The Sun River Ranch Season #2 is Almost Under Way!

The first weekend in April, we had our first ever volunteer orientation at Sun River Equine Youth Ranch. The weeks before, we had many folks contact us regarding volunteering and we directed them to our online volunteer application. The one thing we have been praying for is that God would bring us amazing volunteers that feel called to serve at a place like Sun River Ranch. And, did He bring us volunteers! Let me tell you, the Ambler's living room was filled with the most amazing group of people. All different and special in their own way - some young, some a bit older. We spent an hour talking about what we are all about, how we do things and how we get through our summer. The key to doing it all is PRAY. LISTEN. DO. This starts our day, gets us though the day and keeps our eyes on how it all began.

The following weekends in April we have 'horse days' set up for the volunteers to come out, learn how we handle the horses, about their personalities, and what a day in the life looks like. This last Saturday was the first day we were out with the horses. It was AMAZING. To see all these incredible people listening, trying new things, laughing, and some sweet fellowship. God is answering my prayers. BIG TIME.

At the beginning of April, I created a prayer request list of the things that God had put on my heart for the ranch. These things are what I have been praying, and I will continue to pray for through the summer.

• Pray, Listen and Do
• safety
• relationships -draw closer to one another, open communication.
• Recognize the enemy's schemes and defeat him
• The Lord's word on our tongues and in our minds
• Provision for horse food and any medical needs
• doors open to share the Lord, and open ears for it to fall upon
• kids/parents to come to know the Lord
• bonding between the volunteers
• For the Lord to bring the called
• more of Him, Less of me
• die to myself each day
• creativity to flow
• motivation to stay organized
• keeping the Lord first, my family next and then the ranch
• generous community - for donations for our end of the season party/raffle items and food

He has brought the called, given us amazing people to help us this summer and serve our kiddos and their families. Tanya had balanced the check book after paying our emergency vet bill and for hay, we were bare bones. That same afternoon, we got a large financial donation.....Lord, you provide. This last weekend we bonded with our volunteers. One of our herd manager's husband offered to build a fence, and not just a fence...a much needed fence and he is doing an over the top phenomenal job (this was a HUGE priority). Another dear friends husband finished the front gate (top on our priority list). Lord - you met our needs!

In our bible study today, Beth Moore shared a verse to pray to bind the enemy. This is the biggest desire of my heart. That the Lord will cover the ranch. Matthew 16:19, 'asking God to bind Satan in Jesus' powerful name, and loose it to the full, trustworthy work of God through His Holy Spirit....As you and several others agree in binding the enemy, whatever is loosed, even if it is temporarily painful, will be from heaven and not from hell and will work for your good. Completely humble and surrender yourself and all things concerning you into His loving hands and His wise plan.' (Beth Moore)

Beth Moore has been a pivotal tool in the women's spiritual growth at the ranch. My sweet friends and sister's in Christ spend each week praying and studying God's word, and it has been the most amazing journey. God has grown us and healed us and I pray He will continue to lead us and mold us into the women he has called us to be. I KNOW this is the desire in each of our hearts.

We cannot wait to see what is in store... we will hang on tight to all He has for us. The hard and the amazing!

Praise you Lord...