It has been my privilege over the past 44 years of ministry to work with amazing men and women who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and are committed to seeing the Gospel reach every nation. They truly are people of whom the world is not worthy. Two of them stand out in my mind right now: Duane Ulrich and Ralph Evans.
Duane and Ralph were elders at The Bridge Bible Fellowship who also served on the STN International Board since its inception. They gave of their time, talents, and treasures in sacrificial ways. They were men of the Word who prayed with great faith.
At one critical juncture in STN’s history as the doors were opening wide for effective ministry, we knew we needed a substantial amount of money to move forward with the vision. I shared with the Board that we should all pray and ask the Lord for a half a million dollars. To me it was a huge step of faith.
Ralph replied, “Why don’t we ask for 1 million dollars?”
I was convicted by his strong faith in God. We prayed earnestly about this and a few months later the Lord answered our prayers when $1,100,000 was donated.
Duane and Ralph were men devoted to their wives. Duane and Janet were married for over 63 years. In January of 2020, Duane went home to be with the Lord. Two weeks later he was joined by his wife Janet.
Ralph and Joyce were married for almost 63 years. On April 9, 2022, Joyce Evans graduated to heaven. She was joined 3 ½ weeks later by Ralph. Their godly marriages are a profound example for us all.
Duane and Ralph (and their wives) left an incredible legacy of faith. Like the Apostle Paul, they “fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). They have entered the joy of their Master having heard Him say, “Well done” (Mt. 25:21). And I know they are thrilled every time heaven erupts with joy over one sinner on earth who repents (Lk. 15).
Our STN Board misses Duane and Ralph.
Please pray that the Lord would send us more people like them to join us in this ministry. And please join us in praising God for the work He accomplished through His two choice servants. “Men of whom the world was not worthy.” Heb. 11: 38
By STN President, Paul Brown