Blazing Hope Ranch August 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)

August

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. Psalm 84:10. This verse has been on my mind as I've been grieving losses. My grandmother passed away in late July, and David's grandmother passed away as well. Hardest of all for the residents has been the passing of our beloved Sundae, whom we put down on August 10th. But Christ promises new life in Him. I pray that you will lean on Jesus in your time of need.

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

Tribute to Sundae

Sundae was the horse that helped me build my confidence working with all types of horsenalities. Because she is so solid and stable, Sundae also helped me build my confidence to ride. I've had my knees reconstructed, and have developed a fear of falling off over the years. Best of all, she gave me my first horse hug.

Sundae started her career working at the Stormhaven Youth Ranch, which rescues horses and provides an environment where kids and horses can bond. Once she moved to Blazing Hope, she became a particular favorite with a couple of residents. She has always been the ideal horse to listen to big feelings. Her calm, stable presence will be sorely missed on the ranch.

Please pray for the residents, our staff, my family and me as we work through our grief from losing such a great friend.

Amazing Live Auction Item for our 2023 Hootenanny!

We are so grateful for the generous donation of a five-night stay at the Tranquility House on Tybee Island. Apologies that the "Check Availability" button in the illustration doesn't work, but just click on the Tranquility House link above to go to the same place.

The Live Auction items, including this vacation, will be available to preview on 9/18 and will be auctioned off on 9/29, the night of the Hootenanny. If you're interested, watch our Facebook posts for the most up-to-date information and links to the auction site.

Canvas_Community_Church_Volunteers_6582bf5e

Thanks to the Canvas Community Church Team from Virginia!

This volunteer team helped us with so many projects. They helped us with our new and still in process, workout room, they added lighting to a path for residents, they installed sun shades to replace a gazebo that had gotten damaged in a storm, they weeded, painted and completed some carpentry projects - and the list goes on. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Red Sand Project

Blazing Hope Ranch was proud to participate in the Red Sand Project in Chattanooga this year (that's me on the left). The red sand is used as a visual representation of the human trafficking victims who fall through the cracks of our society every day, and our commitment to make sure that does not keep happening.

2023 Hootenanny: Seats are limited - Get your tickets today!

This year's Hootenanny for Hope is Tuesday, September 29th, at Mountain Heights in Soddy-Daisy. This year, we feature the music of Bluegrass Hardware. Learn more at www.blazinghoperanch.org/hootenanny-for-hope, or click the "tickets" link above to buy your tickets today.

Answered Prayer:

God is always faithful and always offers peace and comfort

Our graduating resident was awarded a scholarship that will help pay for a reliable car.

America's Best has agreed to give our residents a free eye exam and one pair of free glasses!

Operation Cross Country XIII leads to multiple arrests.

A nationwide enforcement campaign conducted by the FBI, working with state and local partners, led to the identification or arrest of 126 suspects of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses. In addition, 68 suspects of human trafficking were identified or arrested.

Prayer Pardn'rs

Please pray for the staff and residents as we grieve the loss of our horse, Sundae. We have residents who may feel triggered by this loss. Please also pray for the residents as they process some turnover in staff.

Please pray for the provision of a highly reduced rate on a reliable car for a resident scheduled to graduate later this year (her scholarship will help, but it is not enough).

Please pray for staffing as we are about to lose two of our full-time staff. (One is getting married and one is moving to an exciting opportunity in social media.)

Please pray that our annual fundraiser this year would raise significant funds. We continue to be grateful for the many "Freedom Wranglers" who support us monthly.

Please pray that we would partner with more churches who want to help us in our mission. We would be happy to come to your church and share what we do here.

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!

Donate

This email has been sent to you, because you are a customer or subscriber of Blazing Hope Ranch. Unsubscribe

Sent via