The Cox Chronicles - Fall 2010
Well, I’ve finally found the time to sit down long enough to write this letter only to have my computer decide it wasn’t in the mood to have one written. Some days my keyboard and computer get along, other days they decide not to talk to each other. I am going to attempt to finish this before they have another “falling out”.
Summer has come and gone and the Lord has been faithful once again. Decisions for salvation and rededication have been made, and young men and women have been challenged in their own walks with the Lord. I am often reminded during camp that our ministry is not just about the Ranchers that come through, but also about the summer staff and volunteers that come, desiring to give of their time to the Lord, but also needing encouragement and accountability along the way. Matt and I both came as ranchers, and eventually as summer staff. It was during those teenage years that I saw that there was so much more potential in my own relationship with God. It was also during those summers that the bitterness I had harbored in my heart began to be addressed, and it was those fragile days of doubting my purpose when someone came alongside and reminded me of just how precious I was in God’s eyes. Summers always ignite an excitement in us, though our involvement has changed greatly. As a couple, we have found God moving us into a very different aspect of the ministry. Our passions have not changed, but how God will direct those passions has. In the upcoming days ahead we face many unknowns. Even as I write this, the Ranch is still in the process of working through the purchase of the land. The Ministry owns camp proper, but the surrounding acreage that we use has been under a long term lease agreement. With the Sterrett family pulling out, we now have the opportunity to purchase this land for the ministry. As Lew and Melodie and also Ralph and Linda Magill departure, we find ourselves walking through a time of mourning as our mentors move on. But even in the upheaval, we are not only excited to see what God will do next, but also crying out to the Lord that He will direct us in this new position and phase. Despite everything, this we are assured of: God has always provided before and it is HE who has sustained and prospered this ministry. It is HE that we will rely on to preserve it. The scary part of living by faith is the inability to meet our needs ourselves. We are truly anticipating a “miracle” on the mountain and we rejoice in knowing that He will be glorified through it. I was recently reading James 1. It is the first portion of scripture that the apprentices memorize for the year. Vs 17 reminded me that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” He is stable and consistent. He is generous and loving, and He knows our needs more than we do. His gifts are good and perfect. It is Him that we rely on, and Him that we cry out to, not only for the financial needs that we face, but for daily wisdom. Our desire is that He be glorified through us. In our insufficiency He is proven strong. May we keep ourselves humbly moldable in His hands.
Summer Highlights:
- Marching in the Warren 4th of July Parade
Matt rode Bosco, the longhorn steer. We had riders on horseback, a rope spinner, candy throwers (our family), and one grumpy little 2yr old in a wagon. It was a memorable day.
- Sermons on the Road
We hauled a crew of family and students out to
- Apprentice Graduation
In August we graduated 38 apprentices from our program. It was a tearful farewell, but we are so excited for what the Lord has in store for them in the days ahead. 1 student is coming on staff, 1 as an intern, and 3 others are staying for a second year.
I thought life would seem less chaotic as the kids got older, but now there are simply more schedules to keep up with.
Hannah (15) volunteered this summer in both Horse Barns and the Critter Corral. She would leave the house around
Megan (13) spent her summer volunteering in the Buckboard Café. She greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the entrepreneurial aspects of running a business as well as the chance to work with an apprentice and socialize with all the ranchers. She also enjoyed the chance to participate in the girls wilderness camp. She would like to pursue being a counselor-in-training next summer. It blesses our hearts to hear that our kids are a help and encouragement to those they work with.
Emily (7) did her share of keeping Jonathan amused and running around with friends. A steady stream of visitors allowed the girls to gain some experience helping watch other people’s children. They were real troopers as we hauled them to presentations, had them march with us in a parade in 90 degree weather and prairie dresses, and weekly took up the offering at the closing program for our summer staff to go on an outing.
Jonathan (2) continues to be a source of entertainment for all of us. I’m always intrigued by the daily adventures of this little man. He speaks in very clear and precise sentences, except when he’s growling or grunting, and definitely knows what he’s after. It’s been fun to watch him enjoy all the wonders of summer and the unending supply of dirt, sand, rocks, and sticks that are available to build with. (Just look at that grin!) It’s hard to say no to that face.
Praises and Prayer Requests:
Praise: For a bountiful summer and the work God did in many lives.
Prayer: For the Ranch’s finances as we take on mortgage payments.
Praise: For some special gifts that supplied dental work for Jenni
Prayer: Still needing more dental work done. Ick.
Praise and Prayer: For Matt’s transition into his new position as Executive Director and all that he is still learning.
Prayer: For the Ranch through this time of transition.
Praise: For the gifts of clothing, fruits and vegetables, and toiletries
Praise: For the wealth of encouragement, counsel, and prayers that have been given to us.
Thank you so much for all you have done to bless and encourage our family and the ministry here. Your prayers are greatly felt, especially through this time of transition. It is humbling to be a part of God’s hand at work in the lives of those who come here. Thank you for making our participation in His ministry possible.
-Matt, Jenni, Hannah,
Matt and Jenni Cox
(814) 664-7673
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