Editor’s Note: Joel Renner is the CEO of RENNER Ministries and the National Director of the U.S. ministry office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Alongside his father, he has actively participated in nearly every facet of the daily operations of the ministry since his youth. Joel resides in Moscow, Russia, with his wife and two sons.
What RENNER Ministries Has Meant to You
by Joel Renner
A Testimony is nice to have but hard to get. — Joel Renner
I always thought a testimony had to be some amazing story where a person was once a tool of the devil and did terrible things and then his or her life was turned around by the Word of God. There are many testimonies like that — and praise Jesus for them! But my testimony never seemed this dramatic. I never really knew how to share it because I didn’t experience a night-and-day difference like that. If you have felt like I did, I understand — but I have also learned since then that everyone’s testimony is different and beautiful, so don’t be afraid to share yours.
My testimony is very connected with RENNER Ministries — my whole life has been intertwined with this ministry. When I was born, the ministry already existed, so I have been a part of it my whole life. I moved from Tulsa to Latvia with my parents and this ministry, and then after nine years in Latvia, we moved to Moscow, and the ministry continued to reach people.
I have been a part of starting many churches and constructing, or reconstructing, many church buildings. My wife even became a Christian in our Moscow church, and she and I met in the youth ministry. I also helped prepare TV programs and film them. I read book manuscripts and helped print books too. Whatever way we can reach people with the Gospel, RENNER Ministries has been open to the Lord to go in that direction.
My testimony is basically that I have been a part of a wonderful ministry and family that wants to share Christ with as many people as possible in every way possible.
If RENNER Ministries has helped you in your walk with God, please let us know. To hear from you would encourage not just me, but our whole team.
Remember, the Bible says in Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” So no matter what your story looks like, it’s your testimony, and it matters!
God bless,
Joel Renner