This July marks the one-year anniversary of our arrival to the Ranch. These past twelve months have been some of the best and yet most challenging of my life. I’ve witnessed some amazing things during this time including everything from new proclamations of faith, forgiveness and reconciliation within families, boys running away, boys graduating, new staff and last but not least the birth of our Daughter Brielle. It has been an amazing journey one in which I could never have been a part of without your help.
Since our arrival, Trish and I have witnessed the successful completion of eight boys from our program, an unbelieving family start attending church services, boys overcoming learning and social disabilities, healing and restoration. Trish has worked tirelessly at developing stronger relationships among families and in particular the wives starting co-ops, planning activities for the staff kids, starting a secret sisters group and coming alongside the ladies in any way she can.
As the Administrator, I have been able to help rethink and change our program so that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the focus and power behind everything we do. This includes updating and changing policy, protocols and procedures, rewriting our doctrinal statement, mission, vision, student outcomes and ministry principles as well as planning and leading staff training, retreat times and weekly devotionals.
Over this past year, we have seen the Lord take care of our every need both personally and corporately as He has blessed us spiritually, physically and financially. Our ministry is currently on the verge of some major growth opportunities as the Lord has provided the staff, land and finances needed to grow which will in turn allow us to serve more boys. Our current maximum boy population is sixteen however; given our projected growth rate, we should be able to serve up to twenty-four boys within the next 18-24 months.
Moreover, through the generosity of His people He has also blessed us with the ability to have high-speed internet, which will benefit the boys in school and allow us to put security cameras around the entire facility adding an extra layer of safety and security for the boys. The Lord is also potentially blessing us with new transport vehicles, work trucks and farm equipment all of which again improves the safety for our boys.
The staff and I are currently working on creating new programing designed to help boys transition back to their homes, which includes an aftercare element as well as continued drug, and alcohol counseling/support. To help with this, in the past twelve months we have hired three new full time families including one who is a certified drug counselor and one who wrote a research paper (Th.M) on after care programs!
Every one of you who has supported us through your prayers and financial giving has played a crucial part in this success. To put it plainly YOU are the means by which this has happened. Trish and I are here by God’s grace and your sacrifice. Thank you for allowing us to do this, thank you for the commitments you have made to our family, these boys and our Lord. We ask that you would prayerfully consider supporting us in the year to come through prayer, financial support, and word of mouth. Thank you for you faithfulness and choosing to serve God by serving others.
The Wagners Rich, Trish, Gabe, Abby, Ellie, and Brielle
flyingwagners 