his travels Ron’s heart broke for the many destitute children he encountered, so he began raising funds to build orphanages on top of and alongside the ICM church structures. Funds are also raised to build fresh water wells at the churches and to start self-help projects by providing goats and chickens for milk and eggs and providing seeds for planting gardens.
            On the side Ron still consults for the insurance industry, and Linda, his wife, works full time to help pay for their own mission support. Although the Wilsons now have several more grandchildren, slowing down is not in their schedule.
            God puts desires in the hearts of all His servants, just like He did for Ron. Sometimes we become bored or frustrated with our jobs because God would like to move us elsewhere. Other times our jobs may end due to cutbacks or retirement. Few people stick with one job throughout their lives. After years of working “for a paycheck only,” many want to do something more meaningful with their time – even if it means taking a cut in salary. God may be calling these folks to full or part-time ministry.
            I know of several people who, like Moses, have left secure jobs to step out in faith. In this issue, you’ll hear from a former school teacher who serves as a pastor/administrator and a doctor who gave up a private practice to minister to health needs around the world.
            Ron says if more people did what he and Linda are doing, we could reach thousands. By simply traveling to another country and building relationships, we could raise awareness of that country’s needs at our local churches and make a huge impact.
            When Ron and Linda walk through heaven’s gates, they will not be entering alone. Because of their sacrifice, many will enter alongside them. How about you? Maybe God is calling you to a new career –maybe in ministry.

Andrea Johnson,
Managing Editor

You may contact Ron Wilson at rlwvoices@aol.com or phone him at 515.224.0844.