Uncle Ronnie, Our Barnabas

There is a good man named Barnabas found in the Bible (Acts 4:36, 37; 9:26, 27; 11:22-26; 13:1-3). It seemed impossible to find someone like Barnabas in our contemporary world. Notwithstanding, we found Uncle Ronnie.

“Joseph (original name of Barnabas)… whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement …” (Acts 4:36-37). Uncle Ronnie is such a great model of an encourager and encouragement to many. Anyone who comes into contact with will be encouraged. And in turn many had also been influenced to be an encourager to many others.

“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord “(Acts 11:24). This is so evident of Uncle Ronnie’s ministry – he brought many to the Lord through his persistent hospital and home visitations.

Barnabas was a man with a "Big-Heart" or Magnanimous (Acts 9:26-30; 11:22-26). Speaking of this, Uncle Ronnie always had room in his heart for anyone who comes to him. Not only that, his “big-heart” allows him to serve freely. He is not conscious about title. He served with such humility and servanthood. He is a true example of servant-leader. Each time someone praises him, his typical sincere reply will be, “Praise be to God”, “All glory goes to Jesus”.

In Acts 15:36-40, we could see that Barnabas was a man full of love, forgiveness, and acceptance. One of Uncle Ronnie’s favourite Bible verse is 1 Jn. 1:9. He believes in God’s boundless love and forgiveness that no one can be exempted from God’s great love and forgiveness and be accepted into the family of God. Regardless of age and social-economic status, many had been touched by this. Some who are even outcast of society, he is able to love them into God’s family.

“People-Centeredness” was evident in Barnabas’ ministry (Acts 4:36, 37). From the amount of people who packed up the ICU of the hospital some years ago when he was hospitalized and the recent two nights of memorial services, we know that Uncle Ronnie’s ministry is one that is “people-centered”. He not only loved people, people loved him dearly too.

The very mention of the name Barnabas, brought back to memories of all the good and great things he had done. Similarly, the same can be said whenever we mention of Uncle Ronnie – countless good and great things he had accomplished for God through his life. Uncle Ronnie had indeed touched and impacted many lives for the kingdom of God. Some may miss his support and encouragement, others may miss his warm smile and affirming handshake, while others his love.

We all missed our Barnabas, Uncle Ronnie, in different ways. Instead, of missing and waiting for “Barnabas” to come to our aid, why not, let us rise up to be someone else’s “Barnabas”. The best way to remember our Uncle Ronnie is to be a “Barnabas” to someone who needs encouragement, love and acceptance. Let us remember Uncle Ronnie by being a “Barnabas” to others who are hurting and missed out by society (Matt 25:31-46).

I dearly miss my friend, comrade, and mentor - Richard Ong