We are less than a month away from our first camp of the summer; a summer that will prove to be our most impactful yet in the lives of abused and neglected children. For the fifth consecutive year, we’ve added additional camps to minimize the number of children we turn away, and only four days after registration was open in March every camp was full. We’ve decided to push our facilities to the limit and pack each camp with as many campers as possible to keep from turning them away. A waiting list is still growing.
The demand for the services Lonesome Dove Ranch offers, and the desire of foster families, case workers, and children’s homes to get children into these camps speaks to two important realities. First, the tragic need for places like this that will engage the brokenness in the orphaned heart. Second, it speaks to the credibility our team here at the ranch has established and the obvious impact their labor of love is having on these kids. We literally have campers coming from across the nation (from as far away as Alaska) to get to Lonesome Dove to experience the healing that happens here.
I probably don’t have to bring this to your attention, but the cost of everything is skyrocketing. In the past, we could run an entire summer of camps for $100,000. This summer, due to inflation, adding camps, and putting additional campers in each camp, it will cost us closer to $200,000. And remember, every camper is provided a scholarship. No children’s home, foster family, or caseworker is charged. The life change that happens here is a gift to these kids from people like you; the financial backers of Lonesome Dove Ranch.
Would you prayerfully consider helping us this summer with your best financial gift? A group of faithful partners who love helping kids and believe in what we do here have committed to match the first $75,000 given toward camps. Personally, I don’t believe there is ANYTHING nearer to the heart of God than these kids.
If you, your church, or your business want to sponsor an entire camp or a part of camp, here is a break down:
A gift of $30,000 sponsors everything for one entire camp.
A gift of $2,000 sponsors the group birthday party we throw for every kid at one camp. Some of these kids have been in the system so long and passed around to so many homes, they don’t know when their birthday is or how old they are…so we celebrate them with personalized cakes and a blowout party.
A gift of $600 sponsors everything for one camper for a week.
A gift of $75 dollars provides birthday gifts for one child.
A gift of $25 provides a personalized Kids Bible.
A gift of $15 feeds one child 3 gourmet meals for a day at camp.
As you can see, any gift makes a significant difference regardless of size. Please consider joining us in helping these kids discover the very different and beautiful story God has written for their lives . Only the love of the Father tangibly expressed can reach the deep places of pain they know…and we plan to be that love in flesh.
Remember, every dollar will be matched. Your gift will be doubled!
For the broken,
Dr. Bryan Jarrett
P.S. If you would like to use traditional mail, make your check out to:
“The Water Tower Network” and send it to P.O. Box 99 Wylie, Texas 75098 (The Water Tower Network is the charity that owns and operates Lonesome Dove Ranch.)
If you want to give online, please visit our website lonesomedovetexas.com/give Once you click that link, there will be an option to make an online donation.
P.P.S. PLEASE STAY TUNED. IN THE COMING DAYS, I WILL HAVE THE SECOND MOST SIGNIFICANT ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THIS MINISTRY. THE FIRST WAS WHEN WE LAUNCHED. THIS ONE HAS TO DO WITH A MIRACULOUS EXPANSION. A FEW MORE DETAILS HAVE TO BE NAILED DOWN BEFORE I CAN GO PUBLIC, BUT THIS IS BIG. I MEAN, REALLY BIG! PRAY WITH US. I’LL KEEP YOU POSTED.