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

In Matthew 13:31-32, Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” As we’ve been through the process of hiring an Executive Director, I’ve been reflecting on how this ranch started as something so small, just an idea, but it’s becoming large enough now that a few ladies can “perch” in its branches and find shelter. 

As in prior years, you can participate in our online auction from home in case you’re not able to be at the Hootenanny in person. But there are auction items available only if you come to the Hootenanny in person. We will have a preview of those items for you by early to mid-September; check our Facebook page for updates.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31) God has used running, among other things, to build up my spiritual endurance to serve Him more completely.

I received my undergraduate degree in Anthropology and my masters degree in Disability Rehabilitation Counseling. For a while, I worked in my field, but God called me to a role in financial services. I spent the next twenty years working my way up through various roles in the financial services industry including becoming  a Certified Wealth Strategist and eventually a Senior Vice President at Pinnacle Bank. 

While at Pinnacle Bank I helped to grow their assets and services. However, after more than twenty years in the financial industry, I felt God’s tug to return to my earlier call to reach the lost and hurting with the gospel. Heeding His call, I resigned from corporate America in 2019. Since then, I’ve worked primarily with female inmates, teaching vocational and other life skills, to help instill hope as they navigate new life beyond prison.

When Jo told me about the Executive Director role (and after she assured me that she and David weren’t going anywhere!), I found myself waking up with ideas for the ranch that I felt God had planted in me. So I began the lengthy interview process with the Board. To take on this role truly feels like I have come full circle, and I suspect that God will use the knowledge, skills, and endurance I have learned in my life “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14.) I thank God for this opportunity to serve Him and the residents at the ranch, and I pray that He will use me to help many more women in need.

Please pray for Debbie as she makes the transition to our Executive Director.

Please be in prayer for our 2024 Hootenanny and auction. This is the main fundraiser for our mission, and we are looking to cover a substantial percentage of our annual expenses with this event. If you are unable to attend in person, please consider hosting a Watch Party or consider making a donation to the ranch.