Moving Forward In Faith

As the “new guy” around the Ranch, I’ve spent some time reading and exploring its 38-year history. As a student of organizational development it’s a joy to look at an organization’s history in order to see how God has moved and blessed the past in an attempt to consider what He might do in the future. During this exploration a few things have become quite evident:

With these facts in mind while considering all the hard work of the ReFocus Committee, staff, and volunteers, and with the heartfelt desire to see the ministry of Cran-Hill Ranch be what God desires - the Board of Directors has prayerfully and thoughtfully decided to Move Forward in Faith with a new Capital Campaign.

Phase 1: Youth Cabins / Family Camp Expansion
It has long been discussed by the board, committees, staff, guests, and all those connected to Cran-Hill that new cabins for the summer youth campers are desperately needed. These accommodations will allow the growing demands of camping age children to be met and will be fully winterized to meet the ever expanding retreat ministry. The current “A-Frame” cabins will be moved to another location on the Ranch and continue to be used. In addition, this phase will include family campground enhancements and should encourage more weekly camping. Approximately 2-3 Million Dollars.

Phase 2: Food Service Facility
In order to accommodate the current and projected growth in the youth camp and retreat season ministry, and to replace a tired and “well experienced” building, a new facility will provide food service to groups throughout the summer and retreat season. Our current Lodge may continue to serve Cran-Hill as a game room, recreation building, day camp facility, or retreat facility where groups can provide their own food service. Approximately 1-2 Million Dollars.

Phase 3: Infrastructure/Roads/Deferred Maintenance
Over time it’s easy for any ministry to defer the maintenance of items that are critical to effective and efficient operation. Cran-Hill is no different. Roads, septic systems, underground electrical, and plumbing as well as numerous other items often get postponed in order to use valuable resources for daily ministry to guests. This phase is as critical and possibly even more important than any part of this project. Approximately 2-3 Million Dollars.

Phase 4: Year-Round Indoor Horse Arena
Cran-Hill’s niche and draw is horsemanship. This facility will allow Cran-Hill to provide year-round horsemanship lessons and opportunities for significant ministry to the local community, summer, and retreat guests. Approximately 1 Million Dollars.

Phase 5: Multi-Purpose Facility
A multi-purpose facility to meet the expanding needs of the summer and retreat ministries. The vision for this building includes a multi-purpose gym, an indoor climbing tower, and meeting rooms for guest groups. Approximately 2-3 Million Dollars.

By now I’m sure you’ve added up the numbers and said - Wow! You might even be thinking that 8-12 Million Dollars sure seems like a lot, but we are confident that it’s not too much for the Lord. It’s all His, and our God is a Big, Big God! So, as we continue to seek the Lord throughout this campaign, we will remain faithful whether He provides for the first phase or all of the phases - we will rejoice and continue to Move Forward in Faith.

Will you Move Forward in Faith with us? You’ll receive more information in the months to come, but the Cran-Hill Ranch Board of Directors would like you to prayerfully consider how the Lord may lead you to participate in this step of faith. In the eyes of man it certainly is a significant undertaking, but the Lord has already graciously provided a $500,000 matching gift toward this project. So every dollar you give to Cran-Hill toward this project is automatically doubled. Please pray for the Lord’s guidance as we walk this journey to build for the future ministry of Cran-Hill.

Moving Forward in Faith . . . with you,

Scott R. Barger, Sr.