Pastor Charles Clemons is starting his series on Ruth and will be teaching from Ruth 1:1-22. He will share with us how Naomi, bitter and broken, faces the devastation of famine, widowhood, and the death of her sons. With nothing left, she decides to return to Bethlehem. But in the midst of this dark season, Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, makes a powerful and surprising decision — to leave behind her people, her land, and her gods to stay with Naomi.

This passage sets the stage for a story of loyalty, faithfulness, and God’s unseen hand at work. Ruth’s steadfast commitment, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay,” is a remarkable declaration of love and trust, not just in Naomi but in the God of Israel.

As we dive into this text, we’ll explore how God’s providence is present even in the darkest times, how faith can bloom in unlikely places, and how a journey that begins with tragedy can lead to a future filled with hope and redemption.