Robinson leaves Social Services for a new beginning, and calling, in Vietnam
By Ken Luchterhand
Ryan Robinson and his wife, Marie, soon will be following his heart.
That journey will land him in Vietnam for the next two years to serve as a young pastor and his wife as an elementary teacher.
Robinson resigned his job as case management aide, the “arms and legs” of a social worker, with Ho-Chunk Nation Child and Family Services.
His last day was Thursday, June 30, having been at his position for more than three years.
“It’s been an honor working with you,” he said during a farewell ceremony with co-workers at Social Services on June 29. “I have made a lot of friends while working here. I’m even going to be pen pals with a couple of the kids.”
Many of his colleagues spoke of encouragement in his new endeavors and of regret in his leaving.
“I wish you the best because I know that you are doing what is in your heart,” said Roberta Decorah. “God has plans for you. He wants good things for you. You were here for a reason. You learned things that you can use there, using this as a stepping stone. We will send you a lot of prayers because there are a lot of unknowns.”
“I almost didn’t accept his resignation,” said Luann Krpata, indicating she wanted him to stay.
“As in Ho-Chunk culture, there are no good-byes – just ‘see you later,’” said CFS Director Valerie Blackdeer.
Robinson is originally from Oregon and his wife, Marie, is from Rochester, Minnesota. They met when they both attended and graduated from University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. After graduation, they came to Black River Falls when Marie began as a fifth-grade teacher with the BRF School District and Ryan got his position with the Ho-Chunk Nation.
His new mission as a youth pastor fits perfectly with his background and calling in life. He has a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Biola University near Los Angeles, California, and his father is a Baptist pastor in Ashland, Oregon, celebrating 30 years in the ministry.
“I was looking online for youth pastor positions when I decided to look at international opportunities. I came across an ideal opening in Vietnam, so I sent in my application,” he said. “I applied on Monday and I heard from them on Wednesday. Then interviewed for the job on Thursday. Things moved really fast.”
The organization, Concordia, a Lutheran-based organization that has connected international schools, was looking for two head pastors and one youth pastor.
While talking with the interviewer, he told Ryan that they had looked up the background on Marie and suggested that she apply for a position. She did, and an interview for her was conducted on Monday. On Tuesday both of them had contracts in their hands. They looked over the contracts for five days, signed them and turned in their commitments for the next two years.
So, in just a few days, they’ll be jetting off to work for the Hanoi International Fellowship in Hanoi, Vietnam.
“I’ll have more than 60 middle and high school students to work with. A youth group will get together on Friday nights to sing, play games and study the Bible,” he said. “Also I will plan retreats for the students and to organize different activities.”
Plans are for Marie to be a sixth grade teacher at Concordia International. The school has a student population from a mixture of nationalities, including those from United States, Japan and South Korea. They are children of business workers, embassy workers, and other expatriates in country.
“I feel comfortable with the community setup,” Robinson said. “My father was thrilled for us to go.”
Ryan and Marie have had experience in travel, having been to Europe twice on short mission trips. They are adventurous and enjoy traveling and seeing other cultures. Marie is excited and anxious to go, having previously looked into the possibility of working in South Korea.
With such a long commitment away from home, it will take some time to tie up loose ends before they go.
“We will be leaving Wisconsin on July 30, flying to the West coast, then departing for Tokyo on July 31, then on to Vietnam,” he said. The flight between Tokyo and Vietnam is 13 hours, a long trip he’s not looking forward to.
Extended family already said their goodbyes last April and his parents are coming to visit them later this month. Marie’s parents are planning a visit in Vietnam at Christmas.
Meanwhile, tense waiting and planning will be taking place the rest of the month for the Robinsons.
“I’m a little nervous, and a little excited,” he said.
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