This past week and next week we have the privilege of having “Mom and Dad” here at the Emmaus School of Biblical Studies! We are so excited about having Ron and Judy Smith here teaching the books of Jeremiah, Lamentations, Joel and Ezekiel.
Ron and Judy started the School of Biblical Studies program for YWAM (Youth With A Mission) 31 years ago in Kona, Hawaii, and they were very helpful and influential in planting the ESBS here in Lake Lure.
Having them with us this year is truly a blessing from God. This past fall while teaching in Asia, Ron was very ill and the doctors feared he wouldn’t have much time to live. After many tests and procedures he was diagnosed with a very rare form of bone marrow cancer. So for the past 6 months of their lives has been devoted to Ron getting better and his body has responded well to the treatments … he even kicked my butt during our first round of golf this visit!
Their trip to Lake Lure and the ESBS is their first one since the diagnoses and it is so inspiring to hear Ron talk about his life. He doesn’t talk about the cancer that he has and how it is affecting his body, but instead he talks about how wonderful the Bible is and how great our God is!
He and Judy have been a huge inspiration and blessing for my life. I am so grateful for the time that I get to spend with them and just having them speak truth and wisdom into my life. It has truly been a gift to be renewed by their passion for what they do and for the God that they serve!
Please pray for the cancer to be removed from Ron’s body so that he and Judy can go out and spread the gospel message to so many and grow the Kingdom around the world!
