We had groomed and tacked our horse and were walking to the arena to go for a ride. The young man had pretty much talked non-stop since we began our time together. Suddenly he became silent. Hmm, I wondered, was it because he had a fear about riding, was anxious about being so high on a horse? The silence was broken when he said, "You, know, it’s a good thing horses can breathe". Oh, I said, why’s that? "Well, their nostrils are so big a fly could make a campsite in there"!!
A young gal with scoliosis was riding for the very first time on her horse. "Am I dreaming" she said, "or is this for real"?
I met my young man out by the barn door, and after we had completed our chore we headed in the barn so he could pick out his horse for the day. I introduced him to each one, and he picked out Promise. As we were grooming him he began asking me questions about Promise. I explained that Lindsey, the lady who owned the horse knew when she got him that he had lots of allergies and she made a promise to him that she would take care of him: hence the name Promise. His head neatly slicked back with sandy brown hair turned my direction and looking with his big brown eyes into my blue ones said: "I have lots of allergies too". He began to name; it seemed to me, just about everything. When he finished talking his hands kept grooming, but now, it looked to me as if it was with more tenderness and care. "I’m just like this horse. I didn’t know that he had all these allergies when I chose him, because you can’t see them by looking at him. Just like Lindsey has promised to take care of him, God has promised to take care of me". A smile spread across his face that brought tears to my eyes.
Often, while sessions are going on Jill, one of the co-founders, has the opportunity to talk to the parent/grandparent/guardian that brought the child. Many times Jill shares with us later how they express with tears and much gratitude how this meets incredible needs in their children lives. Along with those thanks they will tell Jill of their own personal great sorrow, pain or loss. Divorce, abuse, joblessness, ridicule at school or work, military families with absent spouses, emotional, mental and physical challenges, medical issues….the list goes on. What looks like “normal” on the outside can, with the love of another, be peeled back to reveal what the heart looks like on the inside. Jill has the privilege to talk with them about Jesus, to encourage them, to pray with them, to just be their friend and listen. To share with them the love, forgiveness, tenderness and salvation that is found in Jesus Christ. The sharing of our burdens lightens the load--both for the children and those that bring them.
Two young ladies, from two very different home situations have met and formed a wonderful friendship at the ranch. The common denominator: the love and passion for horses. I know bits and pieces of their lives, some of their hurts and growing up teenager issues at home and at school. As I listen to them talk and giggle, as I see them riding together, see them laughing and telling silly tales to each other my heart is moved. Those four legged animals that our Father has created, has brought two young ladies together to be friends. To meet a need in each of their lives that will never be forgotten. And, most incredibly faith building of all, answers to specific prayers that they had petitioned their Heavenly Father for months before.
What subjects do we talk about in our mentor times? Some times it is nothing “serious”, it is just about having fun. Sometimes it has been about respect, authority, the 10 commandments, purity, relationships, and so much more. Every session time is an opportunity to share Jesus in so many different venues. Many, many days I am convinced I have been blessed more than the child that came. To see the “light” in their eyes when they “get it”. To listen to their heart, to play games, smile, laugh and "build up" their character—I indeed am most blessed.
I was leading a young lady around the arena on the lead line, for she had told me she was a little scared to ride a horse—even though she had always dreamed of riding on one. "You won’t let Blue Bar run away will you", she asked? No, I won’t I said. "Will he buck me off like I've seen in movies"? No, I don't think that is likely I replied. "Blue Bar must trust you" she said, "to let you lead him around like this. You could trick him if you wanted, but he is trusting you isn’t he"? Yes, I said, he is. "You must trust him too, to have me ride him and stay safe". Yes, that is true too I responded. We continued to walk and I continued to listen as she shared some of her fears, many of them because of her medical/physical conditions. The Holy Spirit prompted me to quietly undo the lead line and just kept walking and talking. I moved away slightly and she noticed she was riding “all by herself”. Excitedly she exclaimed, "Now Blue Bar trusts me to lead him, and I will trust him to take good care of me too". Minutes passed in silence, in short bursts of laughter, and deep sighs. She spoke once again after a connection was made in her heart: "I am going to trust God to take care of me too, even though it is scary and I don’t always like what the doctor’s say".
Some children do not have enough balance skills to stay on their horse by themselves so two of us will walk on each side of the horse while another one leads. One such autistic young man that comes to the ranch speaks in a language only understood by our loving Heavenly Father. Even his facial expressions are limited because of his physical and mental challenges. A breeze had picked up and Santé began sneezing. I myself find it very amusing to listen and watch (and feel!)a horse sneeze, but to our amazement so did this young man. He began to laugh, and then continued to laugh and laugh and laugh. You would never know that this lad couldn’t talk or walk or eat or drink or live life like many other young boys while listening and watching him atop his steed. Later, with tears in her eyes his Mom shared that that his expressing laughter is very rare—and so beautiful and precious for her to hear. What a blessing for her, and I am sure for that treasured child of the King. (I’m kinda wondering if our loving Father didn’t send down an angel to tickle Sante'’s nose just so his Mom would be encouraged, and so ALL of us could witness the purely incredible enjoyable moment that was outwardly displayed!)
What is it inside a horses head and heart that can just sense the need of a child? Awesome Creator God, thank you!!
Is there a mission field right here in West Michigan? Are the precious lives of these young people and the ones who care for them any more or less important that those on foreign fields? What you have read is just a sample that missions at “home” is God’s heart, just as missions “abroad” is as well. These next generations of young ones here in the United Sates are our next leaders in homes, churches and government. They are the next generation to share about what Jesus has done in their lives to those who need to hear of His love. To be the hands and feet of Jesus, to share with words and actions that He loves each one so much that He died for the payment of our sins and offers freely eternal life to everyone. That the absolute truths in the Bible show us how to live in freedom, how to be successful children, adults, parents, citizens, employees….the list goes on and on. The peace that passes all understanding is only found in one relationship: in our Savior, Jesus Christ. To be a part of this mission field, this is where He has me this summer.
Another HUGE thank you to my church, Trinity Baptist of Muskegon for answering the call to support me financially, with many prayers, and in so many other ways to impact West Michigan for Christ. A HUGE thank you to those individuals who, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit support me with gas cards, gift certificates, cash, dinners, outings, notes, hugs, encouraging words, prayers and so much more! Your reward will be so great when in heaven some of these cherished ones come up to you to thank you and share their stories. What a day that will be!! I know there are no tears in heaven, so how GREAT our joy will be, and our gratefulness to the King of kings who made it all possible!
I was not able to post any pictures this time....hopefully next time!
Keep smilin’ and lookin’ to Jesus with me today!
