Built to Give: Ronnie Starnes’ Story of Faith in Action
Earlier this week, Ronnie Starnes and I sat down to talk about our shared love for Jesus and our passion for loving our neighbors. His journey to our workshop is a powerful reminder of how God prepares us for every season of life—even retirement.
A Connection Built on Friendship
Ronnie came to our workshop 10 months ago, invited by another dedicated volunteer, Jed Roberts. Jed had joined us about a year earlier after retiring from the WC Bradley Charbroil Division.
"A friend of mine, Jed Roberts, had retired from WC Bradley Charbroil, and I was coming right behind him," Ronnie shared. "We had talked about it for several months. The LORD has blessed me so much!"
Ronnie is deeply grateful for 47 years of employment at Charbroil and 47 years of marriage to his wonderful wife, Jane. But as retirement approached, he knew he wanted his next chapter to count. "I had to find a place where I could give back and be effective."
Decades of Skill, Redirected for Ministry
Because our mission involves building mobility devices, Ronnie’s decades of hands-on experience building grills made him an immediate fit. God took years of practical craftsmanship and redirected it toward changing lives.
"I feel like I fit in here," Ronnie reflected. "God prepared me, and He is using my skills for this. It's truly a blessing to know that I matter in His grand plan and all that He does for me and my family."
Finding Family on the Tuesday Team
Ronnie loves serving with the Make the World Mobile Tuesday Team, where the atmosphere is defined by joy, purpose, and genuine fellowship. "Everybody from day one has just treated me like family," he said. "I look forward to coming here every week. I love the atmosphere and I love the people."
Giving back is nothing new for Ronnie and Jane; along with his active service in the shop, they have always faithfully supported missionaries through their church. But Ronnie notes there is a unique joy that comes from hands-on service: "We come in here and we want to be a blessing, but it seems that every time, the LORD blesses you far more than what you can give."
A Place of Authentic Love
At the end of the day, Ronnie really understands why we gather here to build and to give: Jesus is our focus. Always an encourager, Ronnie left us with a final thought for anyone searching for connection or navigating a tough season:
Anybody who might be struggling, having trouble understanding some of the things life might be throwing at you... this is where you need to be. You need to be around people who love you, love Jesus, and you know it's not fake. It's real.
Like Ronnie said, if you’re navigating a tough season or searching for a place to give back, you don't have to do it alone. Come spend a morning with our team, see what we do, and experience a community centered around Jesus.
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