Page 92 - November 2017

“I’ve worked in different aspects of ministry and this is by far my favorite.”
Darrell Winter
by Marie Littlefield
NAME: Darrell Winter
HOME BASE: Ruidoso, New Mexico
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 17
RACETRACK: Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico
FAVORITE HOBBY: I ENJOY SNOW SKIING AND HAVE SKIED FOR MANY YEARS.
Darrell Winter is as well known to Ruidoso Downs as you could ask for. Having been the Track Chaplain there for 17 years and seeing
the same people whom he ministered to as children grow up and continue in the racing industry, he has had the opportunity to build the church and make an impact on the lives of many in Ruidoso and across the country since many consider Ruidoso Downs their home away from home. In speaking with Darrell,
it becomes apparent how passionate he is about his work and about helping people grow in life and in their faith. Winter, through his commitment and dedication to the people and the church, has helped expand Ruidoso Downs church services into a regular attendance of between 100-200 people. The overall impact of the church through its programs and com- munity outreach is close to 1,000. Let’s learn more about this man of faith and his dedication to his chosen profession.
Q. How were you first introduced to horse racing, and what made you decide to pursue chaplaincy at the racetrack?
A. Bruce Rimbo, former President of Ruidoso Downs, came to the church I was attending and was looking for a recommendation for a possible chaplain from my pastor at the time. I was a lay pastor there and he recommended me for the position. That was in 2000-2001.
Q. What type of education was required to become the Chaplain?
A. You have to attend seminary school, which
is the same for any chaplaincy or pastorship. I had attended Bethany Bible College for seminary, a 3-year onsite program with the 4th year in the field doing missionary work. I did my missionary training state- side in Chicago. I returned to Ruidoso after that.
Q. Why did you decide to become a Chaplain, and was there any person who was a major influence in your life?
A. My family wasn’t very involved in the church, and my father actually sent me to live with my uncle,
who was a pastor, when I was 13. Having that influ- ence as a teenager and growing up during that time as a “preacher’s kid” definitely helped shape me and influenced my decision.
Q. What did you do prior to working at Ruidoso Downs?
A. I worked as a ski instructor and chaplain for a resort here in Ruidoso for 13 years, both before work- ing at Ruidoso Downs and after until 2010. I also
led a Sunday service on the mountain and Sunday school class for children. I would take them skiing, offer instruction as well as minister to them. I did that during the winter months. During the sum- mers, I led a children’s mountain bike group and did ministry while riding bikes. I also did rehab ministry in Mescalero, New Mexico, for several years.
Q. What does your daily/weekly routine consist of as Chaplain?
A. My week really starts on Thursday, and I spend my day with the children’s program here at the track. We offer it to the racetrack kids five days a week
and on Thursdays, since there is no racing, we do a field trip. We were donated 15 cameras, so we go to different places in the area and take pictures and then work on the development. We have a new play area that was donated by the Hubbard Foundation for the children to play on and we do our activities there. On Thursday nights, the church cooks a big meal that is open to the backside, and we normally feed around 100 people who work on the backside and/or are involved with Ruidoso Downs. The meal is provided by the church and we are completely funded from donations. We’ve been very fortunate that Ruidoso Downs has seen the impact we’ve been able to make and they support the church, as does the Hubbard Foundation and the new partners of Ruidoso Downs, who have all donated over the years as well.
Friday through Sunday, I’m not with the children’s program since those are racing days. I spend my mornings in the barns, praying and ministering to grooms, trainers, owners, outriders, and visiting the people. The individuals in this industry are so open.
RACETRACK CHAPLAINCY
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SPEEDHORSE, November 2017
Marie Littlefield
THE BACKSIDE