Statement of Faith - Ron Kempen

1. Please tell us a little bit about your ministry work, both on the job and at your church. I try to witness to others about how one gets to Heaven whenever a door opens that seems appropriate. For several years, I’d go to a particular website and debate with those there. Now my Ministry is writing articles. Every now and then, someone who is really interested in their salvation contacts me. Those are the ones that I feel blessed with an opportunity to help.

 

2. How and when did you come to know the Lord as Savior?

   After a number of events occurred in my life that got my attention, I took two years to go through (on my own) the New Testament just to see what God says about how we get to Heaven. I then realized that I wasn’t saved, that all I had been doing was religious, but it left me unsaved. I switched to a Bible-teaching Church in April of 95 and soon was with my dear friend, Perry, who always finished praying by thanking Jesus for what He did for us at Calvary. That is when I remember thinking about Jesus and realizing what He actually did at Calvary for me.

 

3. What were the circumstances that prompted you to work in Christian ministry?

   I soon realized that we have a huge, vast opportunity to tell people about Heaven, Hell, and Jesus. The need for someone here in small town Wisconsin to be standing up for Jesus, the Jesus of Scriptures, is overwhelming as most of the people I know, don’t know anything about who or how someone gets to Heaven. There are awesome ministries in Texas and California to reach Catholics. We need an outreach for reaching the lost, especially Catholics, here in Wisconsin as well! This is why Gospel Light Ministries was started.

 

4. What do you enjoy most about being in ministry?

   When someone writes back thanking me for any help that I gave them, this is when I feel that I did something right, that God is using the ministry, and this is what the Ministry is for - to be used by God as He sees fit.

 

5. What is your greatest frustration in the ministry?

   Right now it’s my Parkinson’s disease, for it limits my time and ability trying to open doors to those that don’t know they’re lost, and sadly, for the most part, they don’t care either.

6. What is the most important thing you've ever learned?

   The most important thing that I ever learned was what Jesus did at Calvary that He took my sin and gave me His righteousness by faith in that finished work. A lot of people know what Jesus did historically, but they’ve never accepted His gift, and are still trying to merit salvation based upon what they can do to get holy. I’ve also learned to wait for Gods timing for everything, that the Bible is 100% truth and how everyday Satan fights us. There is definitely a spiritual warfare taking place for each soul.

7. What do you do to relax?

   I enjoy spending time on the computer, whether its writing articles, playing games or football related. I enjoy spending time with my wife as well - she’s a gift from God - traveling to Pennsylvania to visit her family is a high point. However, listening to good Bible teaching and fellowshipping with other true believers are very satisfying moments as nothing would matter if I didn’t have these times to focus on Jesus.

8. What do you feel is one of the greatest concerns the Christians should have today?

   The greatest concern is how Christianity is being diluted, ecumenical zed into a worldly, compromised message. Seldomly does the clear uncompromised message of God get out. Rather we’ve accepted programs that use the same language or make people feel good as a substitute form just to have more people get drawn into their churches.

 

9. What are some ways you feel that Christians can be involved in ministry in their own backyards?

   There are the options of having a Bible study in ones own house, however, that isn’t always manageable. The point is that people see us, and we should live as if we realize this. Don’t compromise in your life, loving others whenever the opportunity arises, but do so in a loving way so as to give Jesus the glory and we can do this by becoming others-centered.

10. What is your favorite Bible verse or area of Scripture, and why?

    2 Corinthians 5:21 and Romans 4 are my favorite passages because the Gospel message is clear and easy to see there! The first eight chapters of Romans is a gold mine for doctrines.

11. What would you most like to be remembered by?

    I want to be remembered as someone that loved Jesus and His Holy Word.

 

12. If you could say anything to the people of Wisconsin, what would it be?

    Life is short; we’re all going to die. Is knowing Jesus your primary focus or priority in your life? Let me put it this way... Philippians 1:21 says, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If you live for anything but Jesus, you’ll lose it when you die. What are you living for? Also in the love chapter, there is a verse that says (1 Cor 13:6) Rejoiced not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. We should live loving others, but love deals with the truth. I wonder how often we forget to do this for something less rewarding?

13. Do you have any prayer requests or anything you would like to add?

    As for prayer requests, My health isn’t getting any better. Please pray for His healing me according to His will. Also pray for my ministry, that God will bless and use it to make a difference in people getting saved and helping them see the truths of His Word. I’d also like to take this opportunity to explain about Gospel Light Ministries and its outreach to Catholics. Although Catholics know Jesus died at Calvary, they are taught that sacraments, masses, penances are various means by which they have sins removed. They are taught that Heaven is gained by faith + works. They also believe that Jesus started the Catholic Church and they have a tremendous apologetic following that defends their belief system. Unfortunately, they are in a false system with a different Jesus and a different gospel that saves no one. My articles are written to address the many issues in which the Bible shows the truth. Watch for them monthly here in Wisconsin Christian News, and/or write for the past issues. If you feel the need to discuss doctrine, please call or write. Thank you!

Ron Kempen
Gospel Light Ministries