John & Dori Apa
Faithful Supporters
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By K.C. Chenoweth
John and Dori Apa have been involved with the Rudges since the 1970's - before Bill was saved! John married his school sweetheart on January 20, 1956. He remembers seeing his bride-to-be walking to school one day. He thought she was a "cute little girl" and told his friend, "I am going to marry that girl." Nearly 51 years later, they are still loving each other and serving the Lord together.
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When Bill Rudge was a rebellious youth, he and a gang of boys vandalized an empty mansion and the news made the front page of the local paper. John read the story and began to pray for those boys and their families. A few years afterwards, Karen began attending the same church as the Apas, dragging along Bill, her reluctant boyfriend. Bill eventually accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and subsequently gave his testimony in church. After John Apa heard Bill share about the mansion his gang had vandalized, John shared the "rest of the story" about praying for Bill before they ever met. God truly heard John's prayer and intervened in the lives of at least one of those boys in a miraculous way!
John Apa was an integral part of one of the ministry's building projects. He worked on the heating, cooling, and electrical wiring for an addition of a gym and was always impressed by Bill's faith that the Lord would provide the money to pay for the expenses. Dori was also a regular worker for the ministry, picking up mail at the post office and other volunteer duties. John and Dori have faithfully supported the Bill Rudge Ministries in many ways throughout the history of the ministry.
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Bruce & Janet Adams
Staff
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Bruce Adams has volunteered at the Bill Rudge Ministries for over 20 years working on radio, tape, and CD production and duplication. His focus is on putting out the highest quality product for the glory of God. Bruce is a humble and gentle man of God who has been a great asset to the ministry. His wife, Janet, is very supportive. They have been a witness to the many miracles as this ministry has grown in obedience to God's will. |
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Bill & Marilyn Bair
Founders of the Bair Foundation |
When you think of “Love Month” you think of Bill and Marilyn Bair. Bill and Karen Rudge met Bill and Marilyn in the early days of their ministry and were impressed with the love of Christ displayed through them.
Bill and Karen served as foster parents for several Bair Foundation youth and Bill spoke at many Bair Foundation events and conducted training sessions for the Bair staff and foster families.
Bill Bair has gone home to be with the Lord and Marilyn continues to serve Him faithfully. The Bairs have been a great blessing and encouragement to Bill and Karen and their ministry throughout the years.
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| In Marilyn’s words from a recent note:
Dear Bill & Karen,God’s blessings to you, faithful to God, friends. I have enjoyed your newsletters and updates more than you’ll ever know. I surely can relate to them. This past October was the 40th anniversary of the Bair Foundation. I remember the many struggles our ministry went through. My Bill never hesitated to let people know when there was a shortage. He was like you, Bill; he wasn’t asking for himself. God was always faithful and I know He is faithful with you.
Karen, how you have blessed me with your precious notes, many times just when I needed them. My Bill admired and loved what you were doing. His big concern was the same as yours, winning souls for Christ. He never hesitated to ask anyone if they knew Christ as personal Savior, just like you do. God bless you. I’ll be praying for you.
With much love,
Marilyn Bair
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Betty Blair
Faithful Supporter
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Betty Blair, Karen’s mother, has been a faithful supporter of the Bill Rudge Ministries since its beginning.
Growing up in a family that was not involved with a local church, it was a blessing for Betty to watch her daughter meet the Lord, marry Bill Rudge, and start the Bill Rudge Ministries. Now retired (but working part time as a caregiver) and living in Boulder City, Nevada, Betty has rejoiced to see Bill and Karen’s ministry continue through the next generation. |
Her granddaughter Tabitha has been involved over the years in many capacities and her grandson, BJ, earned his Doctorate in Theology and now serves full-time at the ministry. She enjoys the depth of his messages, meanwhile keeping a dictionary handy! She appreciates that all quoted Scripture verses have their reference listed so she can look them up.
Over the years, when she visited Pennsylvania, Betty enjoyed learning at the ministry’s Bible studies, staff training sessions, and volunteering in any capacity she could at the Ministry Center such as helping with newsletter mailings, the research ministry, and World Outreach. She also traveled on several mission trips with Bill and Karen. When Bill went to do street ministry in between his speaking engagements, Betty was often right there beside him, witnessing and passing out gospel pamphlets!
Betty says, “It is a joy to help this ministry and my family. The idea that their work goes out to so many countries to touch lives and see people come to know Christ is so rewarding!
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Dr. Guy & Esther BonGiovanni
Board of Reference
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By KC Chenoweth
Guy BonGiovanni was pastor at a local church Karen was invited to attend as a teen. After Karen found the Lord, he baptized her. Bill, Karen’s boyfriend, was not too happy about all these changes and had determined he was going to check it out. He would sit through the services, glaring at Pastor Guy the whole time, as though he couldn’t quite figure it all out. However, Guy’s strong faith and biblical insight caught Bill’s attention and respect.
Bill came to a point where he knew he had to make a decision.
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So he decided to hitchhike out west to “find himself” where he had a number of unusual experiences that Guy felt were quite providential. After hitchhiking back to Pennsylvania, Bill committed his life to Christ and was baptized by Pastor Guy.
As director of missions for an international Christian movement, Pastor Guy sent Bill and Karen on their first mission trip to Mexico for three weeks. Bill and Karen sensed a call of God to study for the ministry. Guy and his wife Esther were happy to attend Bill’s graduation from Mt. Vernon Bible College.
When Bill returned to the western Pennsylvania area to start his ministry, Dr. Guy BonGiovanni served on the initial Board of Directors and was the fund raiser for their first banquet, initiating the “faith promise” concept which the Lord has used to fund this ministry for over 30 years.
As missions director and then general overseer of an international movement, Dr. Guy BonGiovanni invited Bill to speak throughout the years at various churches and outreaches and also coordinated Bill’s ordination.
Guy and Esther BonGiovanni played crucial roles in bringing Karen and Bill to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith and knowledge of Scripture. They have been faithful friends and supporters throughout the years. The ministry is honored to have Dr. BonGiovanni serving on its Board of Reference.
In Dr. BonGiovanni’s words:
I would characterize Bill and Karen’s ministry with the word stability. They are not only devoted followers of Christ, but Bill is a very careful scholar in his research and he is aggressively in pursuit of winning people to Christ. We are very proud of Bill and Karen. |
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Terry Brest
Staff
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Terry Brest first became involved at the Bill Rudge Ministries in 1979. He served as a volunteer staff for several years with our Teen Life and Kids Life outreaches. His busy schedule as supervisor at Mercer County Children & Youth Services eventually demanded all of his time. In 2003 Terry returned to the ministry and has been doing proofreading, Biblical research and any other way he is needed. |
He often provides transportation for Bill and Karen to and from the airport for various ministry trips. He and his wife, Margie, are faithful prayer intercessors for the Bill Rudge Ministries. Terry and Margie have true servant hearts before the Lord and have been a great help to the ministry.
In Terry's words:
I have found Bill and Karen to be a ministry of integrity and obedience. Bill and Karen not only speak and teach the Word, but first live and demonstrate the Word in their daily lives. They have an unwavering passion, determination and commitment to be wise and faithful stewards before God and man and for God to be glorified and His will done in their lives and ministry.This is a multi-faceted international ministry that impacts thousands of lives to bring individuals into the image and life of Christ Jesus. I believe the Bill Rudge Ministry is one of the most complete ministries I have witnessed in that they minister to the multi-faceted issues and needs of children, adolescents, adults, families and churches. They also reinforced our understanding of the importance of obedience and commitment, stewardship, nutrition and fasting and reaching our maximal potential in Christ to glorify God.
