Home From Haysi, VA

by Anita Grote,

staff member

We just pulled in a couple days ago from the Haysi, VA, mission trip/fun weekend in Nashville. For some

reason, the last 10 days have felt like a month. Maybe it was because so much happened.

The mission of our trip was to work with a team to put on a VBS for the community of Haysi. In addition to that, a small group of people from Oklahoma put on another VBS in the afternoons (the big one was in the evenings) at an apartment complex a little ways out of town. Our girls were involved in teaching stories, doing crafts, playing games, putting on skits,

and taking care of babies so the moms could go to the adult class. Lots of activity, lots of different people. In that, I kept seeing this one theme being played out again and again.

Not too long ago I listened to a man teaching (recorded from a Wild at Heart

retreat) about how people will view their lives as living on one of two ships – a cruise ship or a battleship (and this has been the topic of many conversations lately). They are either looking for their pillows to be fluffed and the food to taste just right or they’re reaching for more ammo because the enemy just won’t let up. Unfortunately, we all live on a battleship whether we want to come to terms with that or not. On our trip to Haysi, that reality was constantly before me. The beauty of God and the ugliness of satan waging war for the same territory – the hearts of all these people around me (and mine too). First of all, if you put 6 teenage girls (with their struggles and difficulties, like our kids have) in a really confined space for 10 days, you’re creating all kinds of opportunities for conflict. And that happened. The enemy wasted no time. The ugliness was evident in harsh words and hurt feelings, pain and division. But then … with some clear communication, taking responsibility, giving and receiving apologies and forgiveness – beauty stepped in. It came to reclaim the glory every time.

Then I looked at the faces of the kids that came to the church every night. Now of course I don’t know anything about them or what their stories are, except of what I learned of the culture of their community. So I’m only looking skin deep and I’m tellin’ you – I see beauty

everywhere. Little boys doing back hand springs in the grass and girls with pink bows in their hair. Then I talk to a mom and she tells me about multiple surgeries her son has been through and blood transfusions for her daughter (both under the age of 8). Or the kids whose behavior tell stories of the love and supervision they need at home but aren’t getting because of drugs (or whatever else). Yeah, the ugliness had to come in somewhere. In these cases it was hard to find beauty’s victory. And maybe it’s not there today but the war isn’t over yet and God told me Who wins in the end.

I am brutally reminded to stay tapped into the Source of bigger bullets than the ones coming at me.

Firefighters on staff serve double duty

By Greg Pitts, staff member

I’d like to thank the Glenhaven staff members who are volunteer fire fighters. They fill a vital need on the Ranch as well as in our surrounding community.

About five years ago, we decided it would be appropriate to try and put in a fire station here at Glenhaven. At the time it took over twenty minutes just to drive to the Ranch from the nearest fire station, let alone get trucks started and gear on. Having equipment and firefighters on site seemed like the best answer for improving fire protection. Since its inception, the substation at Glenhaven has been a part of the Nmrod-Aplin Volunteer Fire Department. There have been almost 20 Glenhaven staff members that have gone through the training to be firefighters. Currently, there are 10 active members of the department at the Ranch. We also have a pumper truck and a brush truck garaged on the property.

A wonderful by-product of having firefighters on Ranch is the fact that several of them have gone on to train as first responders for medical emergencies. They are called upon regularly to deal with various medical situations with residents, staff and volunteers. It takes close to 30 minutes for ambulance personnel to arrive at the Ranch. Having medical assistance here is very valuable.

Glenhaven first responders also make calls out in the community for vehicle accidents and medical emergencies.

Looking ahead, we are hopeful about upgrading out trucks and equipment. Glenhaven is blessed to have a spring-fed pond on site that holds approximately 900,000 gallons of water year round. Our desire is to develop a water distribution system for firefighting using this resource. These improvements most likely will require funding from grants.

I am grateful for those staff members who participate on our fire department. Their willingness to serve the needs of Glenhaven residents is enhanced by their service as firefighters. They also serve as ambassadors from the Ranch to the community.

Remodeling the education process

By Bud Oliver, staff member and teacher

Since May, a dedicated team of Glenhaven educators has been diligently meeting and planning, and planning and meeting, in expectation of the new school year. Our task was to re-write both the teacher and student policy manuals, which we’re just putting the finishing touches on. I’m excited about this coming school year because we’re implementing a new incentive system that will create opportunities for our students to take greater ownership in their education. But, more on those incentives later.

Along with policy and procedural changes, Glenhaven’s education program has also made some staff and physical changes. Jeff Rice, who’s been on staff since 2006, is our new principal. His leadership has been influential as we’ve designed our newest programs for the school. At the moment, Jeff is spending time working on one of the classroom buildings itself. He and his wife, Leigh Ann, have been painting, and we’ve had dedicated volunteers help with remodeling for the expected installation of a new SMART Board. In the months to come, there are plans to install new roofs on the classroom buildings, as well as remodel the kitchen. Your generous gifts have made these improvements possible, all of which serve to create a positive learning environment for our students.

Okay, so I promised earlier to tell you about our new incentive programs. This year students will carry around a daily report and have the opportunity to earn up to five “Ranch dollars” per class. We’ve adapted this system from another youth facility in Georgia who’s employed it to great effect. This “money” will be used to buy school supplies, participate in auctions, buy items back from lost and found, and probably best of all, buy tickets to end of term field trips. Perhaps as you consider how you can impact the life of one of our students, you’d considering sponsoring one of these trips. You might even have an idea for a trip we’ve not even thought of yet. Some ideas on the table are trips to Dickey Stevens Stadium for a baseball game, short hiking trips, community service projects, and many others.

