American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) President Glen Fisher talked with the United Methodist Church to share how the shepherds of today relate to the nativity. Fisher has watched over his flocks for more than 30 years and delights that those in his profession were among the first to hear the good news.
To watch the video, go to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2021847/k.8FD4/Video_Archive.htm and click on the link entitled Modern Shepherd at Christmas. The written story is available at www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5259669&ct=8980131.
Margaret Soulen Hinson, ASI vice president, spent time with USA Today reporters talking about modern shepherds at Christmas.
"Shepherds of today have not changed a lot since Biblical times," said Soulen Hinson. "The men are up early, they are out with the sheep all day until they bed them down at night."
The Soulen's Peruvian foreman, Cesar Ayllon, says "a good shepherd must study the sheep, worry about them, care about them. He must protect them from mountain lions and toxic plants, be sure they don't eat too much alfalfa or swallow a frozen apple."
The story and video are available at www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-12-23-1Ashepherds23_CV_N.htm.