Dear Pastor Dudley,

I want to thank you for the blessing of being part of the Baptism at the Beach. Even though I live in Colorado, I have been so blessed by Shepherd of the Hills church. My friend attends Shepherd, and while visiting her four years ago she brought me to a service. Since then, I have felt a connection with Shepherd of the Hills. I watch the services online, she sends me copies of the CD’s, and I can’t tell you how this has helped turn me around.

In 1996 I was in a terrible place with depression and suicide. A friend took me to church here in Denver and I gave my life to Christ. I had a bad experience at that church, and once I left I felt so confused about the Lord and what was right or wrong. I fell away for many years, and then I met my friend who attends Shepherd of the Hills. I was back in my dark depression, was cutting myself, and felt broken. She was baptized at Shepherd one night and I watched her go through a transformation of her own. Seeing her love for the Lord was so inspiring to me that I gave my life back to Christ, and found a church here at home. I no longer think of cutting myself or experience dark depression. Now I know that I am a good, worthy person and that Jesus loves me. I attribute a lot of this to my friend reaching out to me with CD’s and messages from Shepherd.

I feel drawn to Shepherd of the Hills and wish I lived close enough to attend. Unfortunately I don’t, so I will continue to watch on the internet, and be blessed by your teachings. I flew out to California on the weekend of the Baptism at the Beach event, and was baptized by you. It was a rededication for me and a commitment I am ready to make and keep. So thank you Pastor Dudley, for being the blessing you are to so many.

Sincerely,

Blessed in Colorado

Justin Holiday and I went out for dinner together this past week. Justin just graduated from Campbell Hall High School and is headed to University of Washington on a full ride basketball scholarship. I was privileged last summer to coach his summer travel basketball team, and during that time, I was able to get to know him quite well. I wanted to let him know that I’d be praying for him as he goes off to college.

We have sooooooooooooooooooo many High School students headed off to college that I want to encourage everyone who reads my blog to say a prayer for all of our High School seniors. I know that it is such a big step going to college, and it’s my prayer that all of our students will continue growing in their faith, even though they are in college.

Justin is just an example of the high quality of young people that we have going out from this church to make a difference for the Lord. I am so thankful for all of our student ministry team leaders and sponsors. Our youth program is becoming one of the better youth ministries around. We even have a special Sunday morning worship service for Jr High and High School students starting next weekend, I believe.

Also, I want to say that we have many college students graduating as well. I am so thankful for the way the Lord has blessed us with so many people that are going through all the graduating ceremonies. I didn’t know we had so many SMART people in our church…. but I’m so impressed with the number of people who’ve put in so much time getting their college degrees, too.

I just want ALL of our graduates to KNOW that we are PRAYING for YOU.

Let your light shine…. and come back to see us every chance you get….

In love

Dudley