It is an emotional and financial crisis that "brings you to your knees," says Don Courtney of Madras, Oregon.
A crisis he admits to being ill-equipped to handle at the time; for although Don and his wife, Ellen, called upon God, stuck it out, and made it through, the situation took its toll.
Many churches, and many Christians individually, fail to follow through in the area of supporting the brethren, Courtney claims. They will make the initial contact to offer their best wishes and support, but usually the offer mysteriously vanishes after they leave.
When looking back on it today, Courtney realizes that lack of support, and no follow-up discipling, was instrumental in his choice to seek answers elsewhere. And when the answers were not found the closeness he felt with God became overshadowed by the endless grind of trying to dig out from under of the huge medical bills, pay the mortgage, take care of his family, and establish himself in management at the Kahneeta Resort in Warm Springs.
Courtney admitted he became a workaholic, and when that did not satisfy his inner need he ran into a problem with alcohol.
Sadly, the stress and the toll it took, became too much to bear, and Courtney and his wife separated. Thus, he found himself on his knees again.
What is it about human nature, Courtney wonders, that causes many of us to push it to the edge, until we cannot push any farther?
"It's as if we are trying to keep control of part of our lives," says Courtney, "turning only a percentage over to God." But he has learned that God will not accept partial relationships: it's all or nothing.
Courtney realized he needed to "surrender all to God." And when he finally chose to surrender a transformation took place that continues to this day.
True repentance is always reflected in change, and Courtney's life shows that change.
He and Ellen remarried, and they now have five kids: Brad, John, Ellen Renee, Dawnlynn, and Christian Cash.
Subsequently, he has been sober over twenty years. He left the resort after 14 years, and entered law enforcement. And after donning the uniform he worked hard, climbed the ranks, received extensive training --- including graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia --- and eventually became the Police Chief for Warm Springs: twice.
Courtney remained in law enforcement until a situation arose, where continuing under a new administration would require him to compromise his ethics and intergrity.
He viewed it as a test, and God blessed him when he made the right choice to leave.
However, the blessing was not instantaneous. It required faith, patience, and obedience on Courtney's part.
He accepted employment with the school system, teaching a new program called "Inspire:" dealing with kids who have social and behavior issues. And then a year later a management position with the Health and Wellness Center at Warm Springs was unexpectedly offered. Yet Courtney prayed for several months before accepting the position. --- Since he had never sought the job, he wanted to make sure it was God's will. --- And in less than two years he has risen from the third ranked managerial position to the top slot: Public Utilities Manager, overseeing the entire Warm Springs Reservation.
When Courtney surrendered all to God, he never looked back. And as he rose in the secular arena, meeting challenge after challenge, he equally found himself getting more involved with church and outreach programs.
In 1995, Courtney and his family, started attending the First Baptist Church of Madras. And although his life in the secular arena continually brought him into contact with individuals in crisis who needed to be witnessed to, uplifted, and supported, he said the constant turnover at the church kept him in the pews.
After seven years another new leader, Pastor Richard Burson, asked Courtney to become the Recreational Director. A position which led to a church council seat. This was followed by taking over as Music Director, along with revamping the Sunday School classes. And, eventually, leading to a ministerial position, and receiving his Ministerial License on March 16th, 2008.
Courtney confirms that through each experience God clearly had His hand on his shoulders. And today, he is more equipped to handle each crisis which arises at home, work, or to complete strangers who need wisdom, strength, or the compassionate heart of someone to show they care. Like the "Good News Club" in Warm Springs, where young males are spiritually mentored. Up to 30 boys a week, 26 weeks a year, the youths get to escape the confines of their homes to learn Bible verses, and enjoy fellowship and activities in a positive atmosphere. And Courtney joyfully proclaims that several of the youngsters accepted Christ last year.
When asked how he now deals with crisis, or what spiritual advice he would give to others facing trials, he relayed a 5-step outline which he claims to personally practice.
First, keep your focus on God. As Courtney says, "continue believing with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul that He is in control." And he emphasizes that God is still in the "miracle working and healing" business.
The second step is prayer. "I can't emphasize enough the power of prayer," Courtney claims. "Give all your cares, troubles, and requests to God in prayer."
Third step, get into God's word. "As Christians," he continues, "we know we're suppose to read the bible, but we often allow daily needs to get in the way." Yet consulting God's word often, especially during times of crisis and testing, always increases our chances for victory: spiritually and otherwise.
Step four, fellowship with other believers. Primarily with mature Christians who understand their role is not only to "encourage you" and "support you," but they should do their best to "assist you in whatever crisis situation you're going through," Courtney adds.
Far too often we believers let each other down.
Courtney recalled a situation which happened recently to him and his family. The tragic loss of his daughter's newborn was understandably difficult. And when Courtney reached out to a fellow believer, asking that individual to please spread the word, so that he could focus on his family, the individual never followed through.
Therefore, the emotional support, which is so vital during such devastating times of loss, was not there.
Eventually, as the sad news circulated through other means, the outpouring of support did come. But it should be there immediately, if Christians do their part.
One final point, Courtney shows by example: he has already forgiven the individual who let his family down.
As a man of integrity he knows he needs to balance compassion along with the other positive traits, such as truth, honesty, courage, and responsibility.
The fifth and final step, share the Gospel. And sharing the Gospel includes sharing your testimony: heartaches, experiences, good times, bad times, and as Courtney says, "what God has done in your life."
The person in crisis, or facing a trial, needs to do this from a different perspective. They often need to vent, to give voice to the problem and how they feel. Let them. And let them know you have ears to listen, arms to hug, and a shoulder to cry on if needed.
It's not always easy or pleasant to comfort and support brethren in crisis. However, they need to know someone is there for them.
Courtney encourages everyone he counsels that, "God is never going to place anything on our shoulders that we are not able to handle."
We can all overcome crisis with God's help, and the help of each other.
