Encouragement for Uncertain Times
We hope you and your family are well. As we have been forced to adjust our daily schedules in light of COVID-19, no doubt, you have experienced heightened anxiety within your own home. My mind quickly traveled to the children we serve and their caregivers. These precious children who have already experienced pain and vulnerability in their lives, are no doubt feeling the weight of these uncertain times. Brodie Croyle, Executive Director of Big Oak Ranch writes:
“We know crisis, we experience it frequently. Crisis is something we at Big Oak frequently witness on an individual basis with every child, every hurt, every past. And now, in our communities and our country, we see yet again that there are times when crisis surrounds us all. But, it is in times such as this the body of believers demonstrates a stark difference from the world around us. This is where we are unique. Where the world might just survive, we thrive.Crisis is the place in which our faith shines.Use this as an opportunity to speak Proverbs 12:25 into your families, “Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Let’s help our children and circles of influence see that what we walk through together today, many would call disaster, but instead God will use this time in history to bring many to Himself.
-Brodie Croyle, Executive Director of Big Oak Ranch
We ask for your prayers for the children, house parents, and leaders of Big Oak Ranch, Still Creek Ranch, Palmer Home, and Homes of Hope for Children.
We are busy planning this year's On River Time camps. Our theme has been "Casting Hope" and we are leaning into that hope that the current situation will have ended by then. If not, we will adjust our dates. Currently, our camps are scheduled for May 28 (Still Creek Ranch and Homes of Hope) and June 5th (Big Oak Ranch and Palmer Home).
We have already received the names of kids who will be joining us and booked their flights. Please join us in praying for this year's camps and the children who will join us. In addition, we are looking forward to celebrating this year's high school graduates with the gift of college and career scholarships. Of course spring fundraisers that we had counted on, may not be able to take place, which is why: We Need Your Help Now More Than Ever.
Please consider partnering with us by becoming a monthly donor. Even just $10 a month can help to change lives and cast hope. Or you may consider a one time gift. You can click HERE TO GIVE.
Mr. Rogers had a famous saying whenever he experienced scary times as a child, his mother would remind him, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
During this time, we can check on the elderly and those with a compromised immune system. Perhaps there's an opportunity for you to help, whether it's an essential errand or covering the cost of delivering a meal or groceries. If you have canceled an appointment with a service provider, consider still sending in your gratuity. Or maybe the most important impact you can have is within your own home and with your loved ones. Our founder, Steve Davis, recently posted these words of wisdom on his Facebook page:
"We are indeed a busy bunch. So as we go about our social distancing, think about making these moments we now have...matter. With your kids.Your grandkids. With your parents. With your friends.Talk!! We will all get through this and while it’s uncomfortable, scary and inconvenient, we need to stay connected. When people feel isolated, worry and depression are not far behind and those feelings can propel us into a downward spiral that is often difficult to climb out of. Call someone. Write someone. Paint the room you’ve put off too long. Move furniture around. Teach your kids how to cook eggs. Read. Laugh. Watch a ballgame that you know who won!! Yell across the street at your neighbors. For if we don’t stay engaged, then we would have wasted these moments with worry and fear. God’s got this."
When the waters are high, we are reminded to “trust our guide”.
“When you pass through the waters I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you.” Isaiah 43:2
We are grateful for each of you and we pray that you and your family stay healthy and well.
God bless you all,
Wendy Garner
Executive Director, On River Time