The Oldridge Family: All because two people fell in love...
They are a family of 4: Ron, Kelly, and kids Bailey and Caleb.
Ron and Kelly married in 1999 and have been through literally everything that could possibly tear a marriage apart. They became Christians in the Spring of 2004. They were baptized at Shawnee Mission Lake. They swore they would raise their daughter, Bailey, in a Christian home...full of love, value and God's Word.
All was well in the world. Ron was a devoted youth leader and Kelly was his assistant. Every Tuesday and Sunday, they were at Wyandotte United Methodist Church in KCK teaching the word the 15+ youth every week.. They even attended Summer Assembly a few times. They loved it there. They thrived on the atmosphere (and the milkshakes) :-) Life was good.
It seemed good. It wasn't. There was constant fighting, arguing, and mental abuse prevailed in the home. They had left God at the door--Waiting, hearing every horrible word exchanged. Again, everything seemed good on the outside. But God was clearly not involved in any decision that was being made in that house. They soon fell--no one caught them. No one dare ask the young family what happened.
In the winter of 2009, the family of 3 added 1 more--Caleb Randall Oldridge. They named the boy Caleb after the main character in the Fireproof--a movie the parents held dear to their hearts. In the Bible, Caleb, a companion of Moses and Joshua, was noted for his astute powers of observation and fearlessness in the face of overwhelming odds. Today, the 3 year old has lived up to his name in every sense of it.
Bailey, their 10 year old daughter endured the most pain through the years, however, has shown both her parents what happens when you fully rely on God. You see, this little girl, held more faith in her short life, then her parents ever did.
They didn't go to church for a long time. A very long time. Sure, they would pop in from time to time, but it never stuck.
After overcoming yet another argument over divorce, the family was invited to New Hope Christian Fellowship in KCK. They liked the church. The people seemed friendly, the pastor 'on fire' for God. There were families with school aged children and toddlers everywhere. It was a small church, but a faithful church. Could they have found a new home? People to actually care for them? their kids?
They have been going to New Hope faithfully for over a year. Their marriage is back on track.
In the summer of 2013, God opened another door to the young family--one of which that enabled Kelly, the mom, to stay home and get to know her kids all over again. This last summer has been one of discovery. Just recently, she has allowed herself to make friends again, real Christian friends. Ron has plugged in with the men of the church as well. The kids are happy and making friends. All is GOOD.
So we are back at Summer Assembly--back at the place we were in 2007. 6 long years have gone by. We are back, back to show you that God never gave up on us. We didn't give up on each other. Life happens--but you are never alone. Yes, this God-thing is totally real. We are a living testimony.
Continue to keep us in your prayers. You can reach anyone in our family at theoldridgefamily@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you. We hope you have an awesome week at camp--Remember--7 days without God, makes one weak.
Blessings,
Ron, Kelly, Bailey and Caleb Oldridge.
Ron and Kelly married in 1999 and have been through literally everything that could possibly tear a marriage apart. They became Christians in the Spring of 2004. They were baptized at Shawnee Mission Lake. They swore they would raise their daughter, Bailey, in a Christian home...full of love, value and God's Word.
All was well in the world. Ron was a devoted youth leader and Kelly was his assistant. Every Tuesday and Sunday, they were at Wyandotte United Methodist Church in KCK teaching the word the 15+ youth every week.. They even attended Summer Assembly a few times. They loved it there. They thrived on the atmosphere (and the milkshakes) :-) Life was good.
It seemed good. It wasn't. There was constant fighting, arguing, and mental abuse prevailed in the home. They had left God at the door--Waiting, hearing every horrible word exchanged. Again, everything seemed good on the outside. But God was clearly not involved in any decision that was being made in that house. They soon fell--no one caught them. No one dare ask the young family what happened.
In the winter of 2009, the family of 3 added 1 more--Caleb Randall Oldridge. They named the boy Caleb after the main character in the Fireproof--a movie the parents held dear to their hearts. In the Bible, Caleb, a companion of Moses and Joshua, was noted for his astute powers of observation and fearlessness in the face of overwhelming odds. Today, the 3 year old has lived up to his name in every sense of it.
Bailey, their 10 year old daughter endured the most pain through the years, however, has shown both her parents what happens when you fully rely on God. You see, this little girl, held more faith in her short life, then her parents ever did.
They didn't go to church for a long time. A very long time. Sure, they would pop in from time to time, but it never stuck.
After overcoming yet another argument over divorce, the family was invited to New Hope Christian Fellowship in KCK. They liked the church. The people seemed friendly, the pastor 'on fire' for God. There were families with school aged children and toddlers everywhere. It was a small church, but a faithful church. Could they have found a new home? People to actually care for them? their kids?
They have been going to New Hope faithfully for over a year. Their marriage is back on track.
In the summer of 2013, God opened another door to the young family--one of which that enabled Kelly, the mom, to stay home and get to know her kids all over again. This last summer has been one of discovery. Just recently, she has allowed herself to make friends again, real Christian friends. Ron has plugged in with the men of the church as well. The kids are happy and making friends. All is GOOD.
Phillipians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord Always: and again I say Rejoice!"
So we are back at Summer Assembly--back at the place we were in 2007. 6 long years have gone by. We are back, back to show you that God never gave up on us. We didn't give up on each other. Life happens--but you are never alone. Yes, this God-thing is totally real. We are a living testimony.
Continue to keep us in your prayers. You can reach anyone in our family at theoldridgefamily@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you. We hope you have an awesome week at camp--Remember--7 days without God, makes one weak.
Blessings,
Ron, Kelly, Bailey and Caleb Oldridge.
This may not make total sense now, but it will later, I promise. Just be patient.
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