Steve & Mary Kreis

“Eladio, Alfredo, I have an idea!” I eagerly told my friends, a Peruvian and a Chilean who were shepherds. “I would make a newspaper for the shepherds with news from Peru or Chile and things about the Bible.” They liked the idea and suggested that among other things it should include the latest exchange rate. I produced the first edition in March of 2002, “Mensjero de Saludos” (Greetings Messenger). It was one sheet of paper with both sides filled.

In the official first edition the name was changed to “El Periódico del Pastor” (Shepherds Newspaper). It has grown

substantially since it’s beginning. I obtained permission from newspapers in Peru Chile and Bolivia to reprint news from their web-sites. With permission from “Answers in Genesis”, “Crown Financial”, articles from Grace Baptist Church in the Dominican Republic, and the current exchange rate and pictures of shepherds it fills out 24 half sheet pages. It is now in four country specific editions for Peruvians, Bolivians, Chileans and Mexicans.

The men are eager to get each edition and from a ministry perspective it is a great leave behind tool. After I am gone even men that are not interested in the Gospel will read the new from their home country and also find articles that will lead them to consider Christ. I have been amazed to see some of the men saving each edition. More than once they have told me that they are saving them to take home to their family

It is also a great introductory tool. It is a service in providing news direct from his home country, and with the pictures of other shepherds it makes him apart of a community here where he is so far from family, country, culture and friends.

I will see very colorful literature from a cult with a shepherd it is rewarding to counter with literature that is connects to their working life and includes the real Gospel.

Alfredo is home in Chile and Eladio is now a ranch foreman who still looks forward to the “El Periódico del Pastor”.