A Time of Reflection |
Article dated 11/16/2016 By Dennis Blake -- To My Brothers and Sisters in Christ |
It's hard to believe that Nancy and I are going on our sixth year of ministry. It seems like yesterday when we moved into our home in Hazelton. What a joy we've had in being a family to twenty-six boys. Each day is a new day filled with many adventures and difficult challenges.
A friend of mine asked me just the other day, "if you had it to do all over again, would you do things any different?" I stated without a doubt that I wouldn't have traded my experiences with the boys for anything in the world. I know Nancy feels the same way. What better way to spend my life than to provide boys a new beginning and hope only found in Jesus Christ. Loving them just the way they are and giving them peace found in Jesus Christ brings me pure joy. I enjoy the humbling experience knowing that I can't do this on my own. God has to be there right beside me. Some days when everything seems crazy, I go outside and look at the stars. I feel the presence of God saying, "See, I have all the stars right where they need to be and you can trust me because I have you just where I want you to be." I hear the words of God saying, "In this world, you will have trouble, but just remember that I have overcome the world." Comfort comes over me and my fears go away.
On many nights, the boys and I have devotions. All twenty-six have heard about Christ's love and his saving grace. Many have come to know the Lord, some have a hard time understanding how God could love them and others choose to enjoy the sinful pleasures of this world. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's sad to see our boys leave because of their opportunity to be reunited with their family or because of disruptions in the home. But the greatest reward found in both situations are when some boys stay in contact with us by coming and seeing us or calling us to let us know how they are doing.
One of the greatest blessings in the last five years is each one of you. I've had so many wonderful people that have compassion for you boys who have no home or have experienced a life of incredible trauma. You've prayed for the boys and have provided support in so many ways.
If God didn't start this ministry, I wouldn't have met you. From the Freedom Gates Board members to the women who work in the office; from the men who meet with me once a week to pray for the boys to our small group; from my church and the church in Rozel to all the churches throughout Kansas and Oklahoma; from my family to the friends I've met in the Kiowa and Hazelton area; from the women who work at the General Store to the school who has made an impact on the boys; from the World Mission Builders to all who have had a part in the renovations, I say a sincere thank you! During this Thanksgiving season, I am blessed to have experienced your love.
I really don't know what tomorrow will bring. But my hope is that as long as Freedom Gates Boys Ranch exists we will be committed to loving them just the way they are, to illustrate by example the importance of the family and to give them hope in Jesus Christ that will last for eternity.
A fellow Servant in Christ,
Dennis Blake
A friend of mine asked me just the other day, "if you had it to do all over again, would you do things any different?" I stated without a doubt that I wouldn't have traded my experiences with the boys for anything in the world. I know Nancy feels the same way. What better way to spend my life than to provide boys a new beginning and hope only found in Jesus Christ. Loving them just the way they are and giving them peace found in Jesus Christ brings me pure joy. I enjoy the humbling experience knowing that I can't do this on my own. God has to be there right beside me. Some days when everything seems crazy, I go outside and look at the stars. I feel the presence of God saying, "See, I have all the stars right where they need to be and you can trust me because I have you just where I want you to be." I hear the words of God saying, "In this world, you will have trouble, but just remember that I have overcome the world." Comfort comes over me and my fears go away.
On many nights, the boys and I have devotions. All twenty-six have heard about Christ's love and his saving grace. Many have come to know the Lord, some have a hard time understanding how God could love them and others choose to enjoy the sinful pleasures of this world. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's sad to see our boys leave because of their opportunity to be reunited with their family or because of disruptions in the home. But the greatest reward found in both situations are when some boys stay in contact with us by coming and seeing us or calling us to let us know how they are doing.
One of the greatest blessings in the last five years is each one of you. I've had so many wonderful people that have compassion for you boys who have no home or have experienced a life of incredible trauma. You've prayed for the boys and have provided support in so many ways.
If God didn't start this ministry, I wouldn't have met you. From the Freedom Gates Board members to the women who work in the office; from the men who meet with me once a week to pray for the boys to our small group; from my church and the church in Rozel to all the churches throughout Kansas and Oklahoma; from my family to the friends I've met in the Kiowa and Hazelton area; from the women who work at the General Store to the school who has made an impact on the boys; from the World Mission Builders to all who have had a part in the renovations, I say a sincere thank you! During this Thanksgiving season, I am blessed to have experienced your love.
I really don't know what tomorrow will bring. But my hope is that as long as Freedom Gates Boys Ranch exists we will be committed to loving them just the way they are, to illustrate by example the importance of the family and to give them hope in Jesus Christ that will last for eternity.
A fellow Servant in Christ,
Dennis Blake