Olympic Refuge

For the past six weeks we’ve been privileged to have Chaplain Ted Roloson, US Army, Retired, with us out here at The Refuge as a volunteer worker. Ted is on the pastoral staff at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church in upstate New York, and was able to take time off to help us out here. His help has been invaluable, particularly since he has so many construction skills and is, like some of our other volunteers, a very hard worker. He’s also a dear friend.

We were talking recently about how working on a project such as The Refuge can be a ministry - both to the organization and to the person volunteering. As we talked, I asked Ted if he would write something up for our blog/newsletter on the subject. So, here are some of his thoughts:

Each day that God gives us is part of a plan for our lives. His purpose for us is to become more like Jesus as we serve him by helping to advance His Kingdom. Some people are content to live selfishly seeking pleasure as they travel to and fro. Others are idle and waste opportunities as they sit back simply rocking away in their chairs. Neither find joy or satisfaction.

Jesus’ Word gives direction for purposeful living and finding real joy. I’ve learned the truth of Jesus’ words - “It is more blessed to give than to receive” and His direction to use our God-given gifts and talents for His glory. I’ve found real joy volunteering by visiting the sick and shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, putting roofs on houses after Katrina, or cutting trees after a tornado in Missouri. In each situation I’ve come away feeling that I’ve received more than I’ve given.

There is also joy and blessedness in volunteering at The Refuge. First, I’m blessed as I realize that I can have a part in providing a refuge for the needy Christian Community. Second, I’m blessed as I see God provide for this faith venture in both small and big ways. I’ve found joy in making new friends and seeing others encouraged. As I do some of the menial tasks I feel good because I know it frees up the contractor to do what only he can do. There is joy in seeing tasks completed (i.e. getting the logs and cedar siding stained). There is joy in using the richness of God’s blessing to help advance His kingdom.

Finally, there is real joy in working in the beautiful Olympic Mountains, enjoying meals together (and Robbie’s great cooking)and watching a beautiful building take shape. We can all be blessed, whether we pray, give or labor, we’re equally part of a great work.

Someone said, “If not me, who?” “If not now, when?” The need is great. There is real joy in praying, giving and working. Some can do all three. I am truly blessed as a volunteer and consider it a privilege to serve my Lord and Savior in this way.

Ted Roloson

Chaplain Ted Roloson puts a corner balcony banister in place as Tim Edgren assists from above.

REFUGE MAIN LODGE - PROGRESS TO DATE:

Here are a couple of pictures of the Main Lodge as seen from the south, showing log and board siding in place with balcony railing also in place. Note our signature design of the Maltese Cross and the Heart in our balcony railings. The balcony that looks out to the South is known as Grandma’s Balcony because this is where Robbie will display and nurture some of her best cascading flowers from flower boxes to be installed below the railings. This area gets a lot of sun, and we think that a beautiful floral display there will be an inspiration to all who see it.

As I write this, we continue to apply stain to the logs and the vertical cedar boards and battens and should be getting the finishing touches to the roof early next week. That will still leave us the great room roof to complete, but with additional volunteer help we hope to be dried-in before winter. Also within the next two weeks we expect to work on the main entrance structure and install the main entrance door. So, we press on toward completion of the main lodge. God is faithful and He continues to provide for us.

Samuel Edgren helps with the balcony.

Our next newsletter should be out within the next three weeks.

Thank you for standing with us in this Faith Adventure.

Robbie & Jim Edgren