Steve & Mary Kreis
Ministry Snapshot
Seeing the solitary lives of Latin American shepherds working in the mountains of Colorado, Steve Kreis found a way to share life with them and speak the truth of God's presence in the midst of their loneliness.
- Our Local
- Our Reach
- Our Self
Steve and Mary Kreis serve in western Colorado, from local pastures to the semi-arid desert and high mountains. The local communities are rural and small, often comprised of ranchers and farmers. There are many evangelical churches in the area, as well as a large Watchtower and Latter Day Saints presence.
There are many shepherds in western Colorado who come from Peru, Mexico, and Bolivia to work for ranchers. The central need among these men is sound teaching about God and His Word. The lifestyle of these shepherds can be lonely, so building relationships and trust is also a great need.
After seeing the need among this community, the Kreises began an itinerant ministry focused on the needs of shepherds from Peru, Mexico, and Bolivia who work for ranchers in Colorado. Steve travels to the men as they move from location to location with their sheep, traveling by 4-wheel drive and at times on foot. Shepherding is lonely work, so Steve’s monthly visits are a highlight for many.
Steve’s visits are the only gospel ministry to these men, who are devoted year-round to their sheep. It has become Steve’s passion to introduce the shepherds to God through the Scripture. He visits with them one-on-one to teach them the Bible, and also utilizes Bible instruction via DVD and literature distribution. Steve helps the men in other ways, getting used lcothing for them and taking them shopping for their families before they return home between contracts.
Steve also works with the shepherds and shearing crew during the shearing time.
The Kreises have served as InFaith field staff since 1989.
Steve is a graduate of Millar Memorial Bible Institute and John Brown University. Steve and Mary have two children and eleven grandchildren.
Steve and Mary worked for ten years as camp directors of a small Christian camp in Nebraska, and also served with several rural churches. They came to InFaith on the advice of a friend and foreign missionary.
