The testimonies of Deborah and Patrick Ruder

I (Patrick) was raised in the Catholic church all of my young life. I was active in this church, yet something inside of me yearned for more of God than what I knew. I had a friend talk to me about her experience with God and told me of my need for Him. My hunger for God grew. I went searching and traveled for three months across the U.S. I was planning to ask my high school sweetheart to marry me when I returned, however, that relationship ended abruptly before I was able to return. Through a chain of events, I ended up in Eureka, California at a friend of a friend's house. They took me to a church service at a Four Square Church and it was there that I met God. I mean really met Him. It changed my life forever.

I (Deborah) lived only a couple of miles from him (Patrick) but never attended church. I always thought about God but didn't know anything about Him. I went looking for true love. I didn't know that what I really needed was Jesus. I married at age 18, but it ended in divorce. Then I started dating Patrick at age 23 and went to church with him. It was the first time I had attended any kind of church.

Some friends of ours invited us to a Baptist church revival service. I (Deborah) went forward in that service and asked Jesus into my heart much to the surprise of Patrick and our friends. God so changed my heart and life that, three days later, Patrick asked me to be his wife. We purposed in our hearts to serve the Lord together from that day forward. Four months later we were married.

We really wanted to have children. After years of trying and five miscarriages, we now have two handsome sons. Daniel and Seth Ruder, ages 16 and 14, have both accepted Jesus at early ages. They are very active in the Jr/Sr High Youth Group and help in some of the ministries at church. Daniel is also active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Morton High School. We are so proud of them.

We own and operate a custom woodworking business in Bartonville, Il. After being in business for many years, We had a terrible string of events happen that almost drove our company to bankruptcy. But God, who in His great mercy and grace, has seen us through some of thehardest years of our life, and today Redbud Ridge Custom Shop, Inc. is doing well and flourishing again. We give God all of the glory and praise for we know it was only through Him that our company has recovered.

We, as a couple, have served the Lord together for all of the almost twenty-seven years of our marriage. We have ministered together and separately to all age groups in diffrent capacities. Currently, we along with the help of other committed volunteer workers with the Jr/Sr High School Youth Group at Days of Grace. We help with a wonderful teen activity and outreach called "Impact Zone" on Friday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the church. We have seen teens get on fire for Christ. Many who were saved are now serving God in outreach, teaching, prayer and drama ministries-"impacting their world for Christ". It is so rewarding to see tomorrow's church being formed right before your eyes.

We have served the Lord together for all of the twenty-two years of our marriage. We have ministered together and separately to all age groups in different capacities. We pray that someday our children will do the same, not only individually, but with their families also.

We have many stories to tell of the wonderful things that God has done in our lives. We have been through many exciting times as well as many trials, but one thing is still true. God is faithful!! He is there to celebrate the good times with you and He is there to comfort you in the trials. He is always there!! He is a perfect provider, forever friend, loving Father and a Holy God! He has proved that in our lives over and over again.