Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

This has been simultaneously the longest year, it seems like the fire was a lifetime ago, and the quickest year, I can’t believe its already June.  

I wanted to write to you as we approach the one year mark since the South Fork fires and floods began in our community.  Since that day our ministry has taken on some new elements.  Not only were we able to raise a significant amount of money to help with the immediate needs of some of our own members, but we were able to aid our local fire fighters.  God be praised.

We also began a partnership with Lutheran Church Charities who came with a team in August to hear our story, help identify some unmet needs and create a plan of action for how a local congregation like ours can serve our friends and neighbors during some of their deepest times of need.  We raised up a Lutheran Emergency Response Team, got a grant to buy a trailer and equipment, and started helping our congregation members and other survivors clear their properties of burned trees.  

We didn’t stop there.  There was a need in our community for a cooperative effort between all non-profits, churches, civic organizations and businesses to be about the business of helping survivors when all other resources had dried up.  You allowed me as a pastor and member of this community to work with local government and organizations to start Lincoln County Community Organizations Active in Disaster.  We are the final safety net during a disaster and in the recovery phase to catch our friends and neighbors when they need us most.  

In all of this we also identified the mental health crisis developing in our own town as people deal with the trauma of living through last summer and the loss that comes with that.  Once again, partnering with Lutheran Church Charities we started our own Spiritual First Aid team trained to be present and listen with compassion to people who are dealing with trauma.  This will also bless our Vacation Bible School, Camp Courage, as we invite children to not only hear the good news of Jesus Christ, but find healing from trauma in God’s Word and the comfort of our congregation.  

All of this and I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

This is not a letter boasting in our great power as a congregation, but that in the midst of calamity, limited resources, frailties and weaknesses we boast in Christ for when we are weak, then we are strong because of what he does in and through us.  God be praised. 

Finally, I ask you to join me on Tuesday evening June 17th 5:30PM at Wingfield Park.  The Village of Ruidoso is hosting an evening of remembrance.  I will be leading the formal presentation where the mayor, Pastor Chris Singer and others will be presenting.  Two comfort dog teams from LCC will also be present.  

Thank you for all that you do for me, one another and our community.  I am humbled and honored to serve with you here at Shepherd of the Hills.

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust