Ralph Fabera

Ralph was born December 15, 1948 in West Branch, Michigan. His father deserted the family when Ralph was an infant. Raised by a single Mom, with 3 brothers and 2 sisters, he spent his first 18 years on a farm where he learned trustworthiness, honesty, integrity, and a solid work ethic (especially a solid work ethic!) – values that have served him well over the years. Ralph was a regular attendee at St. James Roman Catholic Church as he was growing up. Credit this primarily to his mother.

Upon graduation from high school, Ralph embarked on what would become 20 years of service in the United States Army. Two years in “Sunny Southeast Asia” (Vietnam), 7 years in Germany, and 11 years at several locations in the U.S. During this time, he married his lovely wife, Debbie. Together they have raised six wonderful children and enjoy 21 grandchildren as well as 6 great-grandchildren. Ralph and Debbie have been married for 57 years… and counting. After retiring from the Army, Ralph enjoyed several jobs, finally retiring, a second time, as warehouse manager for Great Lakes Bay Health Centers in 2019. Finding retirement boring, along with a son and granddaughter, he has started a company in which he continues to be active.

As most people do, Ralph searched for joy and fulfillment in a variety of ways. When he was 26, he found it. He credits The Holy Spirit and his wife’s prayers for bringing him to a full recognition of his condition as a sinner, destined for hell, whose only hope was repentance, asking God’s forgiveness, and accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord of his life. Since accepting Jesus as Lord, Ralph has been serving Him – imperfectly for sure – as well as he is able. His service to the Lord was recognized in 1989 when he was ordained as a deacon at Bangor Baptist Church in Bay City, Michigan. Ralph summarizes his service as a deacon by simply saying he is “serving those who serve”.