Around the Ranch, you’ll find a few good guys who get satisfaction from a hard day’s work. We call them….RANCH HANDS.

Does the idea of being a Ranch Hand bring to mind songs of old wild west shows, or dreaming of being a cowboy as a child? Regardless of your age, there is something endearing about being a cowboy, or even a cowboy at heart.

Some of my most treasured childhood memories were working alongside my father. I was the youngest of two daughters, so I became the tomboy and served as the son my father never had. Dad would give me sound advice for work. “My dad always told me to do it right the first time and save yourself trouble later,” he would say. I was blessed to have a dad who loved me and also loved the Lord.

Sadly, some of the students at the Ranch have never had an earthly father who took interest in them. I am so grateful for the commitment of our Equine Director, Mr. Ryan and his assistant, Miss Nicole. These two have given themselves over to serve children who need to believe they are valued and loved. They take time to teach skills they will be able to use for years to come, and practically introduced them to a Heavenly Father who will continue to love them into eternity.

One of the projects our student Ranch Hands worked on was removing our old wooden post and rail cattle working pens, redesigning the site for smoother animal flow, and installing the new metal system.  “My favorite part was busting up concrete,” says one student. “It felt good to get to smash something.” Another student shared that they enjoy doing projects that make the Ranch a safer environment.

Our oldest student in the class, Victor, participated in setting up the new cattle working pens. “It was hard to see how it would work out at first, but seeing it come to completion was great! We ended up with a better space to work with the cattle,” shared Victor. Victor has aspirations of starting his own landscaping business when he graduates from Saint Andrew’s School at the Ranch. By helping with projects at the Ranch, Victor is learning how to safely use tools, take projects from start to finish, and understanding the value of doing the job right the first time.

“It is a joy to see the students not just learn how to work but to enjoy working,” says Mr. Ryan.  “Some of the students start out looking for ways to avoid work and drift off to play on their own and end up working hard, taking initiative, and learning that work can be play.”

Projects include…

  • Bear fence installation
  • Pasture cleanup
  • Livestock fence installation, maintenance, and repair
  • Pasture grazing rotation and other livestock chores
  • Building a stationary duck coop
  • Building a mobile chicken coop
  • Cattle working pens renovation
  • Hitching rails renovation

As a way to minister to donors who give monthly, we have launched a Ranch Hand program for them too. Ranch Hands provides a way for donors to provide for these children on a consistent basis – ensuring their basic needs are met. Since the Ranch does not accept government funding and has never incurred debt, monthly contributions are vital in keeping meals on the table and the lights on. Become a monthly donor, and be sure to check “Show my support by making this a recurring donation” so you can be a Ranch Hand too!

If you believe the Lord wants you to give specifically to our Equine Program, you can register for a monthly gift to support the costs of caring for our horses and still qualify as a Ranch Hand. Children at the Ranch learn so much from our Equine Program. Work ethic and skills are all part of this program, in addition to the healing trust children learn from being around the animals.

For either donation, be sure to click on “Show my support by making this a recurring donation” if you want to become a Ranch Hand. Once signed up, you will receive an exclusive “Ranch Hand” t-shirt and communication about optional opportunities to serve.

While all children here learn to do basic chores, it is so refreshing to see young people who are eager to work. Likewise, we are so blessed with the people the Lord sends to give with their time and finances.  With your support, these boys are being transformed into young men who have great work ethics and love the Lord.

 

Submitted by: Lisa Radmore