Then and Now With Christ

“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witness… let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Let us be deeply thankful for the leadership with which God has blessed us in the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains. Let us believe with deep faith that our Lord and God is opening up a new era in the life of our Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Utah churches.

Our heritage has many leaders that shaped the life of ABCRM:

• Potter—founding pastor of FBC, Denver back in the mid-1800s
• Clark—pioneer Baptist missionary in the later 1800’s. He hiked across the mountains of Colorado to the Western Slope, founding Colorado Baptist churches in Hotchkiss, Delta, Eckert, Olathe, et al.
• Steadman—state evangelist for Colorado Baptists in pre-WWII years.
• Palmer—Executive Secretary (Minister) Colorado Baptist Convention.
• Ripley—Also called “Daddy Ripley” was the Director of Christian Education, Colorado Baptist Convention.
• The names of almost countless other Colorado and Wyoming Baptist ministers and Christian lay leaders could be added to this list.

“Daddy Ripley” was a personal spiritual mentor to me through the camping program at Grand Mesa. He was the most Christ-like man I have ever known personally. He traveled the length and breadth of Colorado and also Wyoming for a time visiting pastors and churches in a caring role throughout those years. He could do this via a pass on the railroad which then enabled him to visit every pastor and church in Colorado and Wyoming. He and all these were Christian gentlemen of the highest order.

Let us be deeply dedicated to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, keeping firmly centered in Christ. Let us pray faithfully for those who give us leadership in these days ahead:

• Steve Van Ostran—Executive Minister
• Mike Oldham—Ministry and Mission Coach, SE CO, NM, &Western Slope
• Mary Tellis—Ministry and Mission Coach, Northern Front Range & Denver
• Bill Mankin—Half Time Ministry and Mission Coach, Wyoming
• Karen VanValkenburgh—Regional Administrator
• Alyce Keys—Bookkeeper/Secretary
• Jessica Fischer—Communications Specialist
• Our ABCRM Board and Officers who give wonderful dedicated service to Christ for the churches of our Region.

Prayer: Our Lord and our God, May we be joined together with those who have gone on before with hearts full of love for the ongoing ministry that we have together with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.