Meet Ron Rodli

I grew up in Central Oregon from the eighth grade through High School, graduating from Redmond High School in 1969.  At that time, my Dad was the Pastor of the Redmond Assembly of God Church.  Yes, I am a PK (preacher’s kid)!  Several months after graduating high school, I joined the Navy and served four years.  It was while serving in the Navy that I started dating and married Jan, my wonderful wife in June of 1972.  Almost 53 years later, we are still loving it and have three children and 11 grandchildren.  Leaving the Navy in 1974, we moved back to the Northwest after being stationed in Charleston, SC.  I eventually worked my way through school, graduating from Portland State University in 1984 with a Business Degree in Accounting.  Some of the jobs before and while going to school included Machinist Apprentice, Retail Clerk, Forklift Assembly, Grocery Store Clerk to Grocery Store Manager and more.  After graduating College, I managed an Industrial Sewing Machine store in Portland before finally getting into accounting.  Eventually, I worked my way up to a position as Controller for a US branch of an International Engineering Firm and later became a CFO of a US Engineering Firm in Seattle. 

Growing up, I had a Dad who was an example of compassion and caring, always coming alongside others to encourage and bring hope in the middle of life’s challenges.  Even though I did not follow in his footsteps by becoming a Pastor, I learned and was able to put into practice some of the principles I observed in him.  I credit my successes in my career to the innate desire God has given me to make a positive difference in the lives of others.  I believe this drive came through my Dad’s example and through the Spirit God has given me as a follower of Jesus.  In my work and career, I have always attempted to make those around me successful and help them to overcome challenges in their lives through example, one-on-one counseling, and teaching about spiritual, emotional and financial wellness.  This drive and purpose in my life led me to further my education at Liberty Theological Seminary where I received a MAR (Masters of Religion) in Pastoral Counseling in 2013.  Before and since then, I have always been involved in Ministry in and outside the of church.

However, being a First Responder Chaplain was the furthest thing from my mind when I retired and we moved to Bend in 2018.  We began to attend Father's House Church (now Hope City Church).  At that time, David Green who was the Executive Director of COPSC was attending there.  Need I say more?  It wasn’t until the end of 2021 that I heard about the Chaplaincy program through a friend at church and asked David about it.  We had coffee together and I was inspired by the potential opportunity to come alongside our First Responders in Central Oregon and to assist those who are struggling with loss and or trauma.  I have been doing this over three years now and believe that God has provided me this opportunity for a purpose.  My experience bringing hope and encouragement to others and working with Central Oregon First Responders and our team of Chaplains is sometimes challenging, but fulfilling. I thank God for this incredible occasion to serve Him and the Central Oregon Community.  Romans 5:5 (NLT) says, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”