Refocus Counseling Ministry, Inc Est. 1986

Established April 1986

Refocus Counseling Ministry, Inc. was born from the faith-filled vision of a true cowboy—Dr. Larry Roper—a man who loved Jesus, loved people, and wasn’t afraid to get his boots dirty doing Kingdom work. With a heart burdened for the local church, Dr. Larry recognized that many pastors were carrying the heavy weight of counseling their congregations without support. So, in April of 1986, he stepped into the gap—establishing a para-church ministry dedicated to providing Christ-centered pastoral counseling across communities.

Right by his side was his beloved wife, Betty Lou Roper—gracious, wise, and full of tender strength. Their marriage was the heartbeat of the ministry, a partnership built on prayer, service, and unwavering love. Together, they laid a foundation that touched countless lives.

Refocus Counseling Ministry, Inc. was born from the weathered hands and faithful heart of a true cowboy—Dr. Larry Roper—and the unwavering devotion of his bride, Betty Lou Roper. Grandpa Larry wasn’t just any cowboy—he was the real deal. Boots dusty from long trail rides, a rifle slung over his shoulder during hunting season, and a Bible always close at hand. He loved Jesus deeply, and he loved people even more.

In those early years, Larry poured his heart into counseling anyone who walked through their door. He might spend an afternoon listening to a young pastor on the front porch or pray with a struggling couple at the kitchen table. All the while, Betty Lou was the quiet strength by his side—offering a warm smile, a hot cup of coffee, and constant prayer covering every conversation. She shared Larry’s vision wholeheartedly. Her kindness made everyone feel at home, and her steadfast faith kept the ministry grounded in prayer.

The ministry was not only to tend to the pastors themselves but also to come alongside them as they pastored and tended to the flock—offering professional counseling skills laced with pastoral wisdom and biblical truth to lighten the burdens of the pastors tending to the counseling needs.

Together, Larry and Betty built more than a counseling practice; they created a refuge where burdens could be shared and hearts could heal. Word soon spread that under the wide Colorado sky, there was a place for weary souls to find wisdom, compassion, and a fresh focus on Jesus.

As the years passed, one of Larry and Betty’s greatest joys was seeing their ministry become a family mission. Their daughter, Dr. Kristi Hughes, grew up witnessing the life-changing impact of Refocus Counseling Ministry and felt the same call to help others. Kristi prepared herself to carry the torch—earning advanced training in Christian counseling and eventually stepping forward to lead the ministry her parents began. With fervor and a loving heart, Dr. Kristi Hughes took up the mantle, ensuring that her father’s vision would continue to shine bright for a new generation.

By her side was her husband, Dr. Randy Hughes, a beloved school teacher known for his endless dad jokes and down-to-earth wisdom. Randy eagerly joined the cause, helping to support and grow the ministry in new ways. His lighthearted humor could put anyone at ease, and his practical insight made him the perfect partner in this work. Together, Kristi and Randy infused fresh energy into the counseling ministry—reaching new communities, training other counselors, and upholding the same values of faith and love that Grandpa Larry and Grandma Betty instilled from the start. Through their leadership, the mission of Refocus continued to flourish, touching countless lives and expanding beyond what Larry and Betty ever imagined, yet always staying true to its roots...

Today, nearly four decades after that humble beginning, Refocus Counseling Ministry, Inc. stands as a living legacy of a faith-filled family’s devotion to Christ. Dr. Larry’s influence lives on not only through his daughter, but through many of his grandchildren, their spouses, and even great-grandchildren—all of whom now serve in the ministry.

It’s not uncommon to find multiple generations of this faith-filled family working side by side: counseling individuals and couples, leading support groups, praying with clients, mentoring new leaders, or simply sharing a warm welcome at the front desk. For this family, serving others in Jesus’ name is more than a mission—it’s their heritage.

Grandpa Larry’s cowboy grit and tender heart for people continue to echo in the younger generations as they bring new ideas, youthful passion, and the same steadfast faith into the work. Each generation carries the torch a little further, ensuring that anyone who comes to Refocus finds the help and hope they need.

What began with one faithful cowboy and his bride has become a blossoming family ministry that spans generations. And though decades have passed since that first step of faith in 1986, the heart of Refocus remains the same.

It is a place devoted to restoring hope, refocusing life, and bringing people back to Jesus. Each counselor, each volunteer, each family member involved is committed to that original purpose. The legacy of Dr. Larry and Betty Lou Roper is alive and well in Refocus Counseling Ministry—a warm, welcoming beacon for all who seek healing and a reminder that no matter how far one strays or how heavy the load, there is always hope and a chance to refocus on what truly matters.