Ron du Preez is the new pastor at the Great Bend Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Pastor Ron (as he prefers being called) was born and raised in the Republic of South Africa. Before moving to the USA, he worked at a chewing gum factory as a flavor synthesizer, and later at an insurance company. After a “series of miracles” he totally committed his life to Jesus Christ over 45 years ago. He has been active in church work from college days, in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South and North America.

In addition to serving as a pastor, missionary, communication director, language school administrator, and college president, he has taught grades seven through twelve, and at the college level, as well as master’s and doctoral students, on a variety of subjects.

In addition to his post in Great Bend, Pastor Ron will also be serving the Adventist churches in Hutchinson and McPherson.

While serving in Africa, Dr. du Preez suffered a near-fatal accident and was airlifted to Switzerland for major reconstructive surgery. In addition to excellent medical practitioners, du Preez is grateful that the prayers of many Christians were answered positively. As a result, he has recovered sufficiently to be able to engage in various physical activities. An avid healthy lifestyle promoter, with the motto of “Fitness for Witness,” du Preez co-founded the online group called the F5 Challenge, which promotes well-rounded, active living.

In addition to searching the Scriptures and sharing the sheer joy of his journey with Jesus, Ron enjoys spending time with his fun-loving and spirit-filled wife, Lynda, originally from Texas. In short, Pastor Ron is a Christian who enjoys living and promoting “the abundant life,” because he loves Jesus!