Blazing Hope Ranch May 2023 Newsletter

He works justice for those who are pressed down by the world, providing food for those who are hungry. He frees those who are imprisoned; He makes the blind see. He lifts up those whose backs are bent in labor; He cherishes those who do what is right. (Psalm 146:7-8)

May

I've been thinking of how true worship comes from a place of dependency. That place of dependency comes most often, though, from pain and suffering. But in the midst of pain that brings us to our knees, that's when we give up trying to control everything and turn our lives over to God. How can we not worship Him when we know who He is and see what He has done for us?

Now grab a cup of coffee and find out what we've been up to!

We Received The Van!

David's cousin, Matt, and his wife, Erin, purchased this used van as a gift for the ranch. As faithful readers know, we have been asking you to pray for a van large enough to accommodate all of our residents for several months now. God is truly amazing as He moves in the hearts of those who love Him. We are so grateful for your prayers, and so pleased to report that they have been answered so generously.

If you donated money towards the purchase of a van, we will reach out to you. You can:

1. Ask for your donation back.

2. Allow us to repurpose your donation for van maintenance costs, including gas, insurance and taxes.

3. Allow us to redirect your donation to the ranch's general fund to use as needed.

My Sister, Jarelle

Jarelle played an integral part in getting the ranch started. When she was in college as a political science major, she visited the State Department. There, she got her first exposure to the issue of human trafficking, which had a major impact on her. She also knew that David and I dreamed of creating a horse ranch where we could restore victims of trafficking to wholeness. So...she gave me the money in 2011 to go to a conference put on by Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch to learn how to start a non-profit ranch ministry.

Jarelle's help didn't end there. She and her husband just finished up a week with us, doing all kinds of chores and work around the ranch. Last November, she helped us simplify the logistics and develop various processes to streamline some administrative functions in the HOPE Haven program. Most recently they helped with trips to the dump and some administrative work on preparation for Camp Run Free. I know I can count on her to help whenever I need it, and that she is rooting for our success.

Wendell Has Arrived!

I picked Wendell up from Florida at the end of April, taking a three-day road trip to get there, pick him and and bring him back. An American Warm Blood, Wendell is 20 years old, 17 hands tall, and a calm, steady leader. He'll be a great fit for our residents. Welcome, Wendell!

Turnover of Residents

We've had two residents leave; one felt that our program was not for her. We pray that she will feel led to a program that will bring her back to wholeness and lead her fully to Christ.

The other resident will continue treatment as she is restored to her husband in another state. Please pray for her journey.

A new resident arrived in early May, and we have received referrals for other potential residents. Thank you for your prayers for these precious women, and pray that God would lead the right woman to our doors and once again fill all of our available beds.

Answered Prayer: Praise God for the passenger van! We have also received fly masks to protect our horses against flies laying eggs in their eyes.

More Answered Prayer: The Lab, a gym in Pikeville, has given us free access to their beautiful grounds for our Camp Run Free there. In addition, my husband was able to get the rental of a couple of Porta-Potties donated. Finally, we were provided with a 40' x 40' professional-grade tent to rent for our Camp Run Free in Pikeville for only $400. These types of tents typically rent for $1000 or more!

National Human Trafficking Coordinator Named

For the first time, the Justice Department has named a national coordinator to develop and implement interagency strategies to combat human trafficking. Read more here.

Prayer Pardn'rs

Please pray for help with the various additional expenses we have with the horses as we approach our Camp Run Free dates. We are in particular need of items like hay feed bags and bareback pads. If you'd like to help, please visit this Amazon link - and don't forget to change the shipping address by selecting "Jo Haggard's Gift Registry Address."

Please pray that we would partner with more churches who want to help us in our mission as we continue our outreach efforts. Let us know if we can come and present to your church. Email us at blazinghopeTN@gmail.com or reply to this email.

Help us in our mission!

Would you be willing to join our Freedom Wranglers? Freedom Wranglers support our mission with monthly donations. Please click on the Donate button to support the important work we do to restore wholeness to female survivors of human trafficking, and to weaken the sex trade through the power of Christ. Your monthly donation of as little as $10 per month can help a resident begin a new life.

Would you consider hosting a meeting with your philanthropically-minded friends? We would be happy to visit your home and make a brief presentation about our mission to people you think would like to support us financially.

Do you have a friend (or friends) who would also be willing to pray for us? If so, please forward this email to them or post this email on your social media account.

Want to read a past newsletter? You can find them all here.

Finally, let us know what you think (and please feel free to unsubscribe using the link below if you don't want future newsletters). We'll look forward to hearing from you!

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