Dear friends,

Some people I love find the holidays painful. They are assailed with sad memories, unmet expectations, feelings that their life “doesn’t measure up,” or that they don’t. For many of the children at the Ranch this is a difficult time. Some will visit family and be painfully reminded why they need to be at the Ranch. Some will be unable to visit relatives and instead spend the holidays with a wonderful volunteer family, aware that these loving families are a picture of how things can be.

I actually enjoy the holidays. Focusing on the fact that God loved this broken world so much that He gave His Son to bring us salvation fills me with joy and amazement. As we gather with loved ones to enjoy special songs and special foods, there is laughter and peace.

As we recall God’s perfect gift, we look for ways to give to honor Him. This ministry exists because God has faithfully moved the hearts of friends like you to love and give generously. Every year we watch and pray for a Christmas miracle. All across this country people say “Yes” to God’s prompting. Gifts large and small join together to make it possible for us to say “Yes” to children who need help. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who pray, all of you who give and all who share our work with others.

As this year draws to a close, please do three things that will make our position stronger and your Christmas merrier:

First, commit to pray for us in 2019. As part of your regular prayers, remember the staff and students at the Ranch. God answers prayer (James 5:16b)!

Second, please give whatever you believe God prompts you to send. If you are not sure whether to give or how much, just ask the Lord to guide you. He has promised to shepherd his own (Proverbs 3:5&6, James 1:5).

Third, please include the Ranch in your estate plan. Susan and I have done this, and several friends have told us they have done so as well. As more of our friends move on to heaven, we see vividly what a difference planning makes. We don’t have to be financially wealthy to be good stewards.

May God bless you and those you love with a Joyful Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Jim Wood, Founder & Executive Director