*Ron was born into a Christian family in Indonesia, but faith in his family’s home was shallow and hollow. As a young man, he rebelled hard. By his twenties, he was demanding his father sell family land to fund his lifestyle—partying, drinking, and other reckless behaviors.
When his father refused, Ron lashed out angrily. In a fit of rage, he burned the boat his father had been building. And then spiraled out of control.
While rummaging through some old boxes, Ron found his grandfather’s notes on black magic. Intrigued, he began experimenting with mystical powers. Soon, he was tormented by dark spiritual forces that fueled his pride, aggression, and self-destruction.
Amid this confusion, he fell in love with a Muslim woman and converted to Islam—not out of belief, but out of rebellion and spiritual chaos.
But even in Ron’s darkest moments, God was working.
One day, Ron was invited by a pastor to attend a church service. He went, drunk and defiant, not to seek truth, but to challenge God.
Yet when the simple hymn “I Surrender All…” filled that little church, the Holy Spirit moved mightily. Ron wept and fell to his knees. While on his knees, he had a vision of Jesus on the cross, His blood flowing to cover Ron’s sins. In that moment everything changed.
The very next day—despite a fierce storm—he was baptized. Afterward, Ron rode his motorbike six kilometers home, drenched but singing songs of thanksgiving all the way. His new life had begun.
Ron was discipled by an Indonesian missionary (serving cross-culturally within his own nation) who taught him how to share Christ’s love in a simple but profound way.
Eventually, Ron quit his job. He told his boss, “I’m resigning because I want to live out Matthew 28:19–20.”
Today, Ron serves as a full-time missionary—six days a week, eight hours a day. There is no salary, no retirement plan, no worldly perks—only the joy of obedience and a heart on fire for the gospel.
He says plainly: “I’m willing to die for the gospel, because life in Jesus is far more meaningful than life in sin.”
Pray for Ron’s faithful witness to all those around him and that he would make multiplying disciples wherever he goes.
*pseudonym
FROM GANGSTER TO DISCIPLE MAKER
Pastor *Wint was from a mixed Muslim-and Hindu-background area of Bali, Indonesia. One of his concerns was the unreached tribe on the mountains bordering where he lived. read more …
DID GOD ANSWER THIS PRAYER?
Recently, Brian and Allison*, Beyond mission catalysts in Austronesia, learned of answers to prayers they and their partners began praying back in 2004! read more …
LACK OF HARVESTERS …
Recently Reina*, a BEYOND field worker, was approached by a foreign worker from another organization. “I want you to let me know if you have any local workers in your network read more …