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Greg Callahan
Labor of Love
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Greg Callahan knew Bill from the West Hill of Sharon, Pennsylvania
when they were both teens. He is an eyewitness of how the Lord
protected him and Bill one day at B Street Playground from certain
death or serious injury.
Three years ago Greg totally surrendered his life to Jesus and has
been a volunteer and faithful supporter of the Bill Rudge Ministries
ever since.
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Greg, a U.S. Postal worker, recently doubled the size of the garden
at the ministry center to help maximize funds and health. He spends
many early mornings and evenings in the garden at the ministry
center and also donates all needed materials and supplies.
From clay and rocky soil, the Lord has enabled Greg to create a
plush organic garden bearing bountiful produce. Greg has blessed
numerous people with the fruit of his labor and has been used by the
Lord to help this ministry in so many ways.
In Greg's words:
“I have always been impressed with the work the ministry does.
Having known Bill over 30 years ago, I see how he now uses the perseverance previously applied to weight
lifting and the martial arts in his ministry. The qualities of self-discipline and faithfulness to the Lord are crucial
factors at the Bill Rudge Ministries. I am honored to partner with a ministry that follows God’s Word unwaveringly.
It’s time to step up and be accountable to evangelize the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
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Rick and "KC" Karen Chenoweth
Staff
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Rick and "KC" Karen Chenoweth have been actively involved as volunteers with the Bill Rudge Ministries for over twenty years: Rick in public relations and maintenance; and KC, who is a legal secretary, volunteers as a correspondence assistant.
Rick and KC initially got involved with the ministry through its Kids Life and Teen Life outreaches. |
KC was the director of a children's musical group called Kids Alive, which ministered in nursing homes and other places. The Chenoweths also hosted a weekly 15 minute live radio broadcast for the Rudge ministry.
Rick traveled with BJ and Bill Rudge to India in 1989 on the ministry's first overseas mission trip. Since then, Rick and KC have traveled with Bill and Karen on other mission trips that have taken them around the world.
The Lord has opened up opportunities for Rick and KC to do follow-up trips on their own and they have traveled many times to India, in addition to visits to Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Nepal, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti. Rick preaches in churches, hospitals, children's homes and villages, while KC shares the Word through song and at women's seminars. On every trip, they carry Bill Rudge's books, tapes and pamphlets to give to spiritually hungry national pastors, churches, and missionaries.
The Chenoweths are a tremendous help to the Bill Rudge Ministries and good friends of Bill and Karen. They have a zeal for the Lord with a servant's heart. Their desire is to evangelize the world and equip believers and Christian leaders with Biblical resources.
Rick and KC are available for speaking engagements as representatives of the Rudge ministry (contact them at the ministry). The highlight of their talks and music is the resounding theme of reaching the world with the good news of Jesus' love as they share exciting accounts about the ministry and various mission trips abroad.
In Rick and KC's words
Every Christian should follow the Lord's leading and go on at least one short term mission trip. Many things will change: your perspective on America, on prayer, on your Christian walk and your fellow believers in other countries. You will never be the same! We pack many items to give away in countries like India, but the first thing we are privileged to carry is the sound doctrine and encouraging words written by Bill Rudge.
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Millan Chessman
Health Practitioner |
Millan Chessman, a leading health and
nutritional practitioner and
consultant in southern
California, is donating the love offerings from her speaking engagements to help us provide free books and tapes to missionaries, military personnel and people in the U.S. and abroad.
Millan is author of the book Cleanse Internally to Become Younger. She has been interviewed on numerous TV and radio programs and has lectured on health and nutrition at churches across the nation. She always fasts and prays before speaking and believes the Lord has told her not to receive any personal finances for speaking.
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Instead, every time she speaks and a love offering is taken, she will designate it to be forwarded to the ministry.
She provides Bill’s books on fasting to her clients and at her speaking engagements. She also gives Bill’s Who Is This Jesus book to her New Age clients. |
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Kathy & Sam Collovecchio
Radio Sponsors
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By KC Chenoweth
When Kathy was single and living in Sharon, Pennsylvania with her parents she was washing the car and heard Bill Rudge's radio program on WPIC. It was the kind of teaching she needed to hear, since she had just heard the Good News through Pastor Leonard Evans at Pleasant Valley Church.
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After Sam was saved and opened his hair salon (Standard of Style Hair Salon), Bill Rudge Ministries seemed like the right place to send a monthly offering.
In Sam and Kathy's words:
"Bill Rudge and the ministry have been firmly rooted and grounded in the Word of God since day one; not swayed by the latest phenomenon infiltrating the Church. The research, the foundation in the Word, and Bill and Karen's character have kept us as radio sponsors for almost 30 years. It is a way to give back so that someone else will hear and their lives will also be changed by the message Bill brings."
The Bill Rudge Ministries is truly blessed to have Sam and Kathy's faithful support throughout the years. Countless lives have been touched by Bill's radio broadcasts and God has greatly used the Collovecchio's to help fulfill the vision he gave Bill back in 1977.
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Joey Commisso
Atheltic Trainer
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Bill’s books are amazing! They
are easy to read and easy to
understand. Plus, they are packed
full of God’s precious Word.
Whenever I get a new client ––
whether they believe in Jesus or
not –– I give them three of Bill’s
books, Reaching Your Maximum
Potential in Christ, Fasting for
Sensitivity and Power, and Faith
through the Fire which contains
BJ’s story. These books have had
a great impact on me as well as
others. They are a true light in the
darkness.
–– Joey Commisso,
Strategic Fitness, New
Wilmington, Pennsylvania |
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Mike Dunder
Volunteer
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Mike Dunder (of Mike Dunder Construction Company) volunteered to help with the construction of our first ministry center back in 1981. A few years later he volunteered a year of his life to head up the construction of a large addition and gymnasium. Since then, Mike has been involved in every building project at the ministry. |
Ruthann has trained several of our staff throughout the years on computer operations and new programs, and recently helped set up our new financial records data base.
Through involvement in our many building projects and helping at various ministry outreaches, Mike has witnessed several miracles which are recorded in my books Overcoming the Giants in Your Life and The Impossible. Mike is the kind of guy that tells it like it is, so having him as an eyewitness and a faithful supporter says a lot.
If everyone was as sensitive and obedient to the Lord as Mike, this ministry would never lack anything. A recent example follows. It was about noon on Tuesday, May 1, 2007. Bill Rudge was in his office in a meeting when Karen knocked on the door. She quietly informed Bill that not enough money came in the mail to pay all the bills so they could close out the books for last month. Bill told her that somehow the Lord would provide and then returned to his meeting.
Shortly thereafter as Bill was walking out of his office following his meeting he saw Ruthann Dunder walk into the ministry. She had an envelope containing a donation from her husband. Mike told Ruthann that the Lord spoke to his heart to get this money to the ministry right away so she special delivered it. The timing was perfect and enabled us to pay all the bills that had to be paid. This has happened with Mike several times before (and also by several other ministry friends) throughout the years. God is always faithful and speaks to the hearts of those who listen and obey.
Mike and Ruthann have sacrificed their time, talents, and resources to help this ministry in many ways. For their more than 25 years of volunteer service and friendship we are eternally grateful.
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Pastor Chuck & Joan E. Eckles
Board of Reference |
Pastor Chuck and Joan E. Eckles present a check to Bill Rudge Ministries from the big hearts of team, children, and parents of VBS 2006 at I.H.S. Gospel Ministries. For the past several years, every church that Chuck and Joan E. have pastored has given the funds raised at Vacation Bible School to this ministry. This has been a great blessing to further the Gospel.
