William Ramage Sr. was born in a small Nebraska town where he lived with his Mom, Dad, and brother until he enlisted in the Army. Growing up, he attended First Christian Church where he was baptized at the age of eleven. He was active in scouting, earning the Arrow of Light and Eagle Scout awards. Pastor Ramage was involved in extra-curricular activities as well and earned a varsity letter in football, band, and academics.
Following graduation from high school, Bro. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Signal Corps and later re-enlisted in the Military Police Corps. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to Ft. Drum, New York where he met and married his wife, Shelley Moore. In October of 1995, while attending services at the Po Valley Chapel, Bro. Ramage realized that he was a sinner, separated from God and on his way to hell. He became convinced that he needed to put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ to save him and was born again. The Ramages were transferred to Ft. Clayton, Republic of Panama, and it was there that Pastor Bill recognized God’s call on his life into full time ministry. They had the privilege of encountering many missionaries through their time at the Crossroads Bible Church and the First Baptist Church of Balboa. From Panama, they moved to Ft. Stewart, Georgia, where both Pastor and his wife were scripturally baptized at the Grace Baptist Church and they served until Bro. Ramage was retired from military service.
Pastor Bill moved to Jacksonville, Florida to continue his training at Trinity Baptist College. During that time he served in adult and children's Sunday school, the Spanish ministry, the Trinity Rescue mission, and in organized and personal soul-winning visitation. He and Shelley also served in the children's ministry at the New Haven Baptist Church, a church planting endeavor on the north side of Jacksonville. After graduation, the Ramages moved to El Paso, Texas where they served at the Hillcrest Baptist Church and Bro. Bill had the privilege to preach weekly at the Otero County Prison. During that time he was called to pastor the Living Water Baptist Church in Chaparral, New Mexico. In October of 2007, Pastor Ramage and his family returned to Watertown, New York where he currently pastors Maranatha Bible Baptist Church.
Like many people, I grew up going to Sunday school and was baptized at the age of 11. I participated in the youth group and attended church camp in the summers as well. Our family believed in God and we had a good home.
At 17, I enlisted in the Army and left home shortly after graduation. During the next few years I experienced the “pleasures of sin for a season”. I met and married my wife in that season of sin. When we began to realize the wages of sin, my wife committed her life to the Lord. She began to love Jesus more and more while I continued in my sin. She began to study her Bible and get involved with a ladies’ ministry where she grew spiritually.
I wanted nothing to do with her Bible reading and praying. I was tolerant of her "religion" and we went to church as a family, but I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I was always a “good person”. I was an Eagle Scout, a nice guy, but I never thought of myself as a “sinner”.
Thankfully, one Sunday in October 1995, I recognized just how great a sinner I was, that I was lost and on my way to hell. At that moment, I also realized how great a Redeemer Jesus is and was rescued from the wages of sin when I believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and trusted Him as my Savior and Lord.
Dear Friend,
I would like to personally invite you to visit with us at any time. If I can ever be of some service to you, please don't hesitate to call on me. More importantly, I would like to invite you to trust Christ as your Savior. He has changed my life and my eternal destination and I know He wants to do the same for you. Don't put off the most important decision you'll ever make. Be saved today!
Sincerely,
William Ramage Sr.
Overseas Assignments:
SPC Ramage B Co. 10th Sig Bn.
SGT Ramage 511th MP Co.
SSG Ramage 549th MP Co.