A Father in the Faith — Forward to Heaven

Over forty years ago, when I was a new Christian, a man was a father in the faith to me. I was new to the things of God and still carrying baggage from the past. Rudy Ramsey was older in the faith, knew the Scripture, and was familiar with the leading of the Holy Spirit. His soft style of leadership and encouragement was consistent with the character of Jesus Christ, who had saved me and was in the process of changing me. His example was not forgotten, as now I am in that place on occasion to encourage others. In recent months I had the pleasure of visiting him again, reminding him of the positive example he was.

He died yesterday. Rather than only looking forward, he is with the Lord in a fuller and more dramatic way, having run the race with patience. He was a quiet man, not famous, but Jesus used him to make a mark on several that is indelible. So, I give thanks to God for him and the work God did to make him a father in the faith. He became like Jesus, and now is with him face to face.

The following quote comes from my wife, who wrote of our last visit with him a few weeks ago:

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We stepped into the hospital room.  Friendship with him goes back decades.  We remember, but he seems to search for us through the pain and clouds.  Roland played a few songs on the guitar as our friend smiled but could not remember the words.

”Can we pray for you?”

”Yes, and I’ll pray for you,” he answered quickly.

Of course, we prayed 2 Timothy 1:7 and requested for him “power, love, and a sound mind.”

Then he began to pray for us.  His eyes closed as he entered and bowed himself before an unseen throne..in the presence of the One who sees and understands.  His words were strong and clear, the clouds had lifted, and the pain was temporarily forgotten as he made his request for our lives to be filled with fruitfulness.

While still in that holy place, he turned to us and said, “I’m looking to get older and healthier so we can do what God might tell us to do next to fulfill our purpose here.  So many need to know Him.”

He was still looking forward.”