Joan also serves the ministry on the Board of Reference. |
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David and Karen Falconi
Volunteer
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by Karen Chenoweth
David Falconi lives in Hubbard, Ohio but works across the state line in Pennsylvania. He became acquainted with the ministry when Bill Rudge’s son-in-law, Clayton, arranged for some work to be done on his van at David’s business. Bill happened to be the one who delivered the vehicle to the shop and after receiving a ride back to the ministry center by David, gave him the “grand tour.” Wanting to find somewhere to serve the Lord in some type of ministry, David recognized Bill Rudge Ministries as the place he could lend assistance and volunteer his talents.
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Since David’s area of expertise is with electronics, he has volunteered his time and talents and donated much equipment for our audio and video ministry. David has faithfully helped the ministry with several projects as well as with his prayers and financial support.
In David’s words:
“Everybody involved with the ministry seems so genuine and devoted to the Lord. That’s what I have been looking for.”
On May 23, 2009, Bill was honored to perform the marriage of David to Karen Lee Ellis. Little did we realize that Bill and the staff’s prayer for the Lord to provide a volunteer to help copy videos to DVDs would be such a blessing in making new ministry friends in David and Karen Lee Falconi. |
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Bill & Violette Flemming
Faithful Supporters |
Bill and Violette Fleming knew Bill Rudge from his youthful West Hill days.
When Bill and Karen started the Bill Rudge Ministries in 1977, Bill Fleming
was one of the first Board members and remained actively involved until he
and his wife moved to Florida. Bill and Violette are still faithful prayer and
financial supporters of the ministry and good friends of Bill and Karen.
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Bill and Violette have always been vivacious and positive witnesses
for the Lord. One of Bill’s favorite verses which he quoted every time he entered the ministry center or whenever you met him anywhere else is, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
In Bills words:
Violette and I were sitting around living out our golden years when we
started to reminisce about the impact that Bill and Karen and Bill Rudge
Ministries have made in this world. As Violette puts it, “I am so impressed on how Bill Rudge Ministries has
reached out to teach those of this world who had little or no knowledge of our Savior and the importance of His
presence in our lives.”
Knowing Bill from the West Hill days, the Lord has done a great work spreading the gospel of Jesus. When he and
Karen met and married, the Lord created a great team. It was a pleasure and honor to have had the opportunity to
be on the Board of Directors and watch Bill Rudge Ministries grow. The Shenango Valley should be proud of their
faithful ministry. With much love and admiration, Bill & Violette Fleming. |
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Jay O. Gould
A Tribute |
Jay Gould volunteered his time and tremendous talents to design six of Bill Rudge’s recent book covers and our ministry’s newsletter and web site logo. On August 4, 2003, Bill was honored to perform Jay and Katherine’s wedding on a beautiful beach in San Diego.
On March 3, 2009, after a heroic battle with cancer and surrounded by family and friends whose prayers and songs were a testimony of faith, Jay departed this life to live forever in the presence of his Lord. He leaves behind a loving wife, Katherine, and two wonderful young children, Danielle and Joseph Jay.
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| Bill had the privilege of giving the message at Jay’s memorial service which was held in an Assembly of God church in southern California. The large crowd came to pay tribute to a young man who so faithfully served his Lord, passionately loved his family, blessed our ministry and others in many ways, and had a strong desire to be a witness and reach his world for Christ.
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Peg & Clint Graham
Faithful Supporters
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By Rosemary Lozier
Peg Graham and her husband, Clint, met Bill Rudge many years ago. I recently had the privilege of contacting Peg to wish her a happy 95th birthday on behalf of the ministry. As we talked she told me that she had many fond memories of this ministry. She spoke fondly as she recalled knowing Bill and Karen since they began to serve the Lord from their house so many years ago. Clint has since gone home to be with the Lord.
Peg shared with me that she enjoys reading the monthly newsletter and has always enjoyed listening to Bill on the radio. |
Peg continues to faithfully serve the Lord. One of the ways she does this is to support this ministry with her prayers and donations, which is greatly appreciated by Bill and Karen and all the staff.
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Gene & Lois Greathouse
Staff
Ginny & Jack Marsteller
Ginny - Staff
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Two sisters, Lois Greathouse and Ginny Marsteller, have been great assets to this ministry. Their husbands, Gene and Jack, have also volunteered their time and talents for many construction and maintenance projects.
In Lois' words:
"More than 20 years ago Bill Rudge spoke at Countryside Church. We were impressed when we heard him speak. Our son, Gary, decided to check into doing some drywall for the ministry. This led to my husband, Gene, thinking maybe he could use his carpentry talent to do something also. Rather than sit home alone the evening Gene was going down to work, I called to see if I could do some office work. Of course, no one ever asks Bill that without being put to use somehow. I took my electronic typewriter with me that night and I have been volunteering-as Bill says, "Till death do us part!"-ever since."
Lois has faithfully worked at the Bill Rudge Ministries in Hermitage, PA for over 20 years in many capacities (financial records, bookkeeping, paying bills, filling orders, computer operator, ...).
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Jack Marsteller became involved at the Bill Rudge Ministries in 1993 when he helped his brother-in-law, Gene Greathouse, build a garage which was later converted into offices for several staff at the ministry center. Since then Jack helped with various other projects at the ministry. His wife, Ginny began volunteering at the ministry center in 1994. For over five years she has been coordinating the newsletter mailings. Jack & Ginny have been faithful prayer & financial supporters to the ministry.
Jack began having health problems about five years ago and went home to be with the Lord on June 23, 2006. They had 58 wonderful years of marriage. Ginny continues faithfully volunteering her time at the ministry center.
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Angie & Jeremy Holland
Freelance Staff
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I became involved with Bill Rudge Ministries while working at a Christian radio station. A mutual friend, and my manager at that time, Garry Meeks, mentioned that they were looking to update and expand their website. Garry, who also coordinates Bill’s radio broadcasts worldwide, knew I did consulting work and connected me to the ministry.
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After speaking to Bill Rudge about the web site and the ministry, I became aware of the passion of all involved for reaching others for Christ.
I have been very blessed to be a part of this ministry and share in the passion that I picked up on in our first conversation. The Lord has allowed me to work full time from my home in Ohio on web site design. I count it a great privilege to be able to use the talents He has given me for His cause through Bill Rudge Ministries, while still being able to be a wife to my husband Jeremy and mother to our daughter Olivia.
Bill Rudge Ministries is blessed to have Angie as part of our ministry team by serving as our webmaster. She has a heart for the Lord and is such a great asset to our ministry.
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Dr. Joseph Hopkins
Board of Reference
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Dr. Joseph Hopkins is a retired professor at Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa. He met Bill Rudge through a local "Jesus People" ministry known as the Mercer Barn. When the Bill Rudge Ministries came into being, because of Dr. Hopkins' interest in researching the cults, he was asked to be on the Board of Reference. He was doing a lot of lecturing and writing on the cults and was an excellent resource person for the ministry in that area.
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Dr. Hopkins enjoyed attending meetings at the ministry center and viewing multi-media presentations of ministry activities. Because of Bill Rudge's dramatic testimony, Dr. Hopkins contacted the Pacific Garden Mission who dramatized Bill's story for their radio show "Unshackled." As the ministry grew from a local outreach into a worldwide outreach, Dr. Hopkins and his wife continued to support it.
