My husband and I came to Grace Ranch for the first time in September 2005. Unfortunately my first impression was not a joyful one. I missed everything the city had to offer and the comfort and familiarity of my own home. I was also in a pretty bad spot personally and so being around people who so obviously knew the Lord and His ways and had a real relationship with Jesus, really made me not want to visit Grace Ranch.

On our first visit we only stayed for about 5 days, and by the time we were getting ready to leave I had decided I really loved it here! Not enough to move here, mind you, but it was peaceful, quiet, and a place to go to refresh my soul that was wearied from the turmoil in my heart and life.

I can honestly say that every visit for the next 8 years or so started the same way, with me not wanting to be here, and ended the same way, with me wanting to stay longer.

Part of my initial reaction to the ranch was because it was so extraordinarily rustic and that was not something I liked. It has come a long way over the years, when we first came out they had a bunk house for guests, a bathroom, a game room, a horse stall where the geese were kept and a bunch of campers. That was it. I don’t remember any luxuries like washing machine, TV, internet, phones etc. Now Grace Ranch has electricity, internet, phones, a well, water tanks, several buildings, a camp kitchen, a chapel, multiple bathrooms, campground area, some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets ever, etc.

In 2018 my family made the move from Arizona to Texas and we now live at Grace Ranch. My husband, daughter, dog and myself live out of a 2 bedroom camper at Grace Ranch and it was the best move we ever made!

There are currently 21 of us who call Grace Ranch our Home. It’s been a huge change for my family of 3 who went from living a very quiet life with no friends, no church group and nobody around us to now living surrounded by people.

Knowing that everyone who is here has chosen to be here because they believe this is where the Lord wants them, or because this is where they heard the true Word of God preached to them in a real way so where else would they go, helps us to love one another at all times.

Living at Grace Ranch has been an immense blessing to me personally! I’m a homeschooling mom of an only child, which comes with it’s own unique set of challenges. We are also blessed being able to homeschool with the other families at the ranch, do PE together, school together, group field trips and outings, group studies etc. It has enriched the life of my daughter dramatically and I’ve seen a wonderful change in her. It’s also made a difference to me because it’s challenged me to step up and do things I never thought possible, like teaching!

Suffice it to say, Grace Ranch is aptly named. We all need God’s grace and this is a place like no other I’ve ever been to, because Grace abounds!

3/9/2019