Missionaries - Rich & Cindy Robinson
Serving the Western U.S. and Pacific Rim Nations Spring 2009
Once again I have had the privilege of starting the year by traveling and ministering to several different locations of our western U.S. Military Mission. It has been an honor to have the opportunity to interact with so many of our field ministries and hear “the personal stories” of their fruitful investment in others. What an encouragement it has been to see “first hand” God working in their hearts and through their lives in such clear and significant ways.
The beginning of March took me to Largo, Maryland (just outside of Washington DC) where I had the opportunity of attending The Navigator 2009 African-American Staff Development Conference also known as the “Maryland Congress on Discipleship. Each year this conference is gaining momentum. Just a few years ago there were only 30 attendees. This year we had 300! This was a great time for African Americans in our ministries to meet, connect and networks with other African Americans across the Nav work and see the big picture of what God is doing in Navigator outreach to African Americans. For me and our military staff, it was an awesome opportunity to gain insights into the realities of the African American culture and also become better equipped to minister to African Americans (and ethnic minorities in general.) Many thanks to my buddy Marvin Campbell, and his wonderful wife, Pam, and family for their gracious hospitality.
We are looking forward to our annual Spring Military Discipleship Conference in Sierra Vista, Arizona, April 3-5. We invite all military installations in the Pacific-Southwest to join us in “memory makers” that foster the enjoyment of fellowship and encourage spiritual growth. Our guest speaker this spring will be our own David Merrifield from Davis-Monthan. Chaplain Dave will share what it takes to become spiritually fit to be prepared for that next deployment, the next challenge, that next crisis---because whether we’re fit or not, they are coming! Please pray for these special guys and gals as they are challenged to be “Fit to Win!”
In April the U.S. Military Ministry will begin a process of selecting a replacement Military Director. Ron Holechek will be stepping down after 12 years of outstanding service. It has been an overwhelming honor to have served with Ron and his wife, Patti, and Ron has been a great teacher and friend to me these past five years. As we approach this change and transition, please pray with us for God’s choice and His clear landing. While change is always a challenge, we are so thankful to God for Ron’s giftedness and integrity which has put our Mission into a very good place of growth and stability.
Other ministry challenges to keep in mind as you pray are:
- An increasing number of military personnel struggle with marital difficulties, divorce, and the effects of childhood abuse, immorality, and various addictions. These factors are exacerbated by demanding workloads and the increase frequency and duration of deployments.
- The suicide rates among active duty military personnel are currently escalating out of control, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is revealing unresolved issues of brokenness and shame that must be dealt with if those we reach are to embrace the hope, help, and hearing that comes through Christ.
In the midst of difficult economic times, Cindy and I thank God for His provision. Thank you for your friendship, gifts, and prayers! You all have been a tremendous encouragement to us.
Rich & Cindy Robinson
