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This is the fifth time I’ve written an annual recap for the newsletter, giving an overview of some of the ministry that occurred in 2024. Many of these highlights are things we do every year. Those events aren’t new, but the people involved are new, and the work God is doing is new. Each year, He is doing the work of making new creations at the Ranch. There is much to celebrate!
January
We started off the year by taking the young men into the mountains to build igloos (above). This annual trip never fails to make an impact, both on individuals and on the group as a whole.
Shortly after, we celebrated the high school graduation of a couple of students who completed their course work in January (below).
At the end of the month, the county inspector signed off on our newest residence, and Executive Assistant Salena Unitt and her husband, Josh, moved in. Ever since we applied for our current Use Permit in 1989, we haven’t been able to add residences on property without going through major, expensive processes with the county. The state’s new provisions for ADUs, however, enabled this project.
February
A few weeks later, the young women went on their igloo trip. Weather and snowpack conditions were quite difficult, but that only highlighted the strength and growth in leadership among the interns and senior students.
On February 6, we celebrated the arrival of Josie Jean, who was born to Maintenance Director Austin Sather and his wife Lindsay, both of whom were former interns.
March
For the second time, a group of students from Patrick Henry College in VA visited to do service projects and invest in the students. Then, on Easter Sunday, we celebrated another high school graduate at the end of third quarter.
April
On a chilly but clear day, the whole Ranch Family stepped away from the daily routines of school and chores to go cross country skiing, thanks to a massive discount from Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort. This was a first for many of the students and interns.
May
We held our first Agony Kickoff Ride on the American River Trail in Sacramento as a way for people to train together, connect riders, and encourage them to sign up for the Agony Ride.
June
The month began with another high school graduation celebration at the end of the school year. (Below: Sophie with intern Rachel at the June graduation) In a first in Ranch history, an alum delivered the graduation address, giving a personal charge informed by her time at the Ranch.
Then, on June 29th, the Ranch family grew again as Wyatt Arthur was born to Director of Student Life Jensen Near and his wife, Elizabeth.
July
Our annual Family Camp was filled to capacity and was another great time of fellowship, fun, and families ministering to each other. Retired college professor and former Ranch intern Fritz Moga was the speaker.
At the end of the month we hosted the 42nd Agony Ride. As always, it was an intense and impactful weekend of selfless, sacrificial service together. We had 59 first time riders and 139 riders total, both records. The total fundraising record was shattered, with this year’s projected number at $476K. The individual fundraising record was raised to $40,891 by Jensen Near. This generosity from our community of
supporters is powerful and moving.
August
During a heat wave we installed several ultra energy-efficient mini-split air conditioners, including a set for the main lodge living room space, which is also where we have church services.
At the end of August, the camp season began to slow. This year 18 groups used Angels’ Meadow, including churches, college ministries, family camps, youth retreats, and more. We share these facilities at no charge, and it’s a joy to hear stories of how the Lord worked in each group. Thanks to volunteers, a variety of upgrades were made to the Meadow facilities.