A Program to Help Struggling Young Men Find Purpose
My husband and I have been in full-time ministry for over twenty years now (wow, that makes me sound old!). One of the biggest challenges we have seen in the church and culture as a whole, is the struggle young men face when overcome by addiction or past wounds that they don’t know how to work through. As Christians, we wince and back away when we someone struggling in this way. But God calls us to draw near and to reach the man (or woman) suffering. I think one of our biggest reservations is the lack of knowledge and confidence in what to say or do. The best place to start is to pray. Then find help.
This is why I love ministries like Rockside Ranch. There are people to help care for and shepherd the hurting in ways we may be unequipped to. We just need to reach out.
Most people know a young man (18-24 yrs old) who is struggling. Countless young men are dealing with a lack of purpose or motivation, a technology or drug addiction, or just questioning their place in the world.
Rockside Ranch is a residential discipleship program on a working ranch that helps young men learn the skills they need to overcome crisis and thrive in work and life.
Every day, students at Rockside Ranch learn job skills as they feed and care for the livestock, life skills through a series of classes and workshops, and purpose as they grow closer to God and each other.
For young men stuck in a crisis, Rockside Ranch is a hope-filled way forward. Over 70% of graduates are employed or in school full-time today.
People often say, “I wish is had known about Rockside Ranch a few years ago...” as they describe a loved one who needed help. Most often, waiting makes things worse. Sometimes a guy needs to be reminded that his life is worth it.
Here are a few testimonials from students:
"Basically this chapter made me able to understand that not only was my crisis inevitable, but it was also a blessing in disguise. Without the power that comes with a crisis, I wouldn’t have been able to re-examine myself as productively and thoroughly as I have been here at Rockside." -Kevin
“I had been opposed to Christianity for a long time, and then agnostic, but I kept ending up in Christian environments over the past couple of years. After coming here and being in the program, I’ve had a change of heart towards Christianity, and it's something I really want to understand. I want to explore my faith.” -Derek
“When I came here, I didn’t want to change at all. I wanted to come out on the other side and stay the same. After some time resisting, I now see myself as malleable and able to consider new perspectives and think about ways I can and should change.” -Carter
“The best part of farming is waking up in the morning knowing that I’m doing the right thing.” -Brandon
First of all, if you know someone that is in need of help, don’t hesitate to reach out! Point them in the right direction, today! Most students are referred by family or friends!
Also, you can make an impact at www.rocksideranch.org. Here is how you can get involved:
1. Refer a student to the program
2. Join us in prayer
To help celebrate this incredible ministry we are giving away a pasture-raised meat bundle from their farm:
- 3 organic, pasture-raised chickens
- 2 pounds of pasture-raised cottage bacon
- 2 packs of pasture-raised breakfast sausage
( a $112 value!)
To enter:
Share this post on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram (be sure to tag @ruthschwenk on Insta or @ruthschwenkofficial on Facebook so I know you entered!) One winner will be chosen Monday, March 16th, 2020.
Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Rockside Ranch. All opinions are 100% my own.
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