"Roomz"

 

“Roomz”

 

When I arrived in Denver to begin seminary training in September 1965 one of the first students I met was Tom Sandhoff. He’d begun his M.Div. program the previous semester so was helpful in my adjustment to seminary life as well as navigating the city. We became roommates the second semester from whence came my nickname “Roomz” for him. This began a 60-year friendship which I cherish to this day.

After graduating in 1968 we didn’t see each other much, mainly due to distance and busyness with family and ministry life. We maintained contact via snail mail, phone, occasional visits and attendance at conferences, emails and praying for each other’s needs. Over the years we were in each other’s wedding parties (we both married godly young ladies named Karen), participated in each other’s ordination services, began our pastoring in small rural churches, went through difficult experiences in the 1980’s which led to our leaving vocational ministry for times of healing, returned to church work and concluded our careers as health care chaplains. Then came the empty nests, traveling to our families and places we never expected to see and taking up residence in seniors’ communities. I didn’t realize the parallels God’s paths had taken us until I began jotting down thoughts for this article.

In early February Tom called to ask for prayer as scans had shown lesions on his pancreas and liver. My Karen and I prayed daily for him and his Karen. Then on March 18 Karen called to tell us that Jesus had welcomed Tom into Heaven on March 16. Typical of him, he expressed concern for the salvation of those around him on the day he died. Roomz, Paul’s words ring true: “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3) and I’m sure you heard Jesus’ words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) when you arrived in His presence. Until we meet again, enjoy fellowship with our Savior and His redeemed people. See you soon.

 

Grace, Blessings and Love

Jim