Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Today I am speaking with a man from Colorado who spent a good part of his life in ministry. What many people do not realize is that ministers can experience the same problems the rest of us do.
Right out of college, Robert Ruesch was involved with the YMCA of the Rockies. Later, he moved to California where he managed properties and became a medic working on an ambulance service.
A few years later and after turning 50, he moved back to Colorado to become a journalist and started writing books. Later, Robert began Christian Resort Ministries to help place chaplains in big RV resorts in states popular with RV owners.
As a young man, Robert got married and had a daughter, Jennifer, before the marriage ended in divorce. His daughter lived with her mother, who eventually remarried. When Jenny was 14 years old, her stepfather started sexually abusing her.
Jennifer began masking that pain and her feelings of shame with alcohol and drugs, which turned into a full blown addiction which she could not overcome on her own.
For 30 years, Jenny experienced multiple failed relationships and other major crisis, including spending three years in a federal prison.
Two years ago, she overdosed and stopped breathing in the emergency room. Jenny was revived and finally admitted she wanted out of her life of addiction.
During that next session of rehab, Jenny started a journal. When Robert picked her up from the center to take her back home, she let him read her journal. In it, she described her lifetime struggle with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual abuse.
It was a horrible experience for Robert, too, because there were times he had no idea where his daughter was or if she was even alive.
After Robert read Jenny’s journal, he felt God telling him to share that story with the world. Jennifer agreed, and they wrote a book together titled, “The Long Road Home: A Family’s Journey Through Addiction.”
Robert’s story of helping his daughter overcome addiction is heartbreaking. But, it also conveys hope to thousands of families struggling with the same problem.
We never really know what is going on behind closed doors, which is why we should always be mindful to give people grace.
As a father myself, I cannot imagine living with the pain and uncertainty of not knowing where a child is or even if he or she is alive. What a horrible feeling to be helplessly waiting – hoping for the best, but preparing for a knock on the door from a police officer.
Jennifer’s story shows that even Christians are not perfect and must contend with real world problems. That’s why I like Robert’s book, “The Long Road Home,” for explaining what keeps addicts addicted, and why parents should never give up hope.
It required a dose of tough love from time-to-time, yet Robert had faith God would protect Jennifer and bring her through the ordeal.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is that it begins with a Scripture verse and ends with a meaningful quote. That sandwiches Robert and Jennifers’ story between truth and hope.
Robert strongly recommended the Teen Challenge program. He said the success rate is rather high when measured by the number of people who complete the program and stay sober. More information on Teen Challenge can be found at teenchallengeusa.org.
One aspect of Robert’s story that I just loved was the fact that following two unsuccessful marriages, he married his high school sweetheart who he had not seen for 25 years. They are happily married today.
Robert admits there are thousands of things he would do differently with his life, if given the opportunity. However, he noted the rearview mirror is much smaller than a windshield. It’s a reminder we need to keep looking forward instead of backward.
For people who may not sense a purpose for their lives after turning 50, Robert encourages them to volunteer their time for a cause. He called it the best return on time invested for any job on the market for its ability to empower volunteers and change the lives of people being helped.
People can connect with Robert through his website at www.robertnruesch.com. He is also active on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robert.ruesch.
His book, “The Long Road Home: A Family’s Journey Through Addiction,” is available on Amazon and in other bookstores.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. If you’d like help in identifying a purpose for your life or to get help planning your next steps, I’m offering a complimentary brainstorming session to members of the Forward From 50 Facebook community. For details, connect with me on Facebook or visit www.forwardfrom50.com.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. Thanks for listening. If you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
If you order a book from a link above, Forward From 50 may receive a small commission.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.