Ring proves no obstacle too large to overcome
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He was born with cerebral palsy which still affects his speech and his walk. At age 11, he lost his father to cancer. At 14, cancer also claimed the life of his mother.
But instead of wallowing in his own pity, Ring turned to God. The result has been a highly touted career as a preacher and inspirational speaker.
“I gave my life to God and I found God does love me and has a plan for me,” said Ring. “My message is to overcome, to make something of yourself. You can have a strike against you and still be in the game of life.”
Ring will be the featured speaker this Tuesday, Oct. 4 for a program called Impact Decision Crusade. The non-denominational crusade takes place at 6:30 p.m. at McMinnville Civic Center.
“We have a goal of 1,000 people,” said organizer Jonathan Womack. “We’re pushing to bring hope to Warren County during a time when people have lost their jobs. There’s a lot of depression here and we want to offer hope.”
Ring was born in Jonesboro, Ark., and currently lives in Nashville. During his 32 years of preaching, he has spoken to over 6,000 audiences. He speaks an average of 200 times a year with his message reaching an estimated 100,000 people annually.
Rings says he has spent his life proving his skeptics wrong.
“I’ve been told I would never ride a bike, that I would never finish college,” said Ring. “I’ve been told I’d never find a wife and that I would never be a daddy.”
Ring holds a bachelor’s degree from William Jewell Baptist College in Liberty, Mo. He married his wife, Karen, in 1981 and the couple has four children.
“If God can change my life, He can change anybody’s life,” said Ring.
Womack encourages people of all denominations to attend the crusade which is expected to last about an hour and a half.