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On November 9, 2022, the Evangelical Friends Mission family lost one of our strongest champions \u2013 Ron Stansell. Already, we miss him.<\/p>\nOn November 9, 2022, the Evangelical Friends Mission family lost one of our strongest champions \u2013 Ron Stansell. Already, we miss him.<\/p>\n
Ron\u2019s contribution to the Kingdom of God was deep and wide. You can read more about his rich life in this obituary<\/a><\/strong>. I want to highlight his work with EFM, because it was significant.<\/p>\n Ron served on the EFM Board for many years, serving for much of that time as the Secretary. His ability to concisely summarize a discussion is legendary. Frequently, after a long and free-ranging discussion, the board would look to him and ask, \u201cSo, Ron, what are we deciding here?\u201d His response was always the perfect summary of the conversation. In fact, we found his ability to capture the groups discernment was so keen that he would often write the minute even before it was approved.<\/p>\n That ability is an illustration of Ron\u2019s wisdom and insight. Honed as a missionary in Bolivia, focused as a professor of missions at George Fox University and exercised as the Director of Evangelical Friends Church International, it was fueled by a deep love for Jesus. Ron\u2019s gentle influence was appreciated by Friends leaders around the globe.<\/p>\n Ron\u2019s love or the world was most at home in his devotion towards his family. Carolyn and he modeled a marriage that nurtured the best in one another and enhanced their ministry together. Their union was seasoned with unmistakable affection. Ron\u2019s joy in being a father and grandfather spilled out whenever he spoke of them, always accompanied with a broad smile and amusing anecdote.<\/p>\n Personally, I benefited from Ron\u2019s friendship. He encouraged me, challenged me, served me, believed in me. My experience was not unique. Many of us are better people because of Ron\u2019s impact on our lives. He exemplified what it means to, \u201cfulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.\u201d<\/p>\n I am grateful to God for Ron Stansell. We all are!<\/p>\n Stanley David Leach<\/p>\n P.S. The family has generously asked that donations in memory be made to EFM Leadership Training. We suggest EFM\u2019s Great Lakes Leadership Training ministry. Give online aqu\u00ed<\/a><\/strong> or mail to EFM, PO Box 771139, Wichita, KS 67277 with Stansell Memorial in the memo line.<\/p>\n