100th post!! Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch

We have been working the last couple of days at Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch (LUC). This facility is a great place for at-risk boys. There are many stories about miracles, restoration, and characters. The philosophy behind all they do includes Christian principles modeled and taught, eventually leading to the changing point in the boys' lives. They accept no government assistance, so they are able to have more freedom in teaching the boys the Bible. This is a level three facility, where the next step is jail.

The ranch is truly that...a ranch. With close to 175 acres, plus another 150 or so acres a little way away, the facility has grown. It is complete with buffalo,

cattle, emus,

horses, pigs, goats and sheep.

During the day we see one on one teaching horse riding and care and tree trimming.
Classes in welding where the boys make these barbecues, and all of the wagons at the ranch,

woodworking where the boys make a variety of items to sell at the Trading Post, animal husbandry, landscape, mechanics, equipment operation, construction, cooking, house keeping (and coming soon, appliance repair), are taught.

The director, Ken Ortman and his wife Shiela began the ministry 27 years ago with 13 boys. My impression of them is that they are very humble, patient, and caring, as is every staff member we have met! When the ranch began, all the boys attended public school and the Ortman's were the only staff. They have truly given above and beyond in their dedication to the boys. Today, only three of the 22 boys attend school off site, and there is a staff of 30.

Income comes from the families of the boys, (on a sliding scale, what they can afford ), selling trees, meat, donated repaired autos and boats, and donations at the thrift store, and monetary gifts. Located about 4 miles away, the LUC Boys Ranch Trading Post is being expanded.

The guys are building two breezeways to connect two buildings, enlarging the store.

Another lady and I are painting a huge sign for the highway to direct travelers to the store. We are also cleaning at the thrift store. The other ladies in our group are cleaning and organizing a pantry area of the kitchen. Another volunteer group is sorting stored items for the store and working on a greenhouse. There is plenty to do here, and it is very tranquil! We feel blessed to be a tiny part of this ministry.