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.