Album Notes

This album was inspired by and dedicated to the life of Father Stanley Rother. Father Rother was killed July 28, 1981, by paramilitary troops in Guatemala. A native of Okarche, Oklahoma, he spent the last 13 years of his priesthood as pastor of the parish in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. Father Rother was known for his passion for Christ and his tireless devotion to the Tzutuhil people he served. He fell in love with their “zest for life” amidst abject poverty, malnutrition, and political unrest and oppression. This devotion to his people would eventually cost him his life, but knowing the danger he faced, he always responded, “The shepherd cannot run.”

Jamie wrote the song, “The Shepherd Cannot Run”, as a tribute to Father Stanley Rother with the hope that it will inspire others to understand the heroism of his life and be moved to imitate his generosity, faith, love, and service as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Father Rother's cause is currently being considered by the Vatican for sainthood.