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Sonny Cuesta 'Sonny' William Cuesta (left) was an ex-heroin addict, ex-convict, who came to Christ after purposely injecting himself with a lethal overdose of heroin on a Harlem rooftop to end his miserable life. The last thing he remembered, before blacking-out, was calling out to God for help; then he woke up in an inner city New York street mission with several surprised people praying over him. God brought him back from death and made him a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17 - Sonny's favorite verse) and called him into ministry. After some time getting "rooted and grounded" and ministry training, he began LIFE ANEW ministries in Dayton, Ohio, helping young people discover freedom from drug addiction and new life in Christ. That ministry touched the lives of many people, from the late 60's to the early 80's - over 12 years. Rodger Niemeier met Sonny in 1974 and became an assistant pastor at Life Anew for nearly 8 years. Sonny and Life Anew are models for Eagle Wings Ministries, in its vision and implementation of a successful, live-in ministry. Sonny went home to be with the Lord in 2005.
 Ron Noonan Ron was a faithful member of Eagle Wings Ministries after meeting Rodger at the inpatient treatment center. Ron came to Christ at one of the Sunday morning Eagle Wings gatherings after being put out of the treatment center and then trying to take his own life with a heroin overdose. But that wasn't God's plan. Rodger prayed with Ron to receive God's forgiveness for all his unsavory past and to receive Christ's Spirit into his heart - which he did - and Ron became a new man in Christ. He completely turned from drugs and gave himself to Christ with all his heart. He loved the Lord, God's Word, and God's People. He was a tough guy, at first appearance (Ron was an ex-con and a former world-class weight lifter and fitness competitor) - but he had a very loving, caring heart. His heart was bigger than his muscles! Everyone that knew him, that worked with him either in Eagle Wings fellowship, at the sober-houses where he lived, or at Phoenix University where he was studying computer technology - everyone couldn't help but love him. He was always joking, but he would also give you the shirt off his back and help you with anything. In October 2007, just a couple weeks before his coming 47th birthday, Ron suddenly died from heart failure. It was a shock to all of us who knew and loved him. He is sorely missed. Eagle Wings' meetings haven't been the same without him. Yet he also is a continuing inspiration to us all, to keep reaching out to those whose lives may seem hopelessly lost to drug addiction and all that goes with it - because Christ can change anyone's life, no matter how "messed-up" it may seem. Ron proved that. And he also proved that real men can love Jesus, and still be a real men!
EVERETT GOENETT  |
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