End of the year thoughts from Core Group Member Ron Demolar

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14.

This time of year, I often reflect on the meaning of this passage, and even more I focus on the wonder of that fact… God came to be with us. It always gets my attention and steers my thinking for hours, days, and sometimes weeks. I have come to realize that “God with us” has become my focus of ministry. To be sure I am not equating myself with Jesus in ministry, but I am trying to practice the concept that Christ brought to us by taking the time to be with people, to listen to them, and to share what He is teaching me as I grow in my relationship with Him. It is pretty basic really, but I realize that I often have a tendency to complicate what Christ intended to be easy. So, this time of year is good for my soul as I think about and recommit to what I believe Christ has called me to in ministry. 

The people I admire and inspire me in this ministry are Rich and Jayne Price. They have been doing this same kind of ministry for years. They come alongside people, share life with them, and point them to Jesus, who can enrich their lives. I have seen them do it by meeting with individuals or in small groups. It always inspires me to be with them and see what God is doing in them and through them. 

Jayne does it with Reflective Retreats at Mount Hermon that are so impactful. I have talked to women that have attended these retreats.  They are so grateful to Jayne for teaching them how to take the Scriptures and learn how to spend time reflecting, which stimulates their growth in their walk with Christ. 

Rich has been meeting with men and sharing ministry with them in the local jail, the regional prison, the Saint Francis Soup Kitchen, coaching the San Lorenzo Valley High School football team, and other places. He, too, meets with men as individuals and in small groups on a regular basis. 

Last month we had a fire in Mount Hermon. Three homes close to Rich and Jayne were severely damaged, and one burned to the ground. Rich and Jayne were right there to help out. They have been strategic in getting these families interim housing. They have also helped them get the help they need in working with the insurance companies to rebuild or restore their homes. They have done the same for a person who lost his home in the Paradise fire a few weeks ago. 

The reason I want to write this letter to you is to thank you for your partnership with them in this ministry. Your support frees them up to “dwell” and be with people, and it is such an important ministry in our Santa Cruz County area. I am so grateful for your interest and financial support. Rich and Jayne trust God for their financial support and, while I have known them, they have never been fully funded. They have never complained and would never mention this to anyone. I share it with you so you know their situation and might be able to help if you are able. 

Thank you so much for your partnership… 

Warmly, 

Ron Demolar