Bill and Mary Glidden serve in southeast Colorado, an area designated as “frontier” because of its lack of local services and its small population. On the west are mountains with over 14,000 foot peaks, dropping off into high plains on the eastern side of the community.
The area is economically depressed due to the lack of local jobs. In the past coal mines were scattered throughout the surrounding communities, but these have since closed, taking away even more jobs from local residents. The coal mines brought large groups of immigrants into the area, many of whom have remained to this day.
Many local residents have lived in this community their whole lives, and those who leave to find employment often come back to the area upon retirement. There are Italian, Slovenian, and Spanish communities in the area, resulting in a strong Catholic presence.
The number one need in the community is exposure to Jesus: both His love and the hope that comes through a relationship with Him. The community also needs an influx in local jobs, and schools that better teach children the basics. It is too common for graduates of local public schools to struggle with reading at an intermediate level.