A side note: Dr. Hopkins taught three weeks in Haiti south of Gonaives. He wanted very much to contact the former witch doctor Jacques. The day that he was going to stop and meet Jacques, his ride was delayed. He stood out on the highway hoping that he could get a ride to the airport 100 miles south of where he was currently. A car stopped and asked where he was going. The driver (a prominent government man) "just happened" to be going to the airport. As they drove right by Jacques' hut, Dr. Hopkins recognized it from Bill's pictures!
In Dr. Hopkin's words:
"The newsletter, Bill's travels, radio, and internet have had a remarkable impact for Christ around the world as the Lord opened up opportunities for him to share his message with the military, churches in foreign lands and so on. We started supporting at the very beginning of the ministry and are glad to continue our support."
The Bill Rudge Ministries is truly blessed to have Dr. Hopkins serve on our Board of Reference. He is a man of true integrity and has always been an asset to the ministry. He is loved and respected by Bill and Karen and all who know him.
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Sue & Dave James
Faithful Supporters |
Suzanne McLaren James went home to be with the Lord on May 5, 2006. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Dave James, for 55 years (November 18, 1950). Challenges early in her married life included finding out she had TB of the bone, being completely bedfast for over a year and spending the next two years on crutches. While in the hospital preparing for surgery on a recurrence of the TB, Sue and Dave read Scripture and prayed. Sue felt she was healed and the surgeon found only a scar from where the TB had BEEN.
Sue became acquainted with the Bill Rudge Ministries in its early days and she and her husband became faithful supporters. |
The Rudge ministry has always focused on the Word of God and Suzanne loved to read, speak, and study God's Word. Sue was known for posting verses from the Bible everywhere. Some notes she made shortly before her "homegoing" indicate that faith is like a seed that only works when you plant it. And you plant it by speaking and living it out in life's circumstances.
Even in death, Sue's life continues to proclaim her faith in Jesus Christ and bear fruit for His glory because of the memorial gifts to the Bill Rudge Ministries and the continued support of the ministry from her husband and DJ's Greenhouse, which she, Dave, and her son Dennis started many years ago. Their faithfulness to the Lord and to the Bill Rudge Ministries enables the Word of God to go forth throughout the whole earth.
After serving with her husband and son at DJ's Greenhouse and providing flowers for the ministry center for many years, she is now blessed with the heavenly gardens of the Lord Jesus.
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Art & Millie Langford
Faithful Supporters |
Art and Millie Langford were the original supporters of the Bill Rudge Ministries. Married on September 4, 1948, they were well acquainted with Florence and Frank Rudge, Bill's parents. Their son, David, graduated with Bill from high school. Because the Langfords knew what a wild person Bill was before he accepted Christ, the great change in Bill Rudge's life was evident to them after he gave his heart and life to Jesus. They began supporting his ministry even before the Bill Rudge Ministries was formulated -- when Bill graduated from Bible college and worked for Youth for Christ. |
They have been a great blessing to Bill and Karen and their ministry for over 30 years.
Art not only served on the Board of Directors of the Bill Rudge Ministries for several years, but also served as Chairman of the Board. Art and Millie have this to say: "It has been a blessing to see God work in and through Bill and Karen. We knew Bill when he was a rebellious teenager, before he was saved. How marvelous it has been to observe his commitment to the Lord and the subsequent growth and outreach of the ministry. It was our pleasure to be his first financial supporters. We believe that we have never missed a month since then and you can be sure we will continue our monthly support along with our prayers."
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Pat & Jim Leali
Faithful Supporters |
Pat and Jim Leali knew Bill and Karen Rudge when they were still teenagers. After they accepted the Lord, the Rudges went to the same church as Pat and Jim and attended the Young Marrieds' Sunday School class which Pat taught.
Pat and Jim were a great influence on Bill and Karen and helped disciple them in their new walk with the Lord. |
Their guidance, friendship, and support played a crucial role in Bill and Karen's life and ministry. When the Rudges later were led of the Lord to start their ministry, Pat and Jim supported them and have continued to do so throughout the years. Jim went home to be with the Lord in 1999 but Pat continues to faithfully support the Bill Rudge Ministries.
Pat says, "I love Bill and Karen because I KNOW them. What a testimony of God's faithfulness over the years of growth and change!"
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Bruce & Rosemary Lozier
Staff
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Rosemary does computer input and proofreading. Bruce provides maintenance support to the ministry and went with Bill on his outreach to Haiti. Bruce, who was recently approved as a lay pastor through Lakeside E.C. Church, also leads a Bible study at the county jail. Rosemary and Bruce have a heart for prayer and missions, and are willing to do whatever is needed. Through their gifts of encouragement, prayer, and support, Bruce and Rosemary are truly a blessing to this ministry.
In Bruce and Rosemary's words:
"We consider it a blessing to serve the Lord by serving at the Bill Rudge Ministries. It is awesome to know that working together we are reaching many around the world for Christ." |
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Terry & Kacy Magnett
Freelance Staff
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Kacy Magnett has been doing an excellent job helping to design our monthly newsletters. She works out of an office in her home in Prescott, Arizona. Kacy and her husband Terry have been a great blessing to the ministry.
In Kacy's words:
As one of the staff and volunteer crew at the Bill Rudge Ministries, I have had the opportunity to get to know Bill and learn more about the awesome call the Lord has placed on his life. |
My husband and I have been inspired by his humble nature and God-given zeal to literally preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Because my responsibilities include newsletter layout and editing, I have had the privilege of reading correspondence from those whose lives have been incredibly changed. The worldwide push to ensure that every soul knows of the name and life-changing nature of Jesus Christ is being accomplished through the distribution of newsletters, books, pamphlets, cassettes, and CDs - an effort God is blessing tremendously. Changing hearts and lives for Jesus would not be possible without your faithful prayers and financial support. Your dedication is a wonderful blessing for which we are deeply grateful.
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Tina McDonald
Faithful Supporter
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Tina McDonald became involved with the Bill Rudge Ministries in 1979, volunteering for its Youth Development and Teen Life programs. For several years she worked as full-time secretary and overseas mailing coordinator. In 1987, the Lord opened up other opportunities to her. Circumstances have brought her back to this area and Tina is a volunteer in our prayer intercessory group, proofreading and monthly mailing of the newsletters. Tina has a true heart for the Lord and has been a blessing in many ways. |
In Tina's words:
Bill and Karen's God-given determination, integrity, and never compromising the Word of God regardless of circumstances, has been such an inspiration to me. This multi-faceted international outreach ministry is run with one goal and that is to bring honor and glory to the Lord. To bring all who would come to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to build up the Body of Christ to reach their maximum potential spiritually. Bill and Karen's obedience to His call has touched thousands of lives through the dynamic tapes, books, radio broadcasts, missionary trips, speaking engagements, etc. They not only have a unique way of conveying the Word of God but their daily living emulates it as well. If every believer would have the same mindset and give as sacrificially as Bill and Karen, this world would soon be won for the Lord.
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Butch & June Merchant
Staff |
June Merchant has been a great blessing to the ministry for the past 14 years. She truly has a servant's heart and does anything needed. Her main focus is filling overseas requests for free copies of Bill's books and cassettes. We appreciate June and her commitment to the Lord and this ministry. Her husband, Butch has always been supportive of her dedication to the ministry. |
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Terry & Bess Miller
Faithful Supporters
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Terry Miller is a retired postal clerk who resides in Texas with his wife Bess. He first met Bill Rudge over 30 years ago at a family wedding (his brother is married to Karen's sister). Terry and his wife Bess have faithfully supported the ministry both financially and prayerfully throughout the years. Terry relates that he is very impressed with the ministry and especially enjoys receiving the monthly newsletter which in his words is "top notch." He enjoys reading about personal experiences, family updates, and testimonies of God's faithfulness which he finds most encouraging. Terry has gone with Bill on a couple ministry trips and also sponsored Bill to speak in Dallas. Terry and Bess's faithfulness to the ministry is greatly appreciated.
