Ronald Leslie Mitchell 

At this challenging time, many of us will know people who are ill and have passed away. As a ministry at CEM, we were saddened by the recent news that Ron Mitchell has been taken to be with the Lord, after battling with COVID-19. 

Ron was a faithful man of God, who was passionate about people. He did not grow up as a person of faith so it was his own conversion to Christ which made him so enthusiastic in inviting others to come and know Jesus as their saviour. 

Ron’s daughter Heidi shared during the service, “It was in South Africa where Dad’s spiritual journey reached its climax. Having never been taught anything about church and Jesus in his own life before, he was soon to discover the love that Jesus had from him and in reaching out for forgiveness he sought from then on to live for the glory of God and make Jesus known to all those around him.”

Ron was involved in the formation of Africa for Christ, assisting them in building South African and international partners that helped Africa for Christ in its first 31 years. Not only that, but Ron set aside lots of time to meet with people 1-1 and personally walk them through the basics of Christian faith. 

And he really did want to make Jesus known to all those around him. Drew Waller said, “Ron was unapologetic about his faith, he was a faithful supporter of Christian outreach ministries around the world and he led over 1,000 individuals through Christianity Explored over the course of 15 years,” something at CEM we were very moved by. Rico Tice said, "Jersey was famous for running its Christianity Explored courses at Pizza Express and it's estimated that £60,000 was spent on buying everyone who came on the course a pizza over the 15 years that courses were run. Typical Ron Mitchell generosity.”

Drew, at Ron’s funeral, reminded us, “Ron’s life was a testament to the character and the actions of the Lord Jesus Christ. [...] Christ has come to give life, and give life to the full and Ron believed this promise till the very end.” 

In giving thanks to God for Ron’s life and ministry, we echo the words of his good friend Terry: “remember a person who was generous, who was loving, who knew the Lord Jesus and is at home in his Kingdom.”

Please do pray for Ron's wife Jenny, his daughters Heidi and Elise, and his grandsons Jonty, Henry and Matthew as they grieve.