As we enter into the 2009-2010 school year—has a whole decade passed so quickly—we appreciate your prayers and gifts. The impact you have in the lives of our young people is no less significant than those of us who teach. Thank you so much for all you do.

One of God's Little Nugget's

In the wee hours of the morning in May a new life came to Glenhaven Youth Ranch. It was the first colt born at Glenhaven and she was up and moving by the time the sun peaked over the horizon. Many of the staff and kids passed through the barn that morning to take a look at the youngster, Nugget, as well as a few of the ranch dogs. Goldie, the proud mama, was very accommodating as everyone stood and watched. Scooter, our equine specialist, made his way to the colt as I watched and took photos. The colt let him pet her as long as she stayed close to mom.

As time passed, Scooter decided to try something with the new colt. He wrapped his arms around Nugget and pulled her close. He then pulled Nugget away from her mother. As nugget struggled and kicked I expected Goldie to be mad so I readied my camera and prayed silently for Scooter’s safety. What I saw next almost made my eyes water. Instead of turning on Scooter, Goldie turned and nuzzled the new colt as if to say it’s okay, he won’t hurt you. This happened a few more times before we let mother and daughter have some alone time.

As I thought back on the spectacle that morning I thought about how we work with the kids that are sent to us here at Glenhaven. I thought about the similarities in our work and what Scooter did that morning for as God attempts to wrap his arms around these injured kids, the child will kick and fight against it. They have never, in many cases, felt anything like this before and they are scared. The adults at Glenhaven then turn to them as Goldie did with Nugget and let them know that it is okay. He will not hurt you or let you down. He just wants you to love Him back and He will guide you, feed you and take care of you.

What a wonderful position that we have been placed in. What a joy to see these kids come in on wobbly legs and to watch our Lord wrap his arms around them and comfort them. May God continue to bless this beautiful place with His presence.


Bobby Baker
Glenhaven Houseparent

God's Provision

Rick Paton, volunteer at Glenhaven, has been accepted into a Clinical Trial at NIH in Bethesda Maryland. He will be traveling there twice a year for five years. They will be observing and watching his tumors associated with his Neurofibromatosis Two or NF2. They will be watching the tumors on his spine and brain plus doing MRI’s twice a year.

His wife Dee will be allowed to travel with him. It is a wonderful blessing for them. He will be monitored for his NF2 very stringently and if any tumors begin to grow, they will remove them for him.

This study is a blessing from God. Please pray for the Paton's as they begin.

Sincerely,
Glenhaven

School's Out!!!

Marking the end of the school year at Glenhaven was our annual field day, and a full day of events it certainly was. New Life Church's "G-Life" youth group joined in on the fun, though I'm not quite sure they knew what they were in for!


After a short devotion (centered around the day's memory verse James 3 :17) the kids embarked on an extensive obstacle course involving nothing more important than a huge slip-n-slide.



Following lunch, some friendly "tugging" ended everyone up on the wrong side of muddy!

Everyone cleaned up in the creek just in time for our "staff -vs- kids" softball game. Our fearless director Dwayne pitched for the staff, while ranch youth pastor Jamie Coggins lobbed for the kids. Many swings and laughs later, the staff emerged victorious.

The day finished off with a heart warming chapel where Glenhaven said goodbye to a graduated resident, as well as two very valued staff members. Amber from G-life encouraged us all with a message of God's grace and power, which posed the searching question, "Are you standing in the way of receiving it?"

To view a video of our kids navigating the obstacle course, please visit our YouTube Channel!

Sprintime arrives at Glenhaven

Springtime has fully enveloped the Ranch, and following an unprecedented amount of rain for this time of year, greenery has exploded back to life following the somber cold months of winter. We have a very special addition to the plethora of new life abounding at Glenhaven­­—a new colt, Miss Golden Nugget, born during the early hours of Monday, May 18^th.

What a treat for Ranch residents to see and interact with Nugget. She is doing well during her first days in her big new world. She is quite the “magnet” of interest and has frequent visitors. Scooter, our Equine Director, brought her and mother, Goldie, over to the office after lunch today. While Goldie grazed on the lawn beside the office, Nugget got a lot of attention from young and old alike.

What a blessing the Lord has bestowed on us by sending Nugget at this time. We thank Him for springtime and the new life that comes with it. We thank Him for the special blessing of having a new colt in our midst.

Visit Glenhaven on YouTube and SEE what we're up to!

http://www.youtube.com/user/GlenhavenVIDS

Phone: (501) 432-5339

Fax: (501) 432-5330

Email: glenhaven@ghyr.org

Web site: www.ghyr.org

The Dream

THE DREAM of providing a home for at-risk youth has endured since Glenhaven opened its gates in 1984. Today, Glenhaven consists of 2 campuses spread over 190 acres in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest in Central Arkansas.

Glenhaven is a place of serenity and beauty, insulated from the adverse outside influences of the world. As the cattle quietly graze in the pastures, the resident homes and education facilities are a hub of learning and activity. It is within this refuge that boys and girls come to terms with the pain that they have endured and discover the hope and healing that offers a rich and satisfying future.

With this Blog, we hope to better inform all interested parties, of exactly what goes on at 748 Glenhaven Rd.

Visit Glenhaven on YouTube and SEE what we're up to!

http://www.youtube.com/user/GlenhavenVIDS

Phone: (501) 432-5339

Fax: (501) 432-5330

Email: glenhaven@ghyr.org