Member of the Month 

April 2007

Ruth Summers

by: Tom Whitener

For this month only, it’s okay to celebrate “Summers” in the spring. Our April 2007 Member of the Month admits, “Around most people, I think I’m kind of backward and quiet…until you get to know me.” I couldn’t have written a better lead-in for this article…here’s our opportunity to focus on the warm words of Ruth Summers. 

Born in Mount Nebo, WV and raised on a farm, Ruth learned many life lessons that have stuck with her. “That’s where my love for animals started,” Ruth says, recalling the days when she took part in the daily chores of gathering eggs and tending to the critters in the barnyard. Today, Ruth resides in Cross Lanes with her four-legged canine trio of Samantha, Misha, and Ginger. Ruth cherishes the closeness with her two daughters (Rhonda and Lori) and confesses, “I call them every day”.  

Ruth has been coming to Spring Hill Baptist Church since 1991. Her first invitation came from Sarah Browning. Sarah was working with one of Ruth’s family members who was in the final stages of cancer when they got to know each other. During this difficult time, Ruth decided to take Sarah up on the offer and came to our church.  

Her personal testimony takes an interesting twist. Ruth’s father was a “country preacher” who ministered in several small churches in Nicholas and Fayette Counties. Ruth explains, “I was eight when I first made a profession of faith. I did it just so people wouldn’t wonder about the salvation of the preacher’s kid.”  It took another eight years before Ruth admitted to her cousin that she knew that she really wasn’t saved. From that point, Ruth learned how to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and accepted Him as her Savior.   

Reciting Philippians 4:13, Ruth receives strength from her favorite Scripture verse. When we got to the question about her favorite hymn, Ruth sweetly replied, “Can I have more than one?” She then responded with “Lord, I’m Coming Home” and “I’d Rather Have Jesus”. Ruth loves being in the choir and credits Janet White’s mother for getting her to join. She remembers, “Mrs. (Grace) Harvey would hear me sing the congressional hymns and comment on my pretty alto voice.” 

“I really like the way that the Bible is preached here. The Word of God is so clearly presented,” Ruth gives as one reason that she enjoys Spring Hill Baptist Church so much. And she is also quick to point out another reason. She adds, “And the people here are wonderful. They made me feel right at home. It’s great to be around them.” Spring may be known for some unpredictable weather, but this “Summers” can always rely on the everyday presence of the Lord in her life.

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