Living a Surrendered Life

May 1, 2025 / by Ron Springer

I was born in 1932, the oldest of four children. My parents were farmers and devout Christians. We were in church Sunday morning and evening and on Wednesday nights at a conservative Mennonite church.

Every morning after chores we had breakfast and my parents led devotions, Bible reading, and prayer. Our two ministers were full time farmers and alternated preaching on Sundays. I gave my life to Christ at 13 years old. I went to a one room schoolhouse through 8th grade before attending high school and then on to Goshen College for a semester. I was drafted into the Army in 1953. During that time I did not attend church and fell away from God.

When I returned home, I repented and made peace with God. After returning home I met a nurse and began dating. I was so poor that “date night” was going to church on Sunday night. We sat together at the back of the church even though at that time, men sat on one side and women on the other. Soon after we did, so did others.

My dad sang in a gospel quartet for 30 years and that left an impression. I always wanted to do that. Years later, three friends and myself started our own group called The Missionaries. We did it for the love of singing and God. Any money given went towards missions. We ended up singing for 44 years and made 3 albums.

I taught Sunday School, was on church counsel, and an elder.

Life has not always been easy. We lost our first son to a brain tumor and our second son to a rare liver disease. There were also challenges with losing a job, being robbed while at church, and my wife’s health problems. Instead of being “bitter,” we chose to be “better.”

The last years of my life have been filled with volunteering at the hospital and Midwest Food Bank. It has not only brought me blessings but hopefully others too.

I tell this story not for praise but glory to God. I’m glad I serve a God that loves and forgives my sinful nature.

Ron and his wife, Donna started coming to East White Oak fifteen years ago when they moved to Normal to be closer to their daughter, Camille. Donna went home to Heaven 10 years ago. Ron has been involved in Senior Saints, ABF, Small Group, volunteering at Midwest Food Bank with the church, and singing in the choir. Ron enjoys listening to gospel music, especially quartets.