Over time, Bob and Ruth Watterson’s gentle dog, Prince, acquired the nickname, “The Missionary Dog.” Ruth and Bob had spent many years church planting in Ghana, West Africa. After God moved their ministry to Akron, Ohio, Ruth prayed about how to make contacts in their multicultural neighborhood. Along came Prince.
Each day, Ruth walked her dog, greeting the neighbors and asking how they were doing. Friendships were struck up with many, including Marcia. Marcia grew up Catholic but her husband Carl was a nonpracticing Baptist. In 1998, Carl developed colon cancer. Marcia was devastated, but Carl returned to his faith. He had peace about his illness.
Carl passed away in March 2000. As Ruth walked by Marcia’s house a few days later, Marcia came out to tell her the news. Ruth offered a listening ear and also invited Marcia to her neighborhood ladies Bible study.
Marcia attended and took Carl’s Bible with her. She didn’t even know how to look up passages, because she’d never read the Bible! Marcia kept coming, and on June 3, 2000 Ruth asked Marcia if she knew where she’d go if she died. Marcia expected to go to heaven because she was a good person. But reading the Bible verses that Ruth gave her helped Marcia to realize otherwise. She accepted Christ that night.
It is now Marcia’s joy to actively be involved in church and to fellowship with other Christians. She has also grown close to her niece, who is a Christian. God blessed Ruth’s outreach with “The Missionary Dog” in many ways!