​Did you know there are creative ways you can support Christian Encounter Ranch that will benefit you, your loved ones and the ministry?

​Contact us to hear more about Planned Giving and how you can make a lasting legacy in the lives of our students and interns.

Around the world, Covid-19 is highlighting fragility and need in society, and not just with medical and economic systems. Social disruption, family chaos, and emotional fallout are evident too, and underneath all lies a gaping spiritual need. For 50 years, Christian Encounter Ranch has been devoted to addressing these very issues. You can help us do this by signing up for the Agony Ride today.

Despite the unknowns of the coming months, we will still be hosting the 38th annual Agony Ride at the end of July. We plan to ride in the Sierra Valley as usual. If gatherings that size are prohibited, we have contingency plans, such as subdividing into smaller groups. Even if tight restrictions are in place, you can still participate: our team of tech volunteers is creating a whole set of fantastic new tools that allow a virtual option. On July 24-25, you can ride wherever you are, anywhere in the world. 

Due to quarantining, this year we're more aware of our hunger for caring and authentic community than normal. The camaraderie of the Agony and the demonstration of Christ's sacrificial love that takes place in that valley cannot be replaced. If our gathering is limited, there will be loss. 

But the virtual option will result in new joys and opportunities. It allows people unable to travel to participate--maybe for the first time. It creates new opportunities to recruit friends in other locations. It gives people with tight work schedules the ability to ride too. The Agony will still happen, life-saving money will still be raised, and you can be part of it. 

The purpose for the ride stays exactly the same: overcoming the cycles of brokenness, one story at a time. If anything, the lapse in societal structure makes the Ranch program for struggling youth more strategic and necessary than ever, and the economic downturn puts our scholarship fund squarely in the spotlight. We are so grateful for our Agony riders, who allow us to give scholarships to 100% of the young people who come to us for healing and a fresh start. 
 
Sign up today to be part of a worthy cause: saving lives and giving hope. In the meantime, build your immune system and strengthen your lungs by going on a bicycle ride today!

For more details, check out the FAQs on AgonyRide.org. We will keep you posted as restrictions change and plans in line with state and local guidance develop.

Your partner in this good work,

Nate Boyd
Executive Director

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Excitement is building, plans are firming up, a schedule of events is set, and there will be plenty of time to relax and reconnect with friends from the past 50 years of Christian Encounter Ranch! Here’s what you can expect.

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Friday, Sept. 18: Check-in begins at 4 p.m. followed by dinner, a fun family “game show” with a campfire available for any who like.

​Saturday, Sept. 19: Activities (zipline, archery, boating, etc.) will be open and the current Ranch family will challenge the formers to an Ultimate Frisbee game on the new athletic field. A barbeque in the meadow will fill folks up, and music through the decades and a slideshow will complete the day. 

Sunday, Sept. 20: You won’t want to miss Church in Angels' Meadow, the afternoon Ranch Family Jeopardy Game, further opportunities to fellowship with friends, and an Untalent Night to remember!
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Tent sites and cabins are available at the Ranch (reserve now!) on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge for the event. If you prefer a local motel or hotel, we urge you to reserve your rooms soon.

Accommodations are available at discounted rates at two local motels: The Northern Queen Inn in Nevada City (530-265-5824) and the Springhill Suites by Marriott in Auburn (530-492-5656). Reservations must be made 30 days in advance.

Below, the three staff riders that comprise this year’s Team CER share their motivation behind riding. To sponsor a rider, visit agonyride.org. This year’s Agony Ride takes place on July 24-25, 2020.

Zoya Lee, Communications Coordinator
Mileage goal: 300 miles

​In 2010, I came as a one-year intern, stayed for two, then asked if I could hang around to help update our publications. One year later, I joined the staff team. The bonus to sticking around for a decade is getting to catch a glimpse of the expansiveness of the Ranch family as people return to visit - staff, interns, and students alike. The testimonies of lives changed is undeniable. But the best part of my job is getting to sit down with our students - those here now, who are in the muck and mire of seeking change in their lives - and telling their story, testifying to God’s power and great love. There is no better story to share - stories of transformation, of healing, of hope. Please partner with us so that these stories can continue to be rewritten and that lives can continue to be changed.

Sharon MacLean, Accountant
Mileage goal: 275 miles

Nearly ten years ago, I was drawn to Christian Encounter because I desired to be a part of helping others close the gap between where they are and where the Lord calls them to be. I wanted to partner with Jesus to see the full capacity of Isaiah 61 on the earth. Each day at the Ranch, the Good News is being proclaimed. Each day, with the help of the Holy Spirit, young people take courageous steps from bondage toward freedom, brokenness toward healing, mourning toward joy, ashes toward beauty, and devastation toward restoration.

​This year, I find myself excited to ride in the 2020 Agony, because by riding I get to partner with Jesus to bring freedom, healing, joy, beauty, and restoration to the students’ lives. Will you join me?

Jensen Near, Director of Student Life
Mileage goal: 300 miles

Serving at the Agony Ride has been one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever had. These last two years it has been incredible to get to sag at Beckwourth, getting to do the behind-the-scenes work to support our riders as much as possible. For 24 hours, 200 brothers and sisters unite behind one cause to bring hope and healing to hurting young people.

​And now, it’s my turn to ride. I am so excited to undertake the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenge of riding as a part of the staff team this year. The students are always deeply impacted to see the physical display of love and sacrifice of all the riders on their behalf, and I am beyond excited to get to serve as one of those people this year!