From Clayton Wood, Executive Director:
My favorite views in the mountains all involve valleys. If you haven’t been able to visit us, I hope you will have the opportunity in the future and you can see some of the tremendous beauty that God surrounds us with at Wears Valley Ranch. There are folks who love the beach the most, folks who prefer rocky mountains, or high desert, but for me there is nothing more beautiful than our valley tucked up against the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a study in contrast, with farmland and pasture domesticated for cows and horses right next to woods so untouched that they are still finding new species within.
The Ranch was in a valley in student admissions this last summer. As I often do when faced with a problem, I prayed, then I sought to understand the problem and learn from friends in similar circumstances. I learned that most children’s homes that are similar to the Ranch are not full right now. I want to see that change. Children’s homes that are taking children in state custody are overflowing, but with that comes stories of incidents with runaways, overdoses, other crimes on campus plus incessant staff turnover that all run counter to the kind of consistent and loving care we are called to provide at the Ranch.
When I told you we were in a valley, our census for boys was tied with a low since we opened a second boys home (7 boys). What did God do? He took us up a mountain. We are now at an all time high for census for boys in the history of the Ranch! Pray for the staff as they add children to the waiting list, and as we connect children in need to ministries like ours in other places. Pray for wisdom and discernment as we pray about opportunities for expansion that we believe we are being called to take.
The Lord’s provision for our finances in the last year has been a mountain and a valley. How can that possibly be true? We have seen incredible mountain top experiences with supernatural provision. We specifically prayed for an increase in giving close to home in Sevier County, and this year we will be in a position to accept the most money we have ever received from our area. Praise the Lord! Also, due to inflation, we are experiencing higher expenses than at any time in our history. We know that He provides for all our needs, but we want to be wise stewards who only take on new expenses that He is leading us to. A mountain top experience that continues to grow is Camp Arrowwood. I am mentioning a successful camp in winter, because we just had a winter camp session. God is using our talented camp staff to provide hospitality in a way that enables us to share the Gospel, make disciples, and even connect with young people who need the year round care that the Ranch provides.
What are my resolutions for the coming year? To trust the Creator of the valleys and the mountains. Our gracious Father is not worried about interest rates and He has never spiked in blood pressure reading the Wall Street Journal. The One who is sending the kids to the ranch knows them best and loves them most. We are keenly aware of the sacrifice you are making as a ministry partner to enable us to do what we do. Please come and see us in person if you are able! We love celebrating with those who faithfully pray for and support us all that God is doing in this miraculous place. As you gaze upon our beautiful valley, I am sure you will recall the words of Psalm 121:1, “I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and Earth.” We trust in His provision, as we walk in joyful obedience in 2023.