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Glenn & Marilyn Morris
Faithful Supporters
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At age 72, Glenn Morris and his wife Marilyn, have been long time prayer and financial supporters of the Bill Rudge Ministries. Glenn related how he had always been faithful in tithing to the Lord from the income God blessed upon him. However, he became disillusioned when one ministry was a disappointment in their bookkeeping and communications with him. He still wanted to tithe, but didn’t know exactly what to do. At that time, he believes that God providentially dropped into his mind the name of Bill Rudge. |
He was aware that Bill was a good man who did a lot of traveling, speaking, and ministry to our troops.
Before Glenn had open-heart surgery in 2003, Bill had the opportunity to visit Glenn in his home and pray with him.
Week after week and year after year, Glenn and Marilyn have been amazingly faithful. We thank the Lord for such supporters as them who help to make this ministry possible. |
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Dr. T.V. & Anna Ooomen
Faithful Supporters
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Dr. T.V. Oommen was born in Kerela in India to Christian parents and was educated in India and the U.S. He worked for nearly a quarter of a century as a research scientist for world renowned electrical manufacturing companies such as Westinghouse and ABB. As a Westinghouse employee he lived in the Shenango Valley from 1983 - 1991, only a few houses from Bill Rudge Ministries. |
Dr. Oommen served on the ministry’s Board of Reference, has written articles for the newsletter, and lectured at staff training sessions. He and his wife Anna have been faithful supporters of the ministry for many years.
Dr. Oommen says, “Bill’s ministry fascinated me. I was a researcher and Bill was always involved in research. The Bill Rudge Ministries has touched a lot of lives in different parts of the world. Coming from a foreign country, I especially appreciate that.”
T.V. and Anna have three children born on three continents –– Minnie was born in India, Roy in Ghana, and Regi was born in the U.S. Their children and their spouses and five precious grandchildren are all living in the U.S. As a lifelong student of the Bible, T.V.’s interest in biblical history and geography prompted him to visit Israel, Jordan, Turkey, and Egypt.
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Joseph & Jan Ravitts
Supporter from the Military
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Petty Officer First Class Joseph R. Ravitts, U.S. Navy, and his first wife Mary (who is now at home with Jesus), originally met Bill and Karen at the Presidio of Monterey, CA, in 1992, when Bill was ministering there. Since that time Joseph has been a financial and intercessory supporter.
In 2001, Joseph sponsored Bill to speak in a large chapel service at Fort Meade. Around that time, he also became a proofreader for the Bill Rudge Ministries; he has also written articles for the newsletter. |
Before entering the Navy, Joseph was involved in a music ministry called Knights of the Lord's Table, together with Kevin S. Johnson, who now heads an anti-occult ministry called Mount Carmel Outreach. In those days, Joseph and Mary were friends with a Christian woman named Janalee-who, 16 months after Mary was called up to Heaven, became Joseph's new bride and faithful prayer partner.
Joseph circulates Christian essays online under the heading "Empowered For Freedom," and hopes to turn these into a book. Joseph has been a great help to us in many ways. He wrote a song called "Sir Wilfred and Rebecca;" a pianist friend of his named Joe Whitchurch added a prelude to this, which now serves as the musical theme for Bill Rudge's radio broadcasts and CDs.
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Retired Sheriff
Jim & Midge Reeher
Faithful Supporters
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by Rosemary Lozier
Jim Reeher has been a supporter of the Bill Rudge Ministries for many years. Jim’s wife, Midge, who has gone home to be with the Lord, was also a faithful supporter. Jim heard Bill speak at a business men’s luncheon during the early days of his ministry and has been an ardent supporter ever since. Jim and Midge served as one of the first couples in our ministry’s Adopt A Grandparent program which touched the lives of many kids.
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| They ministered to youth in need of grandparents by inviting them to their home for dinner. A retired sheriff, Jim now resides in Sharon, Pennsylvania with his son, Lawrence.
In Jim's words:
"I greatly enjoy receiving the monthly newsletter and reading the articles. Bill is a great guy and his ministry is well worth the money.”
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William Reese
Staff |
"My name is William Reese ... Bill for short. I am the publications coordinator for the Bill Rudge Ministries and have been for the last three-and-a-half years. I am responsible for the newsletter, designed the new web site for the ministry, and have been a vertebra in the backbone of multiple projects such as the recent books Bill Rudge has published. I was baptized Presbyterian, attended a Wesleyan Methodist church when I was young, and went to a Catholic grade school and high school. I am currently attending Penn State University seeking a degree in business so I can continue my education. |
I am ultimately working towards a masters degree in fine arts with an emphasis in computer graphics design and drawing.
They say God will not only give you what you can handle, but also what you need. When I got a call from Penn State that fated June 5th day, I found myself with my first professional design job offer in the Hermitage area. I pulled up to the ministry building to meet Bill Rudge for the first time. He sized me up, and offered me the design job on a trial basis. I accepted, and I am still here three-and-a-half years later. Now that thing I said earlier about God not only giving you what you can handle, but what you need; at the time Bill and I met, he had been praying for a designer that would meet his needs (as well as the successful completion of the ministry center; I was hired during the finalization of the landscaping, yard repair, and interior of the ministry). I also got what I needed--a nice boss, and some very nice and intelligent people to work with. I greatly enjoy my time and my work at the ministry."
Bill Reese has been a great blessing to the ministry in numerous ways as he faithfully worked on many ministry projects both at the ministry center and at home.
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Charlene Richter
Faithful Supporter
In Tribute of Charlene's 90th Birthday
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By KC Chenoweth
Charlene Richter turned 90 years "young" on May 3, 2006. Also, on May 8, she and her husband, William, marked 58 years of marriage. What a powerful testimony of faithfulness to the Lord and each other.
Charlene came to know the Lord Jesus as her personal Savior during a scare with cancer in 1976. She said, "He's been with me, faithful and true." She has been involved in the ministry since the 1970's when she called Bill Rudge to talk with him about a problem with her child. |
She served as coordinator of the ministry's prayer room, organized bulk mailings, and helped with many other aspects of the ministry, including shoveling dirt at one of the building projects. Charlene still prays for the Bill Rudge Ministries every day at her home.
Growing up in a house with 12 siblings, no electricity or running water and a coal wood stove, Charlene has been through difficult times--even the loss of her first husband at the age of 26. But her testimony of God's faithfulness now brings her to the age of 90, unafraid of death and blessed to be able still to serve the Lord. She raised 2 children and now has 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
When asked why she continues to be supportive of the ministry, Charlene replied, "Because I believe in Bill. He had a big hand in my life from the beginning of my being with the Lord. It's like I came alive after I had cancer and then continued on with Bill and the ministry. I know I can trust him because he speaks, teaches, and lives the Word of God. Some of the happiest times of my life were when I was a part of the ministry. God has worked miracles in his life and mine, too."
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Tara & BJ Rudge, Ph.D.
Staff
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BJ Rudge, son of Bill and Karen Rudge, has been working as an executive
assistant at the ministry center since 2000. When Bill and Karen are
away on ministry trips, he oversees the ministry operations at the
Pennsylvania headquarters. His many ministry responsibilities also
include speaking at churches, youth groups and special outreaches, proofreading,
biblical research, and taking phone inquiries from callers around
the world. |
BJ also writes articles for the ministry’s monthly newsletter and
other publications. He earned his Ph.D. in apologetics and philosophy in
2005 and also serves as an adjunct professor for several seminaries.
