“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions made us alive together with Christ.” Ephesians 2:4,5
Ron B’s life was devastated by years of addiction. In 2010 he had two open heart surgeries. Then in 2015 I met Ron while ministering to a group of men in the Dakota County Jail. In 2016 Ron was in the hospital and told: “He is not a surgical candidate due to active drug use and his endocarditis. His mortality without surgery is close to 100% . “Hospice is recommended.” But God kept Ron alive.
Months later in Faribault Prison, I was co-hosting a Bible retreat, and Ron again, ended up in my small group. Upon his release, he came to FreedomWorks’ Penn location. Ron’s health restricted him from working and he ended up on Social Security. After 9 months, he relapsed and was back in jail. Twenty-two days later, the judge allowed him to return. Unfortunately, after two months, Ron relapsed again and was discharged. (Drug and alcohol treatment services were not provided at the former location. Our current campus and program model now offers this type of care). Several months later, Ron was convicted of a new crime and sentenced to 72 months in prison.
God again placed Ron back in my small group. On November 25th, 2019, Ron arrived at the “New FreedomWorks”. His health had seriously deteriorated: he was confined to a wheelchair and prone to falling. Ron was now able to complete drug and alcohol treatment and then entered the discipleship Reentry and Aftercare Program. In 2020, after several previous attempts, Ron finally graduated.
In the spring of 2021, he moved into the Graduate Program. During that time, Ron was key in the startup of FreedomWorks’ Worship Team. Over the next few months, we watched Ron’s health being restored. At the turn of 2022, Ron began walking on his own and no longer needed the wheelchair. Praise the Lord!!! In July of this year, Ron gave up social security and started working as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist with men recovering from drug and alcohol. What an honor it has been witnessing firsthand the Power of God in transforming Ron from death to Life.
—– Written by George Lang
