Projects in the US 2023

The Story of Redemption

Dear Family and Friends:

Time truly does seem to go by so fast! In some ways it feels like we just wrote, but it has been 3 months since we last shared an update on how God is moving here in Oklahoma. It is always a pleasure to write and tell the story of what God is doing.

At our local church fellowship we have been digging deep into God’s Word and studying God’s

Redemption story as detailed through out the entire bible. This has been such an encouragement to our own hearts and been a source of reflection in ministry. The definition of redemption,. “the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, evil.” is a powerful image of what God has done for us. All of us. No matter who we are, what we have done, or will do, God’s sacrifice on the cross redeems us.

We are excited to share about the work that God is doing in the life of one family here in Colcord. Isabella and Kida (2 Cherokee girls) were previously forbidden to come to anything related to the church, or the Christian faith. God has been at work however in the heart of their mom and they have been regularly coming to chapel in the school, in addition to other events where Christ is proclaimed. We recently got them bibles and they are eager to read and ask great questions. Meeting with them in such a blessing! Pray that they will come to know the Lord personally and that God will be at work in the mother’s heart as well. God desires to redeem them from their sin and create in them New Life! Praise God for the power of the gospel.

Summer Theme

Every year our Summer Program team seeks the Lord as to the theme that is to be shared in daily chapel during summer camp. This is truly a very important decision as it shapes the focus. This summer the theme is: “Mosaic: Piercing together the truth of who Jesus is.” based on John 14:6. Please be in prayer with us as chapel speakers prepare their sermons and seek God as to how to share this important message. We know that our culture is deeply deceived and presenting an opposing message that many young people are buying into. Here at New Life Ranch we are committed to sharing the true and only gospel. It is

Jesus Christ who saves, through the power of His death and resurrection. Please pray that many more will believe and come to faith in Christ!

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

What’s Ahead

It truly has gone SO FAST! Keegan graduates High School on May 18th and we will host his Open House on May 19th. Over the course of the last couple of years Keegan has developed a strong passion for welding and looks forward to pursuing college level training down in

Russellville, AR (2.5 hours from home). He will begin college on June 17th, starting in their summer semester. Please pray for him as he launches into this next season of life in pursuit of what God has for him. He has been struggling lately and we ask that you pray for him. As parents we would covet your prayers for him as he seeks out friendships, a church, and community in Russellville.

Keegan is hard worker, who loves to work with his hands both creatively and in repairing things. We are proud of him and excited for this next season of his life.

Mentoring/Counselling

We have been asked to lead a weekly prayer/devotion at the flag pole every Wed. morning. This is a joy for us and a great opportunity to share with the local teens. It is optional but many kids seem eager to come. We thank God for this opportunity to share about Him!

One of the greatest joys in ministry here in Colcord, OK is seeing the impact one life has on another. Last summer, we had shared the tragic loss of a teenage girl (Tenley) in the community. Through her death I began working with her older sister (Hailey) in a counselling setting. Hailey began to slowly open up about this loss, in addition to past hurt in her life. The process has been very challenging for her but through this we have now begun to work with another sister and the mother. They have

referenced the change they have seen in Hailey’s life and have reached out for help. Hailey has recently applied to work part time at New Life Ranch in the kitchen, desiring to be a part of the community and help serve. Praise God! God’s ways are above our ways. While we cannot always see the “why” and sometimes never will, it is amazing to see how HE uses all things for good. Please keep praying!

Our Family Update

We are experiencing a very unique winter here in OK with snow (and we love it!). Aside from ministry, we continue to be busy as a family while also carving out time to spend together. Both of the boys are working part time in their respective jobs while involved in church and other activities. Lauren is very involved in youth group and her friend group has started a bible study together. It is encouraging to see their desire to learn God’s Word. She was in full swing in track season, but had a knee injury and had to step down. This has been disappointing for her but a good decision as her knee heals. This summer we anticipate another busy summer with Lauren prepping for high school band. She will have several weeks she has to be in “marching band training”, in addition to attending summer camp and doing some part time work at New Life Ranch. We hope, Lord willing ,to visit family in both Canada and Michigan and connect with them there. Please pray for us through the summer as it is often a very busy time both in ministry and this summer with launching Keegan into his college program. We are looking for times of rest amidst the busyness and trust it will be a good summer.

Please Join Us in Praying!

Thank you for joining us in praying for God’s work here in Oklahoma! We know God hears and answers the prayers of His people according to His will. We are excited for both what He is doing and what He will do as we continue to build relationships and share God’s Word.

I (Karen) have been given the opportunity to teach and lead a parent group on vaping/substance abuse in Colcord. Please pray as this allows me to interact with more parents and build trust with them.

Seth has been studying hard for his upcoming ASE re-certification exams (mechanical exams). He will take these 4 exams in February. Please pray for him.

Praise God for the summer staff that have already been hired for summer camp! Pray He will provide the remaining staff needed to be fully staffed this summer.

Pray for several families we are working with that are in need of Christ. They are struggling with relational conflict, substance abuse, trauma, etc.

Pray for our children to finish the school year strong and to grow in their own walk with God.

We have a busy spring ahead of us and appreciate your prayer for our family and this ministry. If you would like to contact us please email us at seth@newliferanch.com or

karen@newliferanch.com