09/08/2026
LOA Youth Ranch – Weekly Reflection( last week)
Highlight of God’s Love
One of our favorite moments this week began with something simple—painting a pony pink.
As a child talked about how beautiful Latte looked, her session leader gently shifted the conversation from outward beauty to what makes someone beautiful on the inside and how God created us for something deeper.
The child began sharing about some words and behaviors she regretted, especially when she felt anxious or overwhelmed. Instead of being met with condemnation, she was given a safe place to talk honestly about her feelings, how our words affect others, and how we can choose differently.
That is what we pray happens at the ranch. Sometimes God uses a horse, a paintbrush, and a trusted adult to open the door to a conversation about our hearts and our need for Him.
This week was filled with small but meaningful signs of growth.
We saw children practice sharing and compromise, work through disappointment, improve their listening and self-regulation, try new things, and become more comfortable opening up. One child who arrived exhausted and barely wanting to talk eventually engaged through a quiet art activity. Another demonstrated patience and self-control while riding and discovered that the gentleness we use with horses can teach us something about how we treat people.
There were conversations about school, anxiety, friendships, anger, grief, family relationships, faith, and what it means to encourage others. We even saw one child demonstrate noticeable growth in how she handled difficult emotions—calmly talking through something that previously might have produced anger.
These moments may seem small, but we believe God works powerfully through them. A barn chore, a horse, a chicken, a craft, or a quiet conversation can become an opportunity for a child to experience patience, grace, truth, and the love of Christ.
Prayer Requests
Please pray for our kids as they begin a new school year, for continued growth in managing emotions and relationships, and for God to give our leaders and families wisdom as they love and encourage each child.