The Trauma of Change
by Chaplain Jim Robinson
Life is a series of changes and transitions. We tend to like things to remain the same but they seldom do for very long. You have probably experienced the trauma (and I think that is an appropriate word to use!) of sudden big changes in your life, and can probably visualize something of what we have gone through at Buffalo Ridge.
First, we were left extremely understaffed when my son Doug and his family left the ministry. Then there was the damage created by all the negative things published about us during that period. We were still going through that when my wife of 53 years, Fleta, unexpectedly died from a stroke as a result of heart surgery. Fleta is one of the most loving and committed Christians I have ever known. In addition, I believe she was gifted with the special gift of hospitality and could always put on a delicious meal, served in a beautiful manner even when she had to do so sometimes with meager resources. Guests were always welcomed at anytime in our home. She was a quiet, reserved person who trained and disciplined herself to be very outgoing and friendly to everyone because she felt this was her duty and privilege to properly represent Jesus Christ to others.
When Fleta died, it left only two team members to operate Buffalo Ridge – me, a single man, and His Way secretary Lauri Krentz, a single woman thirty-six years younger than me. Lauri and I have struggled through this awkward situation, and with the help of some great local volunteers managed to provide facility and meals for a few church leadership and small targeted retreats. We were even enabled to meet the needs of a missionary and a pastor. People seemed to understand that we were doing the best we could under difficult conditions. Sometimes our Lord can use situations like this to teach us and others that we are to continue and be faithful no matter what the circumstances. I especially commend Lauri for standing true through many severe circumstances and emotional struggles.
The future looks even brighter. Peggy Sandusky, the widow of a pastor, became my wife and close teammate on May 20, 2006. We are no longer in an awkward state. We are a small, but effective team. We do need another committed couple to come and partner with us in this valuable and exciting ministry to Christian pastors, missionaries, and other Christian leaders. God is giving me faith to believe for an outstanding, well-qualified couple to come as co-directors of the ministry here at Buffalo Ridge. I also sense a renewed faith that we are to go ahead and build the Lodge that has been the focal point of the ministry facility vision from the beginning.
So, if you are one that can come and help build or one who can supply significant
financial investment, please contact me. Yes, I said investment because
I believe that this represents a terrific investment opportunity that will
pay great dividends for eternity. I have invested my life in things that I
believe have eternal value. Naturally, I would present such an opportunity
to you as one that is much more exciting and worthwhile than investing in things
of only temporary worth.
The utilities are in for the Lodge, but we must raise the money necessary before we continue construction. I was praying about this need this morning and I felt God said, "I will supply those needs." If you are one God is talking to, let us hear from you. I would suggest you come and stay a day or two, look at the situation and talk about it on-site.
Yes, changes have taken place and will continue to take place. I believe there is no power that can defeat us. So when we fall, let's fall forward!
Yours in the JOY and Excitement of His Service,
Chaplain Jim Robinson
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