There are more than 3.5 million children in this country in need of intervention. We see them as we pick our children up from school, as we rush into the grocery store or sit in traffic. But, more often, we don’t. We don’t see them because they are constantly moving from one place to the next or they are hidden in the overwhelming nature of their circumstances. But they are there nonetheless, and they need family, love, shelter, food, safety and security. But, most of all, they are in need of hope. They need someone to take their hand and tell them they are going to be okay. They need to believe they have worth, potential and a future. They need to be given a chance.
For nearly 50 years, Big Oak Ranch has been determined to see abused, neglected and abandoned children, and bring them into our family. We’ve been able to welcome them home. We have helped them see light in the darkness. We’ve shared the Gospel of Christ, news that revives their souls and lifts their eyes. Because we know, Hope changes everything. Showing children Hope today changes their tomorrow.
Not only does bringing abused, neglected and abandoned children into loving homes give them security and hope in the present. But wrapping them in the peace and joy of a family can break negative generational cycles and teach them how to create healthy, loving families of their own one day. Just like AC and Donald.
Your support provides home for children who have suffered
With your help, we can make sure that every child at the Ranch receives family, education, daily care, and the chance to grow into godly men and women.
AC HANEY
They saw me.
A verse that I’ve always clung to is Jeremiah 29:11.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I remember hearing it, but I didn’t believe it for a long time. How could that verse be true when God allowed my mother to die so suddenly and at such an important age for me? How could that verse be true when I was enduring horrific abuse by those remaining who were supposed to love and guide me? I knew God was real, but I felt like He wasn’t listening to me.
I would pray every night for Him to take my father away, to just make him disappear. He was one of my abusers and I just wanted him gone. And, one day, he was. It was exactly 13 months after I lost my mother. We were at the beach celebrating her birthday and my father was pulled into a rip tide. By the time we got him out of the ocean he had too much water in his lungs, and he drowned on the beach right in front of me. I didn’t know what I was supposed to feel, but in that moment, I felt relief.
The following three years were, and still are, a blur. I moved in with my paternal grandmother but it wasn’t a stable situation either. I ended up running away over Christmas break, living in my car for a few weeks until the police found me. My grandmother told me I couldn’t live with her anymore and had me committed to a psychiatric hospital under false pretenses. I was in the hospital for 39 days on more medications than I could count, none of which I needed. I honestly don’t know how long I would have been there if it weren’t for Big Oak Ranch. The director of the Girls’ Ranch at the time personally came to the hospital to interview me. He truly saw me, a 16-year-old girl needing a chance. He and a social worker came back the next day and took me home.
As soon as we turned onto the drive at the Girls’ Ranch, I remember an overwhelming feeling of safety. That day, I met my Big Oak family. Ever since, they have been there for me. I have been blessed with two beautiful boys, Asher and Rawlin. The lessons I learned at Big Oak Ranch continue to be taught in our home! God had a plan for me all along - I once questioned it, but it wasn’t until I sought Him for it that He answered.
I’m thankful for every obstacle I had to overcome to get to where I am today. I’m thankful Big Oak saw a young girl who needed a chance. The Ranch and the people I met there have shaped me into the woman I am today. They helped me break the cycle so that my children will never have to wonder if they are loved. Because I will always be right there, cheering them on toward the plans God has for them.
For our children, Big Oak Ranch is a chance to find a loving, stable home.
The impact we have on our children spans generations. But we need you.
By giving today, you can help us provide a home, love, security and hope to more abused, neglected and abandoned children.
DONALD BUSHEY
God held on to me.
A verse that I’ve always clung to is Jeremiah 29:11.
For as long as I can remember, all I wanted was a family. When I came to Big Oak Ranch, I was young — I was only 10 — and had a lot of resentment. I didn’t understand what had happened to me at all. It took me some time — actually until my adult years — until I understood .
Coming to Big Oak Ranch was a game-changer for me.
It was a facility like no other and an opportunity like no other. It finally gave me a family — and gave me hope. The biggest thing I took from my time at the Ranch is I accepted Jesus Christ at age 12. Because God held on to me. You may stray from God, but God doesn’t stray from you. And He held on to me.
I remember where I came from and carry Big Oak Ranch with me always. I’ve been married for 23 years. My children see that I love the Lord and my children love the Lord. I’m so blessed to be able to pass that along to them.
When it comes to raising children – and I speak from my own experience — I know they are going to hold on to everything you say and expose them to. The more they see mom and dad love each other, the more mom and dad love them, and the more mom and dad love the Lord — it changes their lives, gives them hope and forms who they are. It’s amazing that the Lord keeps providing the people at Big Oak Ranch to take on this important role for children.
Join the Mission of Big Oak Ranch
Your partnership makes way for life-changing moments that are not only molding future families, but having eternal impact.