Page 93 - November 2017

I’ve never been turned away when I went to a barn and asked them if I could pray with them. I’m thankful for that.
Around noon on racing days, I meet with the jockeys and the gate crew separately before the races start, and we have a prayer and devotion. It’s a service I really enjoy providing them and I think they get a lot out of it. Once the races start, I sit in the grandstands and visit with owners, trainers, and spectators to let them know the church is a presence at the track, let them know about our Sunday morn- ing service, and offer congratulations on wins.
On Friday or Saturday night after the races, we have a bingo night or game night on the backside. We really enjoy that. And on Sunday nights, we do another dinner for the people on the backside.
Q. How do you classify the church and ministry at Ruidoso Downs - Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, etc.?
A. I classify it as Christian based. We are a non-denominational or inter-denominational church, however you’d like to say it. I want everyone to feel loved and included, so I try to ask all the people I work with and minister to what they are comfortable with on a one-on-one basis and what their base beliefs are, and I try
to incorporate that as much as I can. Such as, if a couple I’m ministering to is getting married and they have different base faith beliefs, we try to incorporate as much as possible to keep them comfortable and happy in their decision.
Q. There is a high percentage of Spanish speaking individuals on the track. How do you reach this group of people and keep them included?
A. We were able to find a great Spanish speaking couple from Argentina who are in ministry, and we were able to assist in get-
ting their R1 Visas for 5 years. They also do Spanish ministry at the racetracks in Hobbs, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, as well. They’ve been a tremendous help and support to the church. Together they lead a Spanish wor- ship service, a Bible study, and are able to reach people in the community whom we would not be able to reach otherwise. Our Spanish church and worship service has grown to about 40 people so far, with new attendance happening all the time. That may not sound like much, but it’s growing as people learn that we offer it, and I see it becoming even more successful.
Q. Do you do other things as Chaplain, such as weddings, dedications, baptisms or funerals?
A. Oh yes, I do all the above. I do quite a few weddings, which can turn into dedications
for their children as they have them, which is different than a baptism in that the parents are declaring their intent to raise the child in the church in the Christian faith. I do baptisms
as well for adults and those of age when they have the understanding of sin and that they are making a proclamation of their faith and dedication to Christ and the church.
One of the other reasons I am at the track for the races is to support the jockeys. If, by chance, an injury occurred during the races, I am close enough to usually be the second one on the scene besides medical personnel and
go with them to the hospital if needed. A lot
of times it’s only myself and their agent at the hospital. Often times, their families can’t be there because they aren’t nearby, so I can take the place of their family during that time. I will go to the jock’s room and get their phones, clothing, make any calls to family if needed, and support them.
Q. Besides the daily children’s program, what are some other programs offered by the church?
A. We do several programs. We offer a food pantry and take in clothing donations. We have multiple worship services and Bible studies in both English and Spanish. There is a coun- selor who comes out once a week and provides services, and we have an annual health care day when health services are offered. Mammogram screening is provided through Pink Day. Computers are available with educational, English as a second language, and robotics software. The church was donated 15 cameras for the children, as mentioned before, which allows us to take them on field trips, enter competitions, and educate them about different things through the field trips.
Q. How do you feel about the new ownership of Ruidoso Downs and the changes ahead?
A. I’m excited and I think it’s going to bring great things. All the principle partners have been very supportive in wanting to improve Ruidoso Downs and have really listened to what the horsemen have to say and take it all into consid- eration. They have partnered with the church
in building new bathrooms and shower stalls on the backside, and so we will be involved in that quite a bit. It’s the church’s way of giving back to the congregation and people who support us. All the principle partners, as well as the Hubbard Foundation, donate to the church and are very supportive of the work we do here.
Q. What do you love most about Quarter Horse racing?
A. The people. That is what makes Quarter Horse racing what it is. These people are so open and willing to learn and grow in their faith and as people. It really is a family oriented industry. They are always happy to see me and visit, share a prayer and speak about their day. I’ve worked in different aspects of ministry and this is by far my favorite. I’ve been blessed to work in this industry and at Ruidoso Downs.
Q. What advice would you give someone who feels led to join the ministry?
A. Well, I suggest that you search your heart if this is something you want to pursue and try to learn different aspects of ministry, whether you want to go into mission work or work with a church. You can start with volunteering. As
a Chaplain, I can say there is always a need for volunteers. It’s something I struggle with, find- ing assistance for all the projects that we have going on, so that is a great place to start.
Darrell Winter presents Johnny Trotter the winning trophy for his victory in the 2013 $1,000,000 Rainbow Futurity-G1 with Ms First Prize Rose.
SPEEDHORSE, November 2017 91
THE BACKSIDE