In the Traces

On July 9th I reconnected with Mary Ann Shimkus on facebook.  She and her husband Ron were at Michigan State when my wife and I were there in the 70’s.  Ron was there to be trained to be a training center director, my wife and I were there to learn how to be staff.

Ron and Mary Ann Shimkus

Mary Ann and I messaged back and forth a bit.  She told me Ron was in Zimbabwe working on some humanitarian projects.  I was excited about that, my interest in Africa has increased exponentially in the past three years.  I was eager to connect with Ron when he returned.  He won’t.

A few minutes ago I got an email from a mutual friend.  Seven days after Mary Ann told me about Ron’s mission, he suffered a fatal heart attack while in country.  I grieve.  I grieve because I remember Ron’s enthusiasm and Love for the Word.  I grieve because I remember his heart for the lost.  I grieve because I see the pictures of his family who have temporarily lost a great father and grandfather.

But I also rejoice and am at the same time deeply and profoundly challenged.  Ron was on mission when his Lord called him.  He was hard about what the Lord designed him to do.  Ron was three years my senior.  I pray that I will end as well.