Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

First off, VBS is going amazing. It is wonderful to be here and experience of the blessings of God’s Word among our kids, their families and our volunteers.  Thank you to everyone who is making this week happen.  You are all God’s gift to our Ruidoso community.

Second, Monday the 16th, Rebecca, Titus, Adeline and I will be traveling to Cairo, Jordan, Jerusalem and Galilee with 30 other LCMS Christians from around the country.  We will be gone until August 3rd.  Please pray for us and the group.  Pray for our safety and for all the learning that will happen.  I’m very excited for this opportunity and those who are making it possible for us to go.  This trip started with two pastors who desired to understand the Old Testament better through the geography of the land.  I’m very much looking forward to having some hands on experience with the land that was so intimate to the salvation story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. 

While I am gone, Pastor Steve Henze will be here filling in for me on the 23rd and 30th.  He will do the services and bible class.  If an emergency comes up please contact the church office and your elder.  If Pastor Henze is needed they will contact him.  I’m very excited you all get to spend time with him and hear the Word of God from him while I am gone.  You are in great hands.  He is a wonderful churchman and passionate about Jesus and His mission. 

I am excited to share with you all the stories that we will have when we get back and I hope that I will be an even better preacher and teacher having seen the historical sites of the Old and New Testament. 

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust