Why Rock Nest Ranch? Well, in part, I don’t know! Sometimes the Lord captures our hearts for a particular ministry, and that’s the case with Rock Nest Ranch for us. He picked this ministry out for us, we didn’t pick it out for ourselves. And we’re really glad He did!

One of our core values as a family is in finding a place to serve the Lord and then giving our lives to serve the Lord in that one spot. Not because there aren’t a million other great spots. But because the Lord has placed us in this spot. We’ve seen our parents do this, serving the Lord with their gifts faithfully in a singular church for decade after decade. And their efforts have made lasting impact for God’s Kingdom in those places. And it’s what we’ve endeavored to do at Evergreen, too, to put down roots and serve in that particular church for a long, long time.

Similarly, we’ve been given a gift to be involved in the ministry at Rock Nest Ranch. And so we have continued to serve there for many years, bringing teams of teens, families, and friends along with us. We can’t make a difference for the Kingdom of God in every location around the world. But if we stick with one and serve diligently over many years, maybe we can have a real and lasting impact there. In fact, we are counting on it!

While the work of bringing the Gospel to First Nations people has been ongoing for many years, there continues to be a significant need for both evangelism and discipleship. There are a few small churches among the various communities that Rock Nest serves, and many people have professed faith over the years through these churches and through the camp ministry. But largely, these communities are full of people who do not yet actively walk with the Lord. The harvest truly is plentiful, and we are grateful for the chance to be some of the workers.

I am reminded of what Mark records about Jesus in Mark 6:34, when it says “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” The need remains, that these communities would discover Jesus to be their one true shepherd and overseer of their souls. And so that is what compels us to serve the Lord at Rock Nest Ranch, that the kids, teens, and families who come to Rock Nest might meet Jesus and place their faith in Him for salvation. What a tremendous opportunity we have to teach about Jesus and to model His character to kids, teens, and families who have not yet met Him.