The Rural Chaplaincy course has been such a blessing to me personally and to the ministry God has entrusted to me here in Las Lomas. Before this course, I was trying to get involved in the community, but honestly, I was using more of a shotgun approach—just attempting to hit as many needs as I could, hoping something would stick. What this course did, through both the teaching and the hands-on experience, was help me aim. It provided me with focus. It showed me where to direct my heart, time, and energy so that I could make a deeper impact instead of spreading myself too thin. It reminded me that Jesus walked among the people, and it’s in walking closely with this community—really knowing them—that I can truly serve the way He calls us to.

As the lead pastor of Las Lomas Community Church, this experience gave me clarity about how to lead with purpose in our rural community. It helped me understand the heart of rural ministry—how it’s not about doing everything, but about doing the right things with consistency and love. I now see our role as a church not just in terms of events or programs, but inbeing present, being faithful, and building trust in ways that reflect the love of Christ. It helped me see that we’re not just here to “do church,” but to be a part of the fabric of the Las Lomas community, pointing people to hope, healing, and the grace of God, right where they are.

– Esteban T.
Northern California & Nevada District