Team Valor Takes Over Ruby Ranch
Discovery Stories
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From the July Ruby Ranch Newsletter
We spent an AMAZING week with this group of students and leaders from Valor Christian School in Denver, Colorado.
It was truly beautiful to see the ways God worked in and through their whole team as they loved and served all of these kids from Club Esperanza during their week of VBS and camp at the ranch. The Bible stories and skits, dances, fun crafts and wild, crazy games were all done so well. So much laughter and smiles all around. This team was so “all in” from the moment they arrived at the ranch until they left Nicaragua and it showed in every detail. They gave 100% of themselves to loving and serving the camp kids whole-heartedly. It was truly a joy to work alongside them!!
There were too many life-changing moments to share in just one newsletter. Times of worship at the cross, sharing testimonies around the campfire of what Jesus has done in our lives, fun games in the rancho at night. God was pursuing every heart in countless ways each day.
We ended camp with a worship dance party and a beautiful time of praying over the camp kids.
After the camp kids returned to Managua, we rode on ox carts and horse carts to Henry and Scheylin’s farm for a cultural tour. We milked goats and made our own tortillas that we ate with their freshly-made cuajada cheese.
After returning to Managua, we spent the morning playing with the camp kids at Club Esperanza and then delivered food packs to each of the kids’ families. It was a really special time to bless them and pray over them.
It has been amazing to see how God is pouring out his Spirit over this generation. We have more to share about our powerful time of prayer at Ruby’s Prayer House and the 5 students who were baptized, but we’ll save that for our next newsletter. Wrapping this one up with something that Tim Welch, our friend and Valor Team Leader, wrote about the ways he saw God moving in the hearts of the team:
“You could see that God was not just stirring in the hearts of the students, but that something supernatural was gaining momentum. Many of them shared what God was doing inside of them. Then Saturday, we prayed over the Nicaraguan children before ending our camp with them, and it was a powerful moment for many of the Valor students. We leaders could begin to see more stirring, and more movement, more questions, more excitement building up, and we were witnessing a wave beginning to grow and swell in their lives. It was beautiful. More intentional conversation happened at our debrief and among them when they had down time. The way this team has been present for each other, the entire trip, has been inspiring. Saturday night we asked each of them what they needed prayer for, “How can we be praying for you?” What each of them shared was personal and applied to them individually, and it was a testimony that they wanted more of what God was offering them. We could tell that they were hungry for more of Jesus.”
Valor Team … we love you!! Thank you for your hearts to serve, your willingness to push through challenges, and for the love you shared with the kids at camp. We are so grateful.
The Ruby Ranch Team
More Discovery Stories
Times of worship at the cross, sharing testimonies around the campfire of what Jesus has done in our lives, fun games in the rancho at night. God was pursuing every heart in countless ways each day.
Valor Christian High School from Colorado came to serve alongside us, and it truly felt like we were being reunited with family!! We were so happy to have them back in Nicaragua!
This summer, I had the privilege of going on the Colorado Trek. This Discovery experience focused on faith and discipleship while backpacking across southwestern Colorado. Our trip didn’t actually start on trail, but at our first of many group meetings prior to the trip. We spent time diving into scripture and discussion in order to further understand topics like faith, community, and the character of God, which were reaffirmed for me throughout our five days of hiking.
Going on the trip to Zambia truly changed my life. My parents are missionaries, so I grew up overseas serving, but I wasn't expecting the experience to impact me this much.
I was truly blessed to be a part of this experience and amazing team. The two weeks spent in Poland will always have a huge impact on my life, the way I treat others, and the relationships I will build in the future.
Africa cannot be put into words. Rwanda is not a country that can be explained, only deeply felt. Heartbreak, loss, redemption, and love all float within the famous red dirt and a thousand hills. Rwanda changes you.
My Discovery trip this year was unreal. Aside from getting to serve the children of Alaska, I also got to serve with my fellow peers. Every day was a gift that I know my Alaska team did not take for granted. The Lord showed up in ways I will never forget.
2022 grad Ashleigh Anema served in student leadership in her time at Valor, was the VP of Discovery in 2021-22, and has served on Discovery teams in Honduras and Thailand. Recently she shared her reflections on her time in service at Valor.
Each year, Valor Discovery experiences take students all over the country and the globe to serve others in the name of Christ. Many trips are led by the same leaders and partner with the same ministries year after year.
Each year, Valor Discovery experiences take students all over the country and the globe to serve others in the name of Christ. Many trips are led by the same leaders and partner with the same ministries year after year.
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As the world went on lockdown, Valor students faced this past Spring with purpose. In the midst of the pandemic, they looked around for what they could do and found comfort in serving.
Madison Kempton’s roots in international missions run deep. So do her roots at Valor Christian. Learn more about her here in a recent blog post.
Unlike most of her fellow seniors, Ellie won’t be headed to college in the fall. Instead, she’ll pack her bags for nine months of service, an adventure with World Race that she started dreaming about years ago.
Alumni Christine Adams sat down to share about her experience as a Physician Assistant in Santa Barbara, CA during recent weeks.
Just a few years ago, the health care field wasn’t one Coach Brooke Jelniker thought she’d end up in – but as she’s learning, God had other plans.
Learn how Valor has changed perspective in the midst of a worldwide pandemic as we have worked together as a team to serve the Lord.
Through Discovery, many students change the trajectory of their life vocationally, spiritually, relationally and emotionally, more holistically becoming who God created them to be.
For many students, Valor’s Discovery program leads to eye-opening experiences in a new country or a new understanding of different cultures and customs.
View the reflections of the Valor Baseball team on their trip to the Dominican Republic.