News & Updates From The Ranch
CHRIST CENTERED. CHRIST HONORING.
For 122 years the Lord as seen fit to allow this ministry to exist on this corner of rural Flanagan, IL. The ministry has had its share of "ups and downs" but for some reason the Lord has kept His hand on the work here. We are convinced more than ever that our mission is to encourage boys and their families through the Hope found in Christ. We are SO grateful for the key role that you play in this ongoing ministry.

This brief e-newsletter is designed to both thank and remind you that you are making a difference! Know that you are always welcome here on The Ranch! Please come visit!
A Shelter In The Time Of Storm
On September 10, 2018 we received a message via Facebook from one of our former students which said "We are having a hurricane hitting Thursday and it supposed to be really bad. I want to come to the ranch if that is okay Wednesday through Sunday. If that's okay." He lives in North Carolina and he needed to evacuate. So why drive all that way to Salem?

After leaving The Ranch he told us things were good but then "I fell back in with 'friends' who were not a positive influence." He made some poor choices and broke the law. By his own testimony he shared how during his time here on The Ranch he met staff who loved him and lived before him modeling Christ. He had " tasted and seen that the Lord is good ." He wants to follow Christ. He wanted to come back and be around his mentors. He also wanted to apologize for, despite knowing better, making some poor choices after going home. Sometimes we need to hit rock bottom to be reminded that there IS a better way.

We as a staff were SO blessed to see him, catch up, interact and "love on" him while he was here. His visit was a solid reminder of why Salem exists! You may ask "Do my gifts to the ministry make a difference?" We say, ask a young man from North Carolina who drove through the night to spend 5 days back on The Ranch. Please pray for Alex and his family. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!
Modeling Jesus in a pumpkin patch!
When you read this headline you probably thought what does Jesus have to do with pumpkins? Glad you asked! You see Jesus said in Matthew 20:28 "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."

We have the opportunity to serve at Rader Farms in Normal, IL. A unique service project where we help pick and wash pumpkins, gourds and other fall produce. The guys are really enjoying the change of pace and the chance to do an activity off of The Ranch. The day starts with warm pumpkin donuts made there on the farm! YUM!

We will serve there for the next few weeks!
A "Sweet Day" on The Ranch
Last Wednesday it was honey harvesting day on The Ranch. All the boys had the opportunity to be a part of the activity. We harvested between 300 to 400 lbs of beautiful honey. If you are interested in local raw honey while also supporting the ministry you can purchase jars here on The Ranch or we will have them available at our Annual Banquet on October 25th at the Radisson in Normal, IL.

"My son, eat honey because it is good, And the h oneycomb which is sweet to your taste." (Proverbs 24:13)
Ministry Update and Support Banquet - October 25th
Because you care we want to invite you to our Annual Ministry Update and Support Banquet . Come and learn about how the Lord is using your gifts to have an eternal impact on boys and their families. Our theme is from Psalm 118:24. "This is the day that the Lord has made." Please join us for a yummy meal and learn about a day here on The Ranch.

For more information or to reserve your spot please either email or call Nicole here on The Ranch. The number is 815.796.4561 or her email is [email protected] . Table sponsorships are also available.

Please feel free to forward this "Impact Report" on!