Rancho el Camino exists that people would encounter the presence of God.
"Pedro! Pedro!" were the words I heard as a cowboy from one of the
neighboring ranches approached the fence on his mule following our 1 week long youth camp. As he came closer I realized that
he was the local rancher that has been causing trouble amongst the other ranches. Over the past couple of months he has come
close to physical confrontations with several of my neighbors, shot a neighbor's dog and threatened just about everyone in
some form or another. He is a hard-hearted, angry man and I cringed as he called my name through the fence. I thought, "I
wonder what he wants? What did we do to offend him?" The cowboy began, "Where did all the young people go?"
I responded, "They've returned to their homes, Easter camp is over." Then he said, "Every night I could hear
the worship songs in my home. I like the worship music. It can touch a man's heart. There was one of the songs I really liked.
It touched MY HEART and I began to cry." I stood there at the fence filled with wonder at how the Holy Spirit was at
work in a ranch 1/4 mile away, tearing down walls and bringing healing to one of the hardest people we know. He ended the
conversation saying "It's good for a man to be sensitive in certain areas of their life isn't it, Pedro!?!" With
joy I replied, "Yes, that is true." God used the worship of a 140 teenagers to reveal himself to a lonely hard-hearted
man. The streams of living water continue to flow from Rancho el Camino, often reaching the barren desert places of one's
heart.
Easter Camp 2012
As I sat on the peak of one of the mountains overlooking the ranch during our Easter Camp, the Lord opened my eyes
to a dream realized. Teenagers from all over Southern Baja came together to celebrate and be encouraged in their faith. From
where I stood at that moment on the mountain looking down at the ranch, I could see students riding in the upper corral, another
group of kids bouldering and repelling deep in the river bed, some learning worship songs on the palapa and the rest by my
side in the mountain. A dream realized... that all who come would experience the presence of God, be equipped for His work,
and extend His kingdom, all for His glory! Praise God for each of you who continue to pray and support the ranch. It is for
moments like this that we pour our hearts into this ministry. Trusting that God is using it to impact lives for eternity!
Horse Ministry Kick-Off
Our first day started
picking up children in Marques de Leon. As we approached the park we could see 4-5 children waiting for us. Then little Freddie
waved us down from the local convenience store and hopped in the van. From there we drove to Miguel's house to pick up his
family. To our surprise Miguel, his wife, their two children AND several other children jumped in. The van was full- Praise
God! The Horse ministry continues to be a powerful tool that God uses to reach lives for Him. It serves as one of our bridge
ministries, providing opportunity to build valuable relationships with families in Marques de Leon. Miguel is an incredible
example. We met Miguel in the park one evening and our relationship continues to grow. Miguel is regularly attending church
now on Sunday with his wife. Every week we hold a Bible study with him at his house and now he is attending and inviting others
to the Horse Ministry. Last week my co-worker Phil had the opportunity to share the Gospel with Miguel and when his wife came
home, he asked Phil to share everything all over again! Pray for their salvation.
At Risk Youth
The partnership between
the ranch and the local police continues to grow. On March 10th you could hear the sounds of police sirens coming toward the
ranch. As the cloud of dust cleared a police car and police bus emerged wiht 30 at-risk youth. The teens and police quickly
separated into teams and several began service projects on the ranch. As I looked into the eyes of these young men and women
I could here them saying, "Look, I can do it! I can pour a floor. I can paint the fence. I can move the rocks. Just give
me chance. I will show you I can do it!" They were a blessing to the ranch and accomplished a great deal as they set
their energy and focus upon a common task. After a swim in the pool they spent a couple of hours with Cher and the horses.
To end the afternoon we gathered under the palapa and I was able to clearly communicate the gospel with them and encourage
them to make the best decision they could make with their lives- surrender them to Jesus.
God's Provision!!!!
God
is awesome! By God's grace we were able to buy 25 mattresses just days before camp started. Four batteries were also added
to the solar system just before camp due to the generous donations from a construction team last month and by God's grace
we now have a refrigerator functioning in the outside kitchen. If that was not enough good news. Through the generous donations
of an individual donor and a supporting church the roof project on the dorm will move forward. The roof should be completed
by the end of May.
Praise God for everyone that has partnered with the ranch through financial
giving. God is raising up the ministry at Rancho el Camino.
New Staff Members
The Johnson family
has arrived safely in Guadaljara. Peter and Emily Johnson have joined the team here at the ranch and will arrive in La Paz
in January 2013. Peter's heart is to grow the camp ministry and spiritual formation components of the ranch. While Emily has
a huge heart for the community development aspects of the new Church plant in Marques de Leon. Please pray for them as they
transition to their new home and ministries here in Mexico. Please keep Amy Bruff in your prayer as she continues to move
forward with the process of serving full time with TEAM here at the ranch.
The
Next Few Months
Summer Internship Program:
The summer internship program starts in June. Please pray for the interns that they will encounter God, be
equipped for the work of God and extend the kingdom of God while they are here. Short Term Teams:
This year we will host short term missions teams form all over US through out June and July. Please pray that
God will grab hold of ever leader and student and use these trips to raise up warriors for Jesus - a generation sold out to
the cause of Christ. Please pray for the ranch staff as we prepare to receive these teams. We will keep you updated as the
days approach. Furlough: We
will return to the states in August for 5 months to connect with friends and family. Please pray that the Lord would provide
a house close to our home church in New Jersey and please pray that the time will be used by God to accomplish all he wants
to accomplish.
