Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to love and care for one another. Ron Craig, member of the Boulder Seventh-day Adventist Church in Boulder, Colorado, has been quietly providing care for others for many years.
About 23 years ago, Craig started volunteering with an organization in the Boulder/Longmont area called Colorado FriendShip. Since that start, he has served lemonade and iced tea in the summer and hot chocolate and coffee in the winter every Sunday evening to men and women who need a warm meal. He has missed only a handful of times in those 23 years. In appreciation, he was nominated for the 7 News Cares award.
In early March, 7 News came to “Meals on the Street” and interviewed Liz Friedenson, one of Colorado Friendship’s executive directors: “We set up here every Sunday. We serve a hot meal to anyone who needs it. For those who are low-income or experiencing homelessness, it’s more than just a meal. Helping those in need in Boulder County is the main mission of Colorado Friendship, but it wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers.”
She went on to say,
“Everyone loves Ron, and, if he’s not there, everybody needs to know where he is and what happened.”
Ron says he has grown in appreciation for people, and has developed some friendships along the way, including with the crew he works with every week.
“You know you’ve worked that long when you give a couple of bucks to a guy on a corner, and he says, ‘Hey, thanks, Ron!’”
Yes, thank you, Ron.
“Ron has blessed our lives with Christ-like love in action, beyond the smiles and hugs. He walks into church and exudes the down-deep joy that comes from always speaking a cheerful word, spending time with folk who are homeless or friendless, gathering up coats for the cold, and fixing hot chili for the hungry,” commented Jackie Hayes, an elder at Boulder Church.
“You know when Ron gives you a hug, it’s heartfelt; it’s backed by Christ-inspired love. I am so thankful for the 20 years I have been privileged to worship with him,” she continued. For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. … Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? … And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it unto me” (Matt. 25:35-40).
