About six years ago, I met a guy named Todd Vinson. Todd is one of the most incredible people I have met in my life because he has dedicated his life to serving others. In particular, he has a heart for helping teenage boys who are displaced or whose families are in crisis by providing a long-term home solution where they will be properly cared for.
This happens at Willow Springs Boys Ranch in Chandler, Oklahoma. I\’ve had the privilege of visiting the ranch several times and am just amazed at the work that is being done to help these boys have an opportunity at a life that they may never have had previously.
Todd seems to me to be a modern day George Mueller. Since the boy\’s ranch is a non-profit organization, it takes a great deal of finances and resources to make everything run smoothly. But like Mueller, Todd does not spend time soliciting funds. Rather, he totally trusts that God will provide for all the needs of the camp.
And provide He does…
Spend a few minutes with Todd and he will begin to tell story upon story of how the ranch was in need of a certain item… bricks for the new building… a ride-in mower to trim the large acreage… funding for a new project… and you will find out that these things seem to miraculously appear effortlessly. Todd\’s stories are faithbuilding, and as you get to know him you get the sense that you are with someone who is learning to depend on God for absolutely everything, including his daily bread.
How refreshing to find someone of such faith in a day and age where faith is so readily mocked.
Along with several homes housing approximately twenty boys, the ranch also has a full retreat center complete with a ropes course. Called Jacob\’s Ladder, the retreat center and course are open to high school and college athletics groups, youth groups, service groups, mission teams, couples and families retreats, rites of passage retreats, and corporate retreats.
It\’s a fascinating ministry and one worthy of support. While Todd will not ask anyone for a dime, I have no problem recommending that a donation to Willow Springs Boy\’s Ranch would be money well spent.
To contribute a tax-deductible donation to the boy\’s ranch, simply click the Paypal button.