Wisconsin

Arlene Krueger and her son, Mark, had been members of the Wausau Church for many years. Her husband, Ron Krueger, attended with them for years without ever becoming a member himself. When Mark became head elder of the congregation, Ron experienced the joy of observing his son’s spiritual growth.

Ron was very much a part of church life. When the membership voted to build a new church, Ron helped with the church's construction. His participation gave him a sense of belonging, even though he was not a member.

One winter day, as church crews were framing the inside walls in the sanctuary area, Ron approached William Bossert, Wausau Church pastor. With a new, inspiring resolve in his voice, he said, "I want to be the first one baptized in the new church." William was more than eager to grant Ron's request.

Almost a year later, the congregation finally moved into the new sanctuary, although the baptistry area was not yet finished. Ron revealed the urgency of his spiritual quest by personally taking the responsibility to finish the project. He worked on completing the walls, floor, and plumbing, and even finished the painting so it would be ready for his baptism.

To make his baptism an even more special occasion, Ron invited his thirteen-year-old grandson, Josh Cleveland, a student at the church's Hillside Christian School, to be baptized with him. They had a special relationship because Ron drove Josh to school every morning. Josh thought it would be great to be baptized and join the church on the same day as his grandpa. So he began to prepare his life for that special commitment to Jesus.

On Sabbath, March 5, 2005, every Krueger relative in the area came to worship in the Wausau Church to witness the important day in Ron's and Josh’s life. It was a very special day of celebration, not only in Wausau, but also in the courts of Heaven, I'm sure!

William Bossert, Wausau Church pastor, with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent