SOMETHING NEW ALWAYS STARTS WITH A DREAM! Narrow Road Ranch Ministries started as a dream in the minds of Nathan and Belinda Smith in the fall of 2005. They had been working as houseparents at Show-Me Christian Youth Home for 2 1/2 years when the Lord gave them a vision for a brand-new ministry centered around the ranch. Inspired by the stories of healing in Kim Meaderís book Hope Rising and conversations with friend and rancher Kelvin Morgan, Nathan and Belinda committed themselves to see an exciting new ministry come to life. They envisioned a ministry that would specialize in using animals and the ranch lifestyle to expand the Kingdom of God.† Through much research, planning and guidance of the Holy Spirit, Narrow Road Ranch Ministries came into existence in fall 2006 by officially incorporating in the state of Kansas. Narrow Road Ranch Ministries made its official debut January 2007 with a promotion at Community Christian Church in Fort Scott, Kansas. Since that time, the Lord has mightily blessed this ministry as other people begin to catch the vision for what God wants to do.

PHASED PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

We have completed Phase 1 of this ministry. Below we have laid out the phases so you can share our hopes and dreams of what this ministry will one day become. The underline denotes completion.

PHASE 1 Become a not-for-profit corporation and gain federal tax-exemption status. Begin promoting the ministry and providing animal-assisted programs. Pay part-time salary for director. Determine the area in which the ministry will be located. Start mentoring program in the local community using horsemanship and dog training.

 

PHASE 2 Hold weekend retreats and seminars for adults and youth utilizing the ranch activities and atmosphere in conjunction with keynote speakers. Purchase property on which we will build our ranch facilities. Expand financial base to enable the ministry to pay a full-time director's salary. Develop property by building a house/office, barn, round pen and riding arena. Begin rodeo-themed day camps for kids

 

PHASE 3 Further property development such as cabins, bunkhouse and dining facility. Provide trail riding for youth groups, families, campus ministries and other organizations.