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)

June

I've had the song, I'm So Blessed, by Cain, in my mind and on my heart, especially the lyric, "No, it doesn't matter about the rest if I got you, Lord, I'm so blessed." Even though I've been feeling under pressure, I know that I'm a child of God, even on my worst day. I pray that this truth would uphold you today as well.

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

"The biggest benefit of the ranch is that I have learned how to say 'no' in a way that's assertive but kind. I learned through the staff and horses to set healthy boundaries and now have friends who feel safe  and respect me. I continue to struggle with anxiety when I'm in a crowded situation, or if there is a lot of noise, but I was recently able to attend my son's graduation ceremony, and I don't believe I could ever have done that before my time at the Ranch. 

"I also got to experience, for the first time, what it was like to interact with Godly men who had my best interests at heart. I grew up around drugs and alcohol, and the previous men in  my life controlled me through punishment and intimidation. Jo and her family live on the Ranch property, so I was able to watch how they interacted with each other and other survivors. I was so surprised by the way that David (Jo's husband) treated me that, at first, I was sure it was all an act! John Tomaro is another Godly man who volunteers at the Ranch and has helped me with things from car maintenance to moving furniture. They both have become friends and continue to be willing to help me if I need it.  

"Getting to interact with the horses was also key (Sundae is my favorite horse).  I had to learn to be patient and grounded when interacting with them, and I have been able to approach all kinds of different situations in a more calm manner. I remember a time that I had to interact with someone who caused me a lot of anxiety and specifically reminding myself to 'breathe deep and calm myself like I do before going in with the horses.'

"I now work and live on my own in a trailer that the Ranch helped me find, that has space so I can have my boys for weeks at a time. I value the privacy and independence I have, and I feel confident that the bills will get paid and that I'll be able to stay as long as  I want."

Please pray that she will feel the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit as she continues to move forward with her life.

Family Corner

Jordyn has been in physical therapy for her foot three times a week (for a total of five weeks) - then she'll have surgery on her other foot and have to go through all of this again! She's been a real trouper helping with the camp while having to deal with her cast. We are hopeful that the correction of her flat feet will allow her legs to work well during her adult life.

Answered Prayer: God has been busy at the Ranch this month!

We praise God for Keeper, a Gypsy Vanner, who we borrowed again for Camp Run Free. This is Keeper's third year with us. 

God has answered our prayers that we would be able to partner with more churches. Brainerd Presbyterian Church, our most recent church partner, has agreed to support us monthly, and I continue to speak at local churches to spread the word about what we are doing here at Blazing Hope.

Mother's Day, which can be a very painful time for our residents, was instead a sweet time. We praise God, too, that one of our residents was able to attend her daughter's high school graduation.

Finally, we are so grateful to Redbank Baptist Church for their generous commitment to pay for couples counseling for one of our former residents, who has been restored to her husband. 

225 Missing Children Found in Operation We Will Find You

In a win for eastern Washington, US Marshals mounted a ten-week national operation to locate 225 children and youths who were abducted or had run away, many of whom had been used for sex-trafficking. Read more here.