If you’ve spent any time on campus over the past decade, chances are you’ve seen Ron Thompson—often behind a mower, trimming along sidewalks, and quietly working to keep the grounds looking their best.
After 16 years of faithful service in Faith’s maintenance department, Ron is stepping into retirement, leaving behind not just a well-kept campus, but a legacy of quiet diligence and Christlike service.
Ron’s connection to Faith began even before he officially joined the staff. In 2006, he started volunteering on small projects—helping set up seminary classrooms and building bookcases for various departments. What began as simple acts of service soon grew into a part-time role in 2009, where he became a consistent and familiar presence on campus.
Over the years, Ron did a little bit of everything—renovation projects, maintenance work, and countless campus improvements. In more recent years, he focused primarily on landscaping, spending his days mowing, trimming, planting, and caring for the grounds. His goal was straightforward: to make the campus look as good as possible for students, staff, neighbors, and ultimately, for the Lord.
Of course, Ron is also known for his sense of humor. He often jokes that he was “fired” every fall and “hired” again every spring—a rhythm that became part of his story. But behind the humor was a remarkable work ethic. As one colleague put it, “That man works harder than most college guys.”
While his work shaped the campus, it was the people who shaped his experience. Ron treasured the relationships he built along the way—working alongside fellow staff, interacting with students, and enjoying the everyday moments that made the job meaningful. He recalls students bringing him water on hot days or stopping just to say, “I’m praying for you.” He also loved cheering on Faith’s athletic teams and attending concerts, grateful for the many ways he saw the Lord at work in students’ lives.
Looking back, Ron is quick to point to the Lord’s goodness. “The Lord has blessed in many ways—probably more than what we asked or even thought,” he shared.
His encouragement reflects that same heart of gratitude: to remember the Lord’s goodness and give Him praise. “Let all that I am praise the Lord…may I never forget the good things He does for me.”
Though Ron may no longer be mowing the campus each week, his faithful service and steady presence will not be forgotten. His years at Faith serve as a reminder that no role is small when it is done for the Lord—and that a life of quiet faithfulness leaves a lasting impact.
