Raul Ries

Known, now, as a compassionate pastor with a tender mission, Raul Ries was once known as a violent, dangerous combatant. In High School, after a brutal fight, Ries was given the “option” to go to jail or join the U.S. Marine Corps, so at the age of 19, Ries headed towards Vietnam in the 1st Marine Division for a special combat role in a highly trained and aggressive Marine battalion.

As he witnessed the deaths of his fellow Marines, Ries’ anger towards the world grew into fury. His Tour of Duty in Vietnam was from December 8, 1966 to September 15, 1967. After spending six months in Oakland Naval Hospital, he was honorably discharged, receiving two Purple Hearts from the Marine Corps.

In civilian life, Ries became successful in his Kung Fu studio, as a first generation student of Grand Master Jimmy H. Wo. By all appearances, he had everything he wanted, including a wife and children. Nevertheless, what Ries needed was peace, but he was obsessed with violence and angry at the world.

After years of abusing his wife, Ries came home one night to find her bags packed. He took a .22 caliber rifle out of the closet and loaded it. His intentions were to kill his wife and children, then shoot it out with the police to end his life.

It was at that moment that a miracle took place. As he hit the television with his rifle, the program came on and he saw Pastor Chuck Smith talking about the love of Jesus Christ. Ries accepted Jesus as his Savior and had found peace at last.