BJ was one of the youngest head coaches for a varsity sport in U.S. public
schools. He also served as coaching director for the Shenango Valley
Youth Soccer league for three years, was voted Referee of the Year, was nominated for Who’s Who among
American Teachers and has received many other awards. BJ is girls’ varsity soccer coach at Hickory High School.
He also runs soccer clinics and obstacle courses and trains individuals and groups at the ministry center. BJ has a
heart for the Lord and this ministry. A book about his life, Faith Through the Fire is a powerful testimony of how God
worked in his life in the midst of great adversity. It has touched the lives of many young people and adults.
BJ has been a great asset to the ministry. He and his wife, Tara, who supports him in all his ministry endeavors,
have three precious children. BJ has always been Bill and Karen’s favorite son, and now Tara is their favorite
daughter-in-law.
In BJ's words,
"I enjoy having the ability to do various tasks, such as speaking, writing books and articles for the newsletter, along with talking to people from different countries. We reach a multitude of people from a wide variety of backgrounds. The vision of this ministry is unique, especially when considering the international outreaches to pastors, missionaries and military personnel. With the major issues facing people today, we have a very relevant ministry: reaching the world for Christ and encouraging believers to reach their maximum potential in Jesus."
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Florence Rudge
A Testimony of Perseverance and Faithfulness |
Florence Rudge and her husband, Frank (Bill's parents) were greatly used of the Lord as the Bill Rudge Ministries began in August of 1977 in an upstairs apartment in their house where Bill and Karen lived for one year. Frank retired early
to help build the parsonage and two ministry centers while Flo worked in the offices. Frank went to be with the Lord on May 11, 1987. He was 68. Then Florence Rudge went home to be with the Lord peacefully on May 9, 2008, surrounded by her family. She was 87.
Known and loved as “Flo” by all, she always had a smile and a positive word for everyone. |
Florence was a volunteer for the Bill Rudge Ministries for more than
20 years. Through ice, mud, and snow she walked in high heels up to
the ministry center to answer phones, give tours, serve as hostess,
pray in the prayer room, and prepare packages to send to military
personnel, prisoners, and missionaries throughout the world.
She went with Bill and Karen on several mission trips.
Florence constantly read and memorized Scripture –– especially on the Second Coming of Christ
and heaven. She wrote copies of books of the Bible in beautiful handwriting. She also was a prayer
warrior. Bill and Karen’s daughter, Tabitha, remembers going downstairs late at night and Flo would be
walking back and forth in her room and the hallway praying for the ministry, her family, and friends.
She attended virtually every ministry event throughout the years and faithfully and generously
supported the ministry until the day she died. We thank the Lord for her many years of dedicated
service to Him and this ministry.
Throughout her life, Florence faced and overcame several life threatening illnesses, injuries, and
tragedies –– remaining strong in her love and testimony for Jesus Christ. Even while confined to a
wheelchair the last few years of her life, she touched many more lives with her love and smile.
Shortly before Flo died, BJ read the following Scripture to her, which was underlined in her Bible. It
accurately conveys what her parting words would have been.
“I won’t be around to help you very much longer. My time has almost run out. Very soon
now I will be on my way to heaven. I have fought long and hard for my Lord, and through it
all I have kept true to Him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting and rest. In
heaven a crown is waiting for me which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that
great day of His return. And not just to me but to all those whose lives show that they are
eagerly looking forward to His coming back again.”
– 2 Timothy 4: 6 - 8 (LB)
Many cards, notes, and e-mails sent to the ministry and Flo’s children summarized the
testimony of Flo’s life. Excerpts from just a few follow:
• Messianic rabbi in Jerusalem : “She was a remarkable lady with a loving heart.”
• Missionary from Guatemala: “The first time I met Florence, I felt the peace of the Lord Jesus.”
• Doctor from India: “She was a great woman. Praise God for her life and service.”
• Bill’s sister’s friend: “Your mom’s faith helped mold you into the wonderful sister in Christ who
touched my life 20 years ago in the renewal program at St. Patrick Church. Your mother was a
woman of service to God and to His people.”
• Minister: “She was strong in her quietness, and her example serves as an example to us all.”
• Christian television host: “What a warrior.”
• Ministry assistant: “Flo was an incredible woman with her million dollar smile and perky attitude. I
always loved seeing her all ‘dressed up’ with those high heels. The legacy will live on through the
many lives she touched.”
• Family friend: “We will all miss the sunshine of her smile coming from her soul.”
• Store employee: “I always enjoyed talking to Flo. I will never forget her quiet smile and
compassion for everyone. She was an inspiration to us –– a gentle and kind woman.”
• Former College Professor: “She was a sweet, affectionate lady who truly loved, emulated, and
served the Lord.”
• Fellow staff worker: “A truly wonderful and sweet person, loved by all who knew her. Heaven is
rejoicing today.”
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Marilyn & Ken Rudge
Faithful Supporters |
Marilyn Rudge, Bill and Karen’s sister-in-law, went home to be with the Lord on July 26, 2008, after a heroic four-year battle with lung cancer.
Marilyn and Ken Rudge met and fell in love in 1966 while attending Youngstown State University and married May 24, 1969.
Marilyn invested her life in Scripture, prayer, and being a wife and mother. She was a great support to Ken when he was an officer in the U.S. Army, throughout his career with the YMCA, and for her son Timothy throughout law school.
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| Given virtually no hope for survival beyond Christmas 2004, Marilyn courageously and miraculously overcame incurable lung cancer and shared her testimony at various churches, groups, and the YMCA Good Friday breakfast. She was a powerful prayer intercessor for the Bill Rudge Ministries and faithfully prayed with Karen Rudge for many people. For two months, in April and May 2008, Marilyn and her daughter-in-law Wendi prayed on the phone every day for an hour or more for all of Marilyn’s family, Ken’s family, Wendi’s family, and various ministry and YMCA requests –– until with failing health she was unable to continue. She was a determined person who never gave up or complained through all the health challenges and medical procedures she faced –– with Ken at her side every step of the way. Ken and Marilyn were an example of a biblical marriage and an inspiration to many by their love and commitment to each other, to their son, and to the Lord Jesus Christ. On Friday, July 25th, the day before she died, Ken asked Marilyn if her faith in the Lord was still strong –– she emphatically nodded her head yes. A booklet Marilyn had read entitled Faith Confessions from the Word of God had the following highlighted –– I am not weak in faith, nor do I stagger at the promises of God, for I am fully persuaded that what He has promised, He is also able to perform (Romans 4:19 - 21). I will fight a good fight, I will finish my course, I will keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). On Saturday, July 26, 2008, Marilyn was holding the hands of her husband and son as they ushered her from this life into the presence of the Lord and eternity. The apostle Paul assures us that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8) Acts 14:22 tells us –– Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Romans 8:18 states –– I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
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John and Dorothy Rust
Faithful Supporters
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In the early 1980's, as owner and operator of an excavating business, John and his wife Dorothy learned of the planned construction of the Bill Rudge Ministries’ center on North Buhl Farm Drive. After talking to Bill and Karen, they were convinced the ministry was of sound doctrine and committed to reaching lost souls for Jesus Christ.
