Blazing Hope Ranch September 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)

September

Between losing our horse, Sundae, being down one full-time staff member and preparing for our big annual fundraising event, I must confess that I am feeling worn. But then I remember what Paul told the Corinthians: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm...Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58). I pray that you also have faith that your trials are not in vain.

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

Online Auction is Now In Preview!

Our online auction opened for preview Monday, September 18th. Use this link to see the many incredible items and experiences which have been donated to support the Hootenanny for Hope this year, and decide which ones you might want to bid on when the actual online auction opens one week later, on Monday, September 25th. (Please note, this link will take you to the top of the page where you would normally purchase a ticket; scroll down to preview the auction items).

We praise God that the event is now almost sold out. But it is not too late for you to support it! We invite you to participate in the online auction from the comfort of your home in support of the important work we do, restoring some of the female victims of sex trafficking to wholeness. See below for many of the ways your financial support will be used.

Thanks to this years' sponsors for supporting the Hootenanny for Hope in 2023.

How Your Support Will Be Used

Our goal for this year's Hootenanny for Hope is $75,000. This represents approximately one fourth of our annual budget. Here is a list of just some of our ongoing expenses for which we are seeking support:

Residents

$4,800 per month for therapeutic activities and basic needs for six residents

$650 per week for professional trauma counseling

Horses

$300 per month for hay (this number is approximate; costs can vary)

$188 per month for farrier services for our entire herd

If there is a specific need listed above which you would like to help support (any amount is fine), simply write in the note field when you click on the "Donate" button below - or just click here to be taken directly to our donation page.

Meet Jerry!

Yes, he's so big he doesn't fit in the frame of this photo! Jerry is a Percheron, and he's a recently retired carriage horse who was donated to the Ranch. Most retired carriage horses don't have many good options for their future; both his former owners and we here on the ranch are grateful that Jerry can have a productive second career. You can learn more about his story at this link and why this is such a perfect situation for everyone involved. We're thankful for how God worked this out!

Answered Prayer: Praise God for the high interest in our 2023 Hootenanny for Hope event. We're almost sold out!

Comprehensive legislation against human trafficking has been growing.

Read how laws have been shored up to better address human trafficking across the U.S. since the year 2000. Great summary with the opportunity to go deeper if you want.

Prayer Pardn'rs

Please pray that we would fill our open position soon! It is hard both on the remaining staff and on my family when we are short-staffed.

Please pray for a resident who is graduating in December. Please especially pray that God will orchestrate all of the pieces she needs to have a successful departure, including a reliable car and safe housing for her and her daughter.

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