A testimony from a supporter who has experienced the goodness of God through Wears Valley Ranch:
James 1:27
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
When asked what drew me to love, appreciate, and support “the Ranch”, the answer lies in the mystery of the witness of God’s spirit within me. I first became aware of the Ranch’s existence when I met a former student, Marcus. I had never met a young man with such meekness, confidence, or peace in my life. When I enquired of Marcus, “Tell me about your upbringing”, the story I heard stunned me as much as his Godly attributes had impressed me.
Suspecting something extraordinary was taking place in Wears Valley, I set about to contact this place and see for myself if this fruit which I observed was simply the result of an obedient, Christ-filled individual or something greater. When I first walked on the grounds of the school, the immediate impression was discreet excellence on a well-maintained piece of God’s earth. The experience became even more impactful when I learned the manifested vision was built entirely on the trust in God’s providence.
I had the privilege to meet Jim in a private setting during the first visit when I brought Joanne, my wife, to see what God had led me to. As Jim began to make the story of the wonder of God’s inspiration to him and Susan, I knew this was more than a place; it was and is a manifestation where God’s kingdom has come. (Jim and Susan Wood, Founders of WVR)
Through the decade since then, we have had the opportunity to break bread with the Ranch family several times. The consistency of the Ranch family’s impact on the lives of children there has never failed to impress me. I now know what I saw in Marcus was not a singular life being lived in obedience, but rather a point of light, in a world of darkness, that had found the source of the oil-of-joy which flows into the heart of those surrendered to the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you, Father, for granting me the honor of being part of the Ranch and experiencing the fruit of the host of saints who share the vision and endeavor to do Your will. As is always the case, the blessing we receive is far greater than the gifts which we give.
William B.
Contact us at info@wvr.org if you would like to share why you feel compelled to support the children at WVR.