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| With this goal in the forefront, John and Dorothy began to pray for the ministry. John volunteered by using his bulldozer and backhoe for site preparation, foundation footers, installing underground utilities, and final grading. It was also at this time that they recommended the ministry to their church for support. Bill Rudge Ministries subsequently became one of the missions the Orangeville Baptist Church has supported monthly for many years.
In John's words:"I will always hold in memory the Christian fellowship with the other volunteers I served with during three different building projects at the ministry. As servants for Jesus we finished all the tasks in due time. Amen.
John and Dorothy have been faithful friends of the ministry for over 20 years. John has witnessed several of the miraculous interventions by the Lord during our various construction projects. He has also coordinated Bill and Karen’s annual ministry at his church for many years. We are blessed to have such a dedicated couple as both friends and supporters.
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Clayton and Tabitha Smith
Volunteer
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Tabitha Smith, daughter of Bill and Karen Rudge, served as receptionist at the ministry center before she moved to San Diego and eventually married Clayton Smith. Tabitha and Clay’s garage was renovated and used as an office for Bill and Karen while ministering in California. Their home was also available for various ministry activities.
Tabitha and Clay now live in Pennsylvania where they continue to support the ministry faithfully. Tabitha uses the prayer room at the ministry center frequently to pray for all the requests sent in and writes the Dear Tabby column for children.
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| Tabitha and Clay have written various articles for the newsletter and have helped proofread several of Bill’s new books. They have both gone on mission trips with Bill.
Tabitha and Clay’s Storybook Romance was shared on The 700 Club and is also included in Bill’s book, Overcoming Sexual Immorality. They have three precious children who are frequent visitors at the ministry center. Tabitha has always been Bill and Karen’s favorite daughter, and now Clayton is their favorite son-in-law.
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Albert & Virginia Snyder
Virginia - Staff
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Virginia Snyder got involved with the Bill Rudge Ministries around 1987 after her son Jon volunteered to help with the large addition being built at the ministry center. When Virginia and her husband Albert retired, she came to a women's Bible study at the ministry center. Then for a period of time, she was the leader of that Bible study. She also served on the team that organized the monthly mailings, eventually becoming the coordinator. For many years, Albert and Virgina blessed Bill and Karen with an abundance of fruit from their orchards and their faithful prayer and financial support. |
Although Virginia is no longer able to be a regular volunteer at the ministry center, she still prays daily for Bill and Karen and the ministry. She says, "Bill and Karen's dedication to the Lord is an inspiration to anyone who knows them." Albert went home to be with the Lord on April 21, 2006. Virginia and Albert would have celebrated 56 years of married life on July 22.
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John & Millie Staul
A Tribute |
John and Millie Staul were used of the Lord to give Bill, as a new convert, his first ministry opportunity -- assisting them in working with the Royal Rangers. John and Millie saw great potential in Bill and Karen so they spent time training them in youth ministry. They were elated when Bill and Karen felt called to go to Bible college and to work full time in youth ministry. |
Many joyous hours were spent around John and Millie's dining room table learning of their love for the Lord and for young people.
John was part of the original Board of Directors of the Bill Rudge Ministries. Both John and Millie are with the Lord now but their legacy of ministry lives on through Bill and Karen.
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John & Nancy Staul
Faithful Supporters
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John and Nancy Staul met Bill and Karen Rudge at the former Farrell Christian Assembly. As a new convert, Bill received his first ministry opportunity assisting John’s parents in working with the Royal Rangers youth program at the church.
John and Nancy’s faithful support over the years and Nancy’s personal notes and intercessory prayer have been such an encouragement to Bill and Karen’s family and the ministry staff throughout the years. |
In Nancy’s words:
We supported Bill and Karen from the beginning, believing they honestly loved the Lord and wanted to do all they could to share the word of God. Bill personally encouraged one of our children to walk in God's ways at a difficult time in her life. This encounter made a huge difference for which we are so grateful. Their ministry is a worthwhile investment. Peace and Joy to all the staff and your precious family.
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Irene & Ellis (Bub) Stewart
Volunteers
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Bub Stewart served as Research
Director at the Bill Rudge Ministries
for almost 20 years. He and his
wife Irene then moved to California
to be close to their chiildren. While
living in California they both
worked with Grace to You for
several years. Bub and Irene have
returned to Pennsylvania. where
they both are serving as volunteers
at the Bill Rudge Ministries and helping in many ways. |
Bub and Irene have always been a great asset to the ministry and good
friends of Bill and Karen. We are so blessed to have these faithful servants of
the Lord back.
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Trapper John Colombo |
Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Trapper John and his wife Audrey have been friends and supporters of the Bill Rudge Ministries for many years. In June of 2005 when Bill was bitten by a brown recluse spider, he called Trapper (the ultimate outdoors man who is an expert on insects, animals, and plants).
The brown recluse spider is the most dangerous spider we have in the United States. |
Trapper John told Bill, “This could be very bad since people have been known to die from the bite of the spider, while others have lost limbs.” Trapper remembers that Bill didn’t seem upset by what he was told and responded to Trapper that the Lord would get him through this –– and He did.
One Sunday morning after BJ spoke at South Pymatuning Community Church, Trapper told BJ, “I saw that bite on your father and he shouldn’t have a hand or arm. It is a miracle your dad didn’t lose his finger or even worse. God truly protected him.”
On Labor Day 2006 Bill walked by Trapper’s booth at Buhl Day. Trapper was surrounded by people but when he saw Bill he told him to come over and hold up his left hand. Trapper told his audience this was a miracle and Bill should have lost his left hand or more.
In Trapper John’s words:
“I am well aware of the tragic results of being bitten by a recluse spider. Many people have suffered intense pain and lost some part of their anatomy because of this spider’s poison. Yet because of Bill’s complete trust and faith in Jesus Christ, his finger healed beautifully. He has no scar, no loss of flesh around the area bitten, nor any adverse results from this bite. Like the man said, ‘Faith can move mountains’ or in this case, stop a disaster by healing a finger!
“Everyone I know who has been bitten by a brown recluse spider lost all or part of a limb or has a hole in their leg or arm. Bill does not have even a mark on his finger. It is truly a miracle.
“Some people say they have faith but Bill proved his faith when he faced the brown recluse spider bite. I am convinced that without God’s help he would have a stub for a hand.
“God Bless you and may the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand until we next meet.”
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Allan & Elaine Titus
Board Member |
Allan has been a faithful friend and Board member for over 25 years. He is a man with a gentle spirit and a heart of gold. Allan and his wife are true servants of the Lord. During Bill's third outreach to Haiti they came to help in any way possible. Many Haitians were touched by their display of genuine love.
In Allan's words:
My connection to Bill Rudge goes back to the late 1970's when I attended a Bob Larson crusade that Bill had been instrumental in bringing to the area. |
Both my wife Elaine and I were impressed by the energy that Bill put into his service of the Lord. Later, when I was asked to serve on his board, it wasn't hard to say "yes." Throughout the years I have been able to see what a consistently faithful servant Bill has been. He is true to the Word, straightforward in his relationships, and best of all honest and wise with the use of ministry finances. His heart is focused on seeking ways that he can take the Gospel to those who are waiting to hear. These are the reasons that we have continued to support Bill and Karen. I have seen first hand how this ministry has truly gone first to Jerusalem, then to Judea and Samaria, and now the world.
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Gordon & Eilene Urmson
Board Member |
In 1979, Eilene Urmson was asked to serve on a committee to help deal with the finances for an area-wide crusade that Bill Rudge was organizing. It was as a result of that special outreach and the tremendous success of it that she got involved with the Bill Rudge Ministries in 1981 as Board Treasurer. Her husband Gordon spearheaded the Rudge ministry's first building project in 1981 and helped with several more that followed. |
Over the years, Eilene has helped in numerous ways such as organizing details for the ministry's yearly fund-raising banquets, and of course, preparing all the ministry's monthly financial reports. She also serves as the corporate secretary-treasurer for this multi-faceted ministry.
