By: Jim Wood
Founder of Wears Valley Ranch
A year ago, my son Clayton had just taken over as our CEO. Our neighbor Mr. King called me and said that he had a full-price offer for his farm adjoining the Ranch. He said that every time he started to sign the papers to accept the offer, he believed that God was telling him not to do so. As he prayed, he believed the Ranch was supposed to get the land. I explained that while we would love to acquire his farm, the Ranch did not have the funds and does not borrow. After much discussion, we agreed to enter a sales contract contingent upon our board’s approval and God’s provision of the funds. He reduced the price slightly and the board approved signing the contract, which would then depend on God supplying the funds. The Ranch would not incur any debt but would prayerfully see what God chose to do. However, the board said they wanted Clayton to pursue several other parcels totaling 24.65 acres that were also contiguous to the Ranch. They said that those parcels needed to come first. There were excellent reasons for this directive, but we did not have funds for either acquisition. And while the King farm was for sale, the other parcels were not.
Amazingly, Clayton’s overtures to the neighbor who controlled the 24.65 acres that the board desired most, changed from a refusal to even speak with us, to a contract for purchase. This was a tremendous answer to prayer.
Meanwhile, we hurried to make an appeal to you, our donors, regarding our neighbor’s farm where we had a very short window of opportunity. The timing of all this was reminiscent of the story of Gideon. Clayton had just assumed leadership of the Ranch. It was the wrong time of year for fundraising. Autumn is much better. We did not have any time to do a site plan and put together a credible presentation. Only God would be able to provide what was needed. Still, there were a number of very encouraging signs that God was at work. Several individuals who had never previously given to the Ranch gave very large gifts. Another individual gave the largest gift in the Ranch’s history. When I told him it was the largest gift we’ve ever received, he teared up and said, “It is the largest gift we have ever given.” A teenager wrote to me and said, “I understand you need money to expand your ministry. I want to help. Please find $200 enclosed. If you are not able to get the property, use it as you see fit.” Another person wrote and said, “This is the last of my inheritance money. Buy the land.”
A few days before the deadline on the King farm, a friend of the Ranch asked to meet with me. He said, “Jim, you don’t just need more money. You need more time. What if I buy the property and hold it for the Ranch? I will sell it to the Ranch at the price I paid. This will give you all time to develop your plans and approach the fundraising more effectively.” I have been involved with fundraising as pastor of two churches, a trustee of a college, and for thirty years at the Ranch. I have never heard of such an amazing proposal. We gratefully accepted this very generous offer, so the land was secured at the price Mr. King had offered.
In the year that has followed, we have developed a beautiful, exciting plan for the phased development of the property. It is thrilling to see the potential. Before the development can begin however, we have to purchase the property. So far, we have received 215 gifts from 161 donors totaling $1,667,820 . This is toward a goal of $4,343,253. We have come a long way without a capital campaign. We have already added 24.67 acres of adjoining land and we are in conversation with individuals and foundations regarding the expansion of our ability to care for the children and families we serve. But we need your prayers.
