Richard Burson: a life of guidance (Part 2)

     Pastor Richard Burson had accepted the Lord and completed his studies to become a pastor, but he still had obstacles to overcome in his Christian walk.

     Though briefly mentioned in part one of the interview, Burson believes the fact that he was an introvert was a major obstacle to overcome. It had caused him to grow up with a lack of self-confidence. In fact, he still admits to having less confidence than he would like: giving God the credit for getting him through many situations he lacked the human confidence to endure.

     Burson admits to realizing what made the difference was God calling him into the ministry: that there was a message God had given him to share with the world --- the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

     The message became such an important part of his life, after all it was his chosen profession, that he felt it gave him a sense of freedom to proclaim it --- and God has continued to bless him as a result.

     Burson contends he found a way to express himself through God's word.

     Anger was another obstacle he had to overcome. It was a character trait that paved the way for Burson to engage in various sinful acts that he had been a party to throughout his life.

     "I had a temper, and did a lot of fighting growing up," said Burson. "I wasn't happy just to whip someone in a fight, I had to hurt them."

     He recalled times when he tried to drown a boy, beat another boy in the head with a rock, and stomped a man's head on concrete during a bar fight.

     Psychologists inform us that such angry outbursts are often signs of individuals with low self-esteem, or a lack of self-confidence. It gives them a brief, although false, sense of power.

     That same insecurity manifested itself into an exaggerated "fear of God," said Burson. An unrealistic fear that had him believing God would punish him for every infraction. And he recalls the feeling of "walking on eggshells," where God was concerned.

     That fear and dread vanished when Burson finally realized the extent of God's love for him: for all mankind. He remembers the transformation occurred when John 3:16 became a personal revelation, and not just some nice sounding words on a piece of paper.

     When he acquired the proper perspective and attained a much deeper relationship with God, he was able to master the anger and violence issues in his life.

     "I realized true Christians don't act that way," said Burson, "and I've had a different view of people, and myself, from that point on."

     God had kept the problematic areas of his life continuously in the forefront until Burson finally dealt with them properly. A lesson for anyone who seems to keep running into the same obstacles over-and-over.

     Pastor Burson admits that the subsequent four decades of ministry have not been without additional hurdles to overcome, but the blessings have far outweighed the problems and his past.

     He readily acknowledges the blessing of his "wonderful wife" Josie, three "great kids" (Susan, Rick, and Rose), and six "equally great" grandchildren.

     "Josie is a story unto herself," Burson said. And he confesses his continued amazement at how she remained with him during those early years when he was not a true Christian, and still had the anger issues.

     "I treated her horribly," he said. Yet she remained because of a Christian heart, and her love for him, the children, and especially for Jesus.

     Burson credits the success of their 46 year marriage initially to his wife's focus on Christ... and now, their continued focus on Christ as a couple.

     When you view your mate's actions through godly eyes, instead of your own, it's amazing how much you can forgive: a principle Burson believes whole-heartedly.

     Though Burson admits to being blessed materialistically as well, it is clear that relationships are what he views as his "biggest blessings." And those relationships extend far beyond the immediate family.

     Additional blessed events during Burson's ministerial walk have been the unexplainable or miraculous incidents, which continually surprise him no matter how often they may occur.

     During his years as a minister he has spent time at the VA hospitals, along with being a hospice chaplain at a community hospital. In other words, Burson has become somewhat of a specialist in dealing with the spiritual needs of the sick, dying, and the families of the dearly departed.

     Having been a witness to so many transitional events has given Burson a unique perspective that most individuals could not understand. It has also allowed him to observe various unusual situations that can only be described as miraculous.

     On more than one occasion Burson was invited to pray over comatose patients, and yet, upon his arrival the patient was already awake and waiting for him (because a mysterious person informed them he was coming), or they awoke while he began to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

     Similarly, family members of those he prayed for would later reveal how they had received a vision or dream that he would be the one to help their loved ones find salvation before passing on.

     One patient awakening from a coma at the moment Burson arrives or begins to testify about Christ might be accepted as a coincidence, but multiple comatose patients over various years --- that is no coincidence.

     Sadly, all the patients he offered the good news to did not accept. Even in situations when Burson believes God allowed them to recieve one last chance to escape dying in their sins, some still refused.

     God will not overrule their free will, and their hearts were hardened to the point of rejecting salvation even on their death beds.

     Burson recalls a few of these individuals dying within minutes after his conversation with them.

     Thankfully, Burson contends that a majority under those circumstances realized the uniqueness of the situation and accepted Christ.

     He recalls one lady, who had been on hospice watch for six-months, and constantly claimed to already be a Christian (having attended church for many years), became hysterical as her time approached. Her family sent for him because she kept screaming, "I'm going to die, and I'm going to hell!" Over and over she yelled the phrase as she thrashed about her bed.

     Not until Pastor Burson arrived and honestly led her to the Lord did she finally calm down. And she remained calm for the next three days until she passed away.

     "You cannot simply pay God lip service and expect to be saved," said Burson. "It has to be a heart felt repentance." And the fore mentioned lady realized that just in time: she had attended church for years, but she had never truly repented of her sins.

     If God had not showed such a wonderful example of loving and compassionate guidance toward Pastor Burson throughout his life, he would never have been able to show the same style of guidance to the many needy souls that have crossed his path throughout the many years he's been in the ministry.

     As he and his wife say, "good-bye" to FBC, on the way to a new ministerial endeavor, they will continue to rely on God's guidance.

     "We've let God down," Burson said, "but He has never let us down."

Don Courtney: A Man of Integrity... coping with crisis

     What do you do when you are fresh out of college, struggling to make a marriage grow, just acquired a mortgage, and your first child comes two months premature?

     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.