In Eilene's words:
"I have always been impressed with the work that the ministry does. It is an honor to be involved in the work of the Lord through one of the most prominent and far-reaching outreaches in the Valley."
The Bill Rudge Ministries is truly blessed to have Eilene's conscientious and diligent skills to assist in maintaining its financial accountability for over 25 years. Gordon has also been a great blessing by volunteering his time and talents to help with numerous projects at the ministry center.
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Betty & Bill Wardle
Board Member
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Bill Wardle has been a member of the Bill Rudge Ministries’ Board of Directors since the days when he was Mayor of Mercer, Pennsylvania. Bill and Betty are a special couple with humble hearts for ministry and willing to help in any way needed. They have been witnesses to the many miracles and tremendous growth of this ministry in obedience to God’s will. |
Even after retiring as Mayor of Mercer and moving to North Carolina, Bill continues to serve on the Board of Directors and he and his wife faithfully support the ministry with their prayers and financial support. Bill and Betty still make time while visiting family in
Pennsylvania to attend most of the Board meetings each year. We are blessed to
have people of their integrity and love for the Lord on our ministry
team.
In Bill and Betty’s words:It is a real privilege to have a small role in the Bill Rudge Ministries. Through Bill and Karen’s vision, many people are being saved who otherwise would have never heard of the Lord. Truly, the good Lord has blessed this ministry in many ways and we know it will continue to pass on these blessings to those who hear the message. Thank you Bill and Karen for your vision.
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Pastor Jim & Mary Beth Weikal
Board of Reference |
God's Purpose Completed and Just Beginning
By Jim Weikal
I came to the Bill Rudge Ministries in 1986 looking for someone who could teach me to serve the Lord. I had a desire to serve but was not sure how to go about doing it.
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I understood from Scripture that Joshua had learned from Moses and Timothy had been instructed by Paul, so I knew the necessity of learning from someone who was following the Lord.
My first job at the ministry was using a hammer to put shingles on the new addition. Gradually, I began to proofread, do research, lead Bible studies, speak in area churches, and write for the ministry newsletter.
In all of these activities, I was continually being taught by Bill as he imparted his knowledge and experience to me. I also learned by his example which is always the best teacher. Fortunately, I know Bill not only as a teacher and spiritual advisor but also as a friend. In all circumstances, Bill strives to honor God and maintain the highest level of integrity.
When I came here all those years ago, I could not have known the extent to which Bill would positively influence my walk with the Lord. I could not have learned from textbooks what I have learned from Bill:
- Through prayer and fasting always seek to know God's will before you do something.
- Spend more time reading the Scriptures than you do reading supplemental books.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet so the body and mind can do God's work.
- Maintain the highest level of integrity in all spheres of your life.
- Always seek to honor God in all you do.
The original purpose for God's sending me here has been completed: I have been shown how to serve the Lord. I am now serving as pastor at Sharon Alliance Church, but still actively involved in the Bill Rudge Ministries and faithfully supporting it.
As a pastor I will follow the Biblical principles learned at the Bill Rudge Ministries. I believe the Bible to be the last court of appeals in all matters of the faith, and the Word and the testimony of Jesus need to be the standard for all Biblical Christians. Bill and the ministry have taught me the importance of personal integrity before the Lord, and making a personal commitment to study God's Word and to preach it and teach it with clarity, intelligence, and passion.
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Bill & Norma Williamson
A Tribute
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Bill and his wife Norma faithfully supported the Bill Rudge Ministries until they went home to be with the Lord.
Bill was a man of integrity, humility, kindness, love and tremendous enthusiasm in witnessing. He loved to share his faith in Christ with all who met him.
The image of Bill, which is etched in the minds of those who knew him, is that of a man on his knees in humility before the Lord.
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Bill and Norma lived and died their faith in Christ and their hearts' desire was that all who knew them would come to know the Jesus they knew and loved so much.
Bill and Norma had 37 wonderful years together with all good memories. One day Norma asked Bill if he had any complaints. He told her that he didn't and Norma told him that neither did she. Bill and Norma are greatly missed by all their
family and friends.
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John Wilson
Our Neighbor
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John and Mona Wilson have
been good neighbors and
friends of the ministry.
Throughout the years John has
helped in many ways such as
cutting some of the ministry
center’s grass and plowing our parking lot and driveway in the winter. He also does the same for other neighbors. He and Mona have also kept an eye on the ministry center during many of Bill and Karen’s ministry and mission trips.
John Wilson, the great improvisor, cuts his grass by riding on a tractor with a broken cutter and pulling a push mower. Shortly after this picture in August 2006, John got a new tractor.
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Gert Wooten
Staff
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A Blessing is Contingent on Obedience
By Gert Wooten
Bill wrote this prayer in the newsletter and it got my attention, "Speak to the hearts of the individuals whom You desire to use to support this ministry."
It has been over ten years since I began to contribute to the Bill Rudge Ministries-my first check was sent December 22, 1993. For at least the past four years I have had the impression in my spirit that I needed to get more involved in the ministry but, like Jonah, I "ran for Tarsus," filling up the days with activity. |
I still had many idle hours. Every month when I wrote that check and sent it off to the Bill Rudge Ministries, that nagging feeling was there. I just found more things to do and ignored it.
Meanwhile I developed a very bad, sore back. I went to doctors, had X-rays, went to physical therapy, a fitness center and took medications. Everything helped a little but there were weeks on end when I couldn't stand at the kitchen counter to cook a meal or do dishes without sitting down every ten minutes or so for a few minutes to rest my back. Diagnosed with osteoarthritis, stenosis and lower back scoliosis, I figured I would only get worse as I aged and would just have to live with the pain. Surgery was not an option.
In December of 2003, I made up my mind to call Bill and tell him I was interested in volunteering some time, thinking of stuffing envelopes or some other simple things for a few hours a month, hoping he wouldn't just laugh at me, thank me and say "So long!" I have been retired as a Clerical Supervisor for the Mercer County Assistance Office for several years and have always argued with the Lord that there wasn't much I could still contribute. Like some of the Old Testament people whom God called to work for Him (Gideon, Amos, Jonah and others come to mind), I thought, "Who am I that God would call me to do something for Him?" I have nothing He needs.
When I called the ministry, BJ answered and said Bill was in California assisting the victims of the fires that burned so much of Southern California. When Bill was back in Pennsylvania I called to set up a time to come in to talk about what I might be able to do that fit in with the ministry needs. That very day when I finally acted in obedience to what I felt was God's "nagging" and made the first phone call, I realized my back no longer hurt! As God is my witness, my back does not hurt as it did for so many years. I wake up and go to bed thanking God for His deliverance. Meanwhile I am finding out that the things I do know how to do are just the skills Bill can use. I use the computer and proofread, do Biblical research, and now coordinate the prayer ministry.
When I was arguing with God that there was nothing I could do, I remember hearing in my heart His response-"but you can always pray!" There are so many needs you can intercede for. So I thought I'd just stay quiet and be an intercessor at home. One of the first things Bill said when we met was that he saw me in the Prayer Room and that is my main focus now. I am still amazed at how God worked in my spirit for so long before I finally gave in and followed His urging. It is such a blessing to be part of a ministry that stretches around the world to reach so many people with the Gospel. |