Timbers 2024 Issue 1 - Big Oak Ranch

TIMBERS MAGAZINE

When truly adopting the mantra of accountability that is a small thing repeated is not a small thing, it creates something no one is immune to or excused from – Pressure.

Especially in the realm of parenting, pressure is ever-present in moments that matter. And, in those moments, we can either feel it or apply it. There is one discipline that will separate us as we lead our families – Practice.

Practicing the faith we profess, practicing defining values, practicing meaningful investment in relationships…it shows our dedication to live in the small because we know both seized and missed opportunities can become large. We can choose to relieve the pressure of the major moments through applying it by way of diligent preparation that lends to victory, or we can fold. Practicing every day offers the benefit of failing when the stakes aren’t as high and allows us to be fully equipped for the moments that matter most in leading our families.

For 50 years, Big Oak Ranch has realized the importance of practicing excellence each day in the standard of care we offer, so that when the pivotal moments have come in the lives of our children and in the growth of our mission, we could see the fruit of changed lives and successfully step into the areas of impact God has provided. Without this disciplined commitment to practice leadership of our families, the temptation to fold to the pressures of this world can overcome us. I encourage you with five approaches to practice that we use in raising our children:

Practice with the right people.

Practice in a posture of faith.

Practice with purpose.

Practice with persistence.

Practice knowing your testimony is building.

As we commit to practice to relieve the pressure of pivotal, and often unexpected, opportunities that come in the lives of parents, the trust our children place in us will elevate because they will know that we won’t fold even under difficult circumstances. This has the ability to influence the character of our children as what they repeatedly hear and see, they eventually repeat.

Thoughtful | Persevering | Centered

Hobbies/Interests - Riding/caring for horses and fishing

Favorite memory - I was riding horses in the pasture and going through a rough time. Lily was the horse I was on and as we were sitting by the cows, the sun started to set. The sky got pink with a little blue, kind of like cotton candy. I started thinking about all of the good things I have in my life and started tearing up. A huge wave of peace came over me and I knew I belonged here at Big Oak. I started thinking about how this is where God wants me and I wanted to enjoy every moment while I am still here!

Advice for future seniors -Senior year might bring stress, anxiety, and sometimes sadness. Don’t let the wave of emotions bring you down. Think about where you want to be and why you want to be there and use that to your advantage. Think about how where you’re at right now can get you to where you want to be in the future.

I came to Big Oak Ranch after a period of moving from home to home and after six months of living at another children’s home. My situation seemed a little different than most. My mother was 46 when I was born, and my father was 57. Many health issues were present in our home, and by the time I was a young boy, I needed more accountability than what they could offer.

Thankfully, I had people in my life who wanted me to have an opportunity that I did not have in my current community and home - an environment where I could thrive as I began my teenage years. With Big Oak being a forever family, those who connected me knew I could stay there, be safe, and develop strong roots that would stay with me.

Showing that level of concern for my own kids has always been a priority. The Ranch instilled a lot in me regarding what you do for others and the father I set out to be for my children. I once thought I would reap what I sowed with my two children, but thank goodness, that hasn’t been the case.

My children, Ashley and Josh, look out for each other, just like we did at Big Oak. They understand it takes hard work to achieve things in life. They watched their mom and me work and understand the importance of a consistent, diligent, work ethic. They are educated and self-sufficient. They work hard with their spouses, and are generous and committed. I am blessed to be a Daddy to them both.

Two of my biggest encouragers in life were my houseparents, Brenda and George Hilburn, and I was fortunate to keep in touch with them until they both passed.

GET TO KNOW

Kyle Cantrell

If you were to ask what brings me the most joy in life, I wouldn’t have to think long. Ice cream, sports, and hunting come to mind, but the greatest joy in life is my family. My wife, Jeniferr, and I met in college a few days before the beginning of my freshman year. We ended up playing volleyball against each other that day. I ran into her at the net, knocked her down, and she was smitten. We dated through college and married as soon we graduated with our degrees in Counseling. We’ve been married for 27 years in June and have spent every one of those

years in full-time ministry. We served as Youth Pastors throughout the first eight years of our marriage, and we loved the relationships we built with our students. We have served in many different roles during our time in ministry and joined the staff here at Big Oak in 2021. I am honored to work with our team as the COO, leading the day-to-day operations of the Ranch. Jen serves as the Education Guide for ASCEND and has the opportunity to work with our college students, mentoring them and ensuring they are on track with their educational goals.

Our life revolves around family - our Big Oak family, and of course our three children who are as much a part of our ministry work as we are. Toren is a junior, Elyn is a freshman, and Baird is a 7th grader at Westbrook Christian School. Each of them is gifted in many different ways, but they share a love for soccer. All three of them play for Westbrook, so most of our time is spent at the soccer field. When we aren’t playing soccer, we love to camp, eat Thai food, serve at our church, and travel. But mostly, soccer.

It’s been 50 years since Big Oak Ranch was founded to bring life-changing Hope to children in need of a chance. As we celebrate all that God has done in the lives of more than 2,000 children who have called Big Oak home over the years, we invite you to celebrate with us.

What started with one home for five boys is now a network of ministries dedicated to giving abused, abandoned and neglected children a stable, loving Christian home and the opportunity to experience God’s grace.

While much has changed, our core mission remains the same: providing Christian homes for children needing a chance. This mission is deeply rooted in the four promises we make to every child who calls Big Oak Ranch home.