Teen Ranch Ministries

06/14/2026

Seeking first what truly matters.

06/13/2026

Who Do We Trust?

There are times in life when we have to make a decision, and most times we just know the best thing to do, at other times we must grapple between different options with no clear winner, rather a series of pros and cons that just do not add up.

“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this”
Psalm 35:10

At this point in time, and under some significant pressure, a vehicle owner is facing a great deal of duress to solve a problem. His car was rebuilt by a truly master mechanic and it was running well, till it wasn’t. Unable to return the vehicle to the builder, the mechanic is diagnosing the symptoms and coaching the owner from afar in an effort to resolve the issue. He knows the machine; he built it!

Other family members are putting pressure to diagnose and repair in their own city, but as a rebuild, information from diagnostics can be inaccurate. What to do? Obvious to most, is that he should trust the builder. But not to all.

We can be like that with God. We run into issues in life and think that others can help more readily than waiting on and listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, the very God who “built” us and knows us, even from afar.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7

Even though we do not “see” God we know He sees us and knows exactly what we need. Every single time, every single day. Oh that we would heed Him!

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. “ Psalm 32:8

Look at this verse, God does not just keep watch over us He watches with a loving eye!

How can we ever doubt His goodness to us, and not share the blessings of His desire to lead, guide and love us? Oh wait! That is what we do at Teen Ranch!

Again, your stories are important to us! You have experienced the goodness of God at the Ranch and we would love to hear from you. Please submit your story to
[email protected]

06/08/2026

It’s Awana awards night. We are so thankful for the impact God makes through this club in the lives of our children!

06/07/2026

Everything done in love.

06/07/2026

The Tree and Nick

For many years, there was an apple tree on the corner of the lawn of Ferguson’s Blacksmith Shop, at the crossroads at the Ranch. Sometime along the way it suffered a strike of lightning which removed one section of the trunk and hollowed out much of the core, yet left it standing.

Remarkably, year after year that wounded tree produced an abundance of beautiful blossoms in the spring and surprisingly, apples in the fall. How could that be?

Despite what it did not have, the trunk was still rooted to the source of nourishment, the rain still fell, and the sun still shone. The apple tree was still an apple tree, and fulfilled its purpose.

There are two types of people on earth who have been gutted, blindsided, traumatized, and literally ripped apart by unfortunate or deliberately evil actions. There are those who succumb to their tragedy and cope by using and abusing alcohol, drugs, power or despair. Others are like Nick.

Nick Vujicic is a legend of a man who was born without arms or legs and has gone on to inspire millions with his zest for life, dependence on God and outstanding achievements. He married a beautiful Godly woman and has become the father of four healthy children. How could that be?

Meet the man with no arms, no legs and no worries

https://youtu.be/tJnJ_fTYofQ?si=aJRcX6_tE4HF7wKN

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Where we ‘root” makes all the difference in how we live.

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.n Ephesians 3:17-19

The little apple tree expressed its abiding fullness in new leaves, blossoms and fruit till its life was done. Nick Vujicic expresses his solid connectedness to the Lord in his undaunted pursuit of life in all its joy, and exceptionality because of his deep roots in Christ.

At Teen Ranch we may not see the depth of pain, heartache or disabilities in our campers and staff but there is a probability they are there. May we ever encourage, support and inspire all we come in contact with as they overcome and move towards fulfillment in Him.

We suspect you have an overcoming story, please tell us!

PS. Many years ago,I took photos of the apple tree, alas, I have not been able to find them, if you have photos, please send them along!

[email protected]

Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs. After a childhood of bullying and thoughts of su***de, he is now one of the best motivational speakers there is. He is also married and has 2 kids (that have arms and legs). Next time that you think your life is hard I hope you think of this video and wha...

06/01/2026

Old Life and New Life!

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17

How can we possibly say it better?

If you have experienced the new life that is Christ, you can identify with the joy of the little tree growing inside the old tree. The absolute joy of shedding the dry,brittle,even rotting old life in exchange for newness and the ability to grow straight,true and tall towards the sun/Son!

Teen Ranch summer camp has been the start of many new lives in Christ, and we trust this summer will bring a beautiful harvest of souls.

Please pray for our directors, full time staff, leaders and summer staff to have, wisdom, wisdom and more wisdom for the months ahead!

05/31/2026

Joy is found in His presence.

05/25/2026

Remain

We recently hosted a new puppy and his parent for several days. He is a rather large puppy, rambunctious and headstrong, but at the same time, a cuddle seeker and hugely affectionate. The training was in well in progress but several instructions were on repeat. His name was used before every command, in order to bring him to focus, and to make it personal. Then the short command was given. Recurring admonitions of sit and stay, reminded me about God’s oft-repeated instructions to His followers.

As we check out these Scriptures we will see that there are different reasons to abide, be still, or remain.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
This one seems to say, just relax and I will show you who I am.

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
What? What kind of God is this? Many believers have seen God move for them when they could do nothing for themselves. How can you top this?

“As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.” 1John 2:24
Remaining in the Son and the Father? That is an upgrade from being human!

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him”. 1John 2:27
Remain in Him and enjoy the anointing!

"Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." 1 John 15:24
Remain in Him and bear fruit!

9 ““I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.” John 15:9
This is a great one! Love and joy!

The beauty of God is that His instructions are always, always, always meant for our good. The simple admonitions to be still, to remain, to abide, are for our benefit.

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31
We are a blessed people!

We know that there have been times in your life and Teen Ranch life that you have experienced the benefits of abiding in Him. Please send to
[email protected]

05/24/2026

Teaching kids to say, “Here I am, Lord.”

05/21/2026