I wrote earlier about the “Foundation of Prayers” event we had in the Chapel we are constructing, because of friends like you, on our Bismarck Campus. I wanted to share another moment from that day.
If you missed my Foundation of Prayers email, it was an event we held in the Chapel. Everyone who attended wrote prayers on the concrete before the final flooring was installed. It was a beautiful experience.
On the day of the event, the building was framed in and the windows were in place. However, we didn't yet have a working heating system. The temperature outside was around 50 degrees, so inside I would guess it was around 60 degrees.
I try to set a good example for the children about dressing respectfully, so I had on a dress. I hadn’t really thought about the temperature or the fact that I would be sitting on a concrete floor as I wrote. Respectful dressing and smart dressing were not the same on that day. Anyway, it was chilly, but I was doing fine as I sat on the floor to write.
As I started to write, a shadow fell over me and I looked up. "Linae," one of our children was standing in front of me.
Linae is about 5 foot 1 inch with long dark hair, glasses, and a lovely singing voice. She comes from a background of extreme poverty. Unfortunately, this is her second time at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. The foster family she was placed with ended up struggling with their own drug use, and Linae got stuck in that chaos. I remembered her from before.
“Hi,” I said. “Gosh you’ve grown!” She’s now a teenager.
“Joy, I remember you. Do you want my coat?”
I almost couldn’t answer. She stood there in her jeans and a worn t-shirt with a light nylon jacket over the top. I know her story. She owns very little and has very little to share.
Yet, she had the empathy to see me, wonder if I was cold, and offered to be uncomfortable so I could be warm.
Once I regained the use of my tongue, I told her that my dress was warm, I was wearing hose, and I would be okay. She asked, “Are you sure?” When I reassured her, she went back to stand by her primary staff.
"8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Please keep Linae and all our kids and staff in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
Sign up today to receive ministry updates and stories about our precious kids directly to your inbox!