Ron McCarthy

When I was a child, we were regular church attenders until my father passed away. I attended the Catholic church and Catholic school through the sixth grade. After that year, church became just a memory, and I remained unchurched for the next 30 years, believing that if I was just a "good person" I was in good standing with God and myself.

During that time I wanted to attend church but never made the effort until I got married. I thought that my marriage was going to be the beginning of a new effort to attend church, but that was short-lived. "Things" got in the way, and soon church became an inconvenience. Several years later my marriage fell apart, and I was divorced.

Soon after my divorce, I started thinking about God and church again, and at the same time my neighbor let me know that his church doors were always open. One day I decided it was time to make a change and try a different church. Not knowing what to expect, I came to Valleydale with mixed emotions. I walked out with something more than I had imagined. For the first time in my life I started to understand and learn who God was and who I needed to be.

For the last three years God has given me the opportunity to experience a growing relationship with Him. The peace I have experienced in my life over the last three years is a direct reflection of God's work in my life. Whatever my circumstances, God has shown me that I am not alone; He walks with me. I may slip and fall, but I get back up and keep going, knowing that He is always ready to forgive and help me.

One of the great helps He gives is a church family that encourages me to grow and gives me opportunities to live out my faith. Here at Valleydale, my Life Connection class, my small group Bible study, and even an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Moldova have all had an impact on my life and my journey to grow closer to God.

I will always be grateful to God and to everyone who has played a role in my life since I have been at Valleydale.