The first thing that comes to mind is to mention what a wonderful staff we have here and to point out what a great job they are doing. Teen Ranch really is blessed to have some of the most dedicated and en- couraging and supportive people to be found! This is so much more evident when we consider what a difficult and trying year we have faced.
Canada Revenue Agency followed through on their opinion that Teen Ranch does not meet their test of what it means to advance the gospel and officially annulled our charity status in July 2010 removing our ability to issue tax receipts for donations made to Teen Ranch. Teen Ranch now operates as Not for Profit. Tax receipts can still be issued for donations made to the Teen Ranch Foundation, but there are many restrictions as to how this money can be directed to Teen Ranch for it‘s use. We are continuing to work on the details with our lawyers.
We have had to spend approximately $80,000 in fire department upgrades so far this year and have a considerable amount of work still to do.
The economy has been bad, summer camp and weekend group numbers have been down. It could be easy to become discouraged at times, but we hold on to the knowledge that we are in God‘s hands and He is a very big God!
For over 43 years God has lead us, cared for us and provided for the Ranch‘s needs just at the right time: His time. In the midst of everything, God continues to do His work and we have been very blessed to be able to share the message of Jesus with many people, of different ages, from different backgrounds and situations and even different countries. Being aware of what‘s happening in Japan at the moment, certainly helps put things into perspective for many of us in the midst of our trials.
Thank you to all of you who continue to support the Ranch in prayer, physical help and finances. God has done a great work here for more than 43 years, touching and changing the lives of many, many people, bringing so many into the Kingdom. Please pray with us that we will continue to walk by faith and be faithful to Him and the awesome work He is doing here.
Blessings, Tim
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