Leaping into Fall Ministries

Recently, a lady, who served as a leader during a local youth retreat to over 100 youth, pulled me aside after the retreat’s closing ceremonies. She held up a Ranch t-shirt she had received as a gift and with tears in her eyes she said, “I’m going to wear this t-shirt all over Cabo and tell whomever I meet that they need to come to this place.”

We aren’t making this up. Really, I’m not sure I’m that creative. People are inexplicably drawn to this place and we love how our Mexican brothers and sisters express their appreciation for what goes on here. She went on to say that she feels the presence of God in a very real way on the Ranch and that others need to experience His presence too. And that for this reason she was going to share with others their need to travel to Rancho el Camino.

And it’s not just this lady who has shown her appreciation. The Ranch has moved forward by leaps and bounds this fall as it has served hundreds of local Mexicans through camps, retreats, and community development projects. The fall is our dedicated time for these type of ministries and it is a joy to serve and encourage our local brothers and sisters. We’ve had a drug rehab center, 2 youth retreats of 100+ youth, some smaller family style church retreats, and the local family social services department out to the Ranch for events to name a few. Additionally, the Ranch staff is engaged in local relational and community development ministry: attending a baby shower for a teenage mother, giving break dancing classes in local community centers, donating a special type of “off-road” wheel chairs to those in need, and the continuation of the Ranch Kids Club via the Horse Ministry.

We want to thank you for your continued partnership alongside the Ranch and the ministry , not just in the summer time, but throughout the year. We covet your prayers, support, and continued financial contributions which make this all possible. How blessed it is when we partner together for the Gospel and shine our light before men so that they can praise our Father in heaven.

Emily continues to assist in a swim class three times a week. We find ourselves "at home" in-and-around the pool (once a swimmer...always a swimmer!) and enjoy being part of our girls activities and the opportunity we have to get to know more children and their families.  Ali recently celebrated her 9th birthday and we celebrated with a visit from Emily´s parents as well as a cake and tea party with some of Ali`s friends at the Ranch. It`s a joy to watch our girls advance in their activities and they are all progressing in their respective skills. All girls continue with their swimming, gymnastics, and horse riding lessons. It does take a bit of effort for us to leave the Ranch everyday for the girls activities but we know its worth it as they engage in their activities and with friends.

1. Pray for the Horse Ministry and Kids Club as we will be focusing our Saturdays for the next two months in these ministries. Pray that kids will be cared for and shown the love of God.
2. Pray for favor with the government as we continue to pursue a non-profit status here in Mexico. Although slow, we are continuing to moved forward in the process.  We have been able to meet new contacts in the government as a result. Continue to pray for good favor and relationship with those we meet.
3. Pray for incoming long term staff to the Ranch: the Goodrich family, and Abby Coster who all plan on joining the staff this month and toward the end of the year.