Ron Grove
WCG Today layout artist

PASADENA—Twenty-five years ago, Ron Grove laid out his first Worldwide News—the May 5, 1980, issue.

This month and next, about 487 issues later, you are holding in your hands the final issues that Ron has worked on. His final work day was Dec. 16, a result of downsizing the headquarters operation, but his influence will continue.

Ron’s work history

In April 1974, Ron loaded up his 1971 Ford Maverick in Des Moines, Iowa, and headed west to Pasadena. (Ron had his Maverick so long it was almost an institution as much as Ron is.)

His first job was in the church’s old Advertising Department producing newspaper and magazine ads and brochures. He later worked on the staff of the PT magazine, before becoming layout editor for this publication.

Comments about Ron

WCG President Joseph Tkach had this to say: “Ron always has a can-do attitude no matter how difficult the task or assignment. And it is not just his positive approach; he genuinely gets excited about each task he works on.”

Mike Feazell, WCG media director, said: “When I think of people who bear the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5, I think of Ron Grove.

“Ron is the kind of person who never has an unkind word to say about anyone. He is always ready to lend a hand, help those in need and stand in the gap. And he does it without needing to be noticed or applauded. Ron’s work for the church has been absolutely exemplary. I count it a blessing to know him and to have had the privilege of serving the church with him.”

Doug Johannsen, pastor of the Champlin and St. Paul, Minnesota, churches, said: “In any group there are people whose work is highly visible to the public, but many others whose work is nearly invisible, made even more invisible when it’s done well. Much of Ron’s work falls into that nearly invisible category, and because he does it so well, it’s probably not noticed by the majority who have benefited so much from it.

“The Worldwide News, and now WCG Today and Odyssey, have always been such valuable tools in keeping us a worldwide family and connecting us to Jesus. Ron’s gifts in putting these publications together in an attractive and useful format have benefited us all.

“I wonder, if at the marriage supper of the Lamb, Jesus may just take time to tell some stories about each of us, how we’ve significantly impacted the lives of others, those we knew and even those we didn’t know. If Jesus does that, Ron will be astonished to see just how much good his work has done.

“I pray that God opens doors of wonderful opportunity for him very soon so that he’ll be able to look back and actually count this trial as a blessing.

“Well done Ron, you’re a good and faithful friend.”

You can contact Ron at ron.grove@earthlink.net.

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2006