When Ron Moyo walks into an NMC Health hospital room, he doesn’t come with all the answers. But he does bring something even more powerful: hope.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Ron’s journey to Kansas is one of faith, friendship, and a calling that reaches for beyond the walls of any church. Today, he serves as a volunteer chaplain at NMC Health. He spends time with patients, families, and staff, offering spiritual support during some of life’s hardest moments.
“I work as a pastor,” says Ron, who serves as outreach pastor of Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston, Kan.,” and a pastor is a shepherd. I’m a shepherd because I know what it means to be wounded.”
A pastor at heart
Ron first served as a youth pastor in Zimbabwe. His path took him to Atlanta, Ga., and eventually to Kansas, thanks to a friend who asked him to speak at his memorial service. That moment opened doors to new opportunities, including studying ministry at Hesston College and serving Whitestone, where he’s now been for over a decade.
Even with all of that on his plate, Ron knew he had more to give. That’s when he felt called to become a volunteer chaplain.
Being present
A chaplain’s role is not about fixing people. It’s about being there – really being there – when someone needs to talk, cry, pray, or just be heard.
One story that sticks with Ron is of a patient who was struggling emotionally and didn’t want to talk much. “She wanted to sleep and cover herself,” he remembers. But after a session with Ron, which included asking questions, listening, helping them to reflect, and praying, “she opened the blinds and started talking about the sunshine. By the time I left, she wanted to join others for activities. I thought that was a breakthrough.”
Healing beyond medicine - and not just patients
As a chaplain, Ron is often invited into a sacred space – a time when patients feel vulnerable or scared. He sees it as an honor. “You become a vessel,” he says. “Someone who helps them reflect and see the light they’ve forgotten is there.”
Ron’s care doesn’t stop with patients. He often finds himself encouraging nurses, doctors, and hospital staff, too. “It’s physically exhausting what they go through every day,” he says. “Sometimes they just need the right word at the right time.”
Three words that guide his work
If he had to choose just three words to describe his calling, Ron would choose: Encouragement. Affirmation. Hope. Not because he can promise healing, but because he helps people believe in themselves again.
Volunteering at NMC Health
People like Ron remind us that healing comes in many forms. Medicine treats the body. But kindness, faith, and hope? They help heal the soul.
To anyone thinking about volunteering, Ron offers this advice: “You don’t see the full benefit until you try it. We don’t grow only from good things. Sometimes, we grow through pain. If you are serious about growing spiritually, this is the thing to do.”
Are you interested in become a volunteer chaplain? Our chaplains come from all walks of life. While we prefer volunteers to have some religious or theological training, such as a bachelor’s degree in Theology or a related field and one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education. But it’s not a strict requirement. Some of our most impactful chaplains have been laypeople, recommended by local clergy for their natural compassion and spiritual wisdom.
What matters most is that our chaplains are good listeners, comfortable supporting people from a wide range of religious beliefs, and committed to offering care with respect and integrity. We focus on where people are, with kindness and understanding.
We’ll provide in-house orientation and training so you feel prepared to serve in the hospital setting. If you feel called to bring hope, encouragement, and healing to others – just like Ron – you might be exactly who we’re looking for.
