Deaconess Kelly Bristow is the Spiritual Life Coordinator on the Minot Campus of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. She is a woman of deep faith in Christ, unbounded love, commitment to mercy care, and she's smart.
However, I don't think any of those things are the reason both kids and staff are drawn to her. These traits certainly help make her effective and respected in her job. But it is another intentional aspect of her worldview that brings folks in.
It is her positivity.
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to attend a presentation where Deaconess Kelly shared her role (in concert with the role of Chaplain Rick Jones and Spiritual Life Advisors) in ensuring that our faith base remains strong as we give children hope and healing. There are a lot of moving parts. From running Spiritual Life Groups, to creating service opportunities for the kids, to music ministry, to being a strong shoulder for staff to lean on, to being part of treatment teams (she also holds a Master's Degree in Social Work), to creating special events for all of the campus, the job is quite large.
But so is her positivity.
In her presentation, she talked about how the joy of knowing Christ is the greatest thing ever. She has a commitment to bring "Christ's positivity" to all those she meets. Often, I think about how Christ was weighed down by our sins and our heavy humanness. She lives in the knowledge and pure conviction that Christ opened the doors to forgiveness and God's love.
There is no more positive message than that.
I work with really special people.
Please pray for the Ranch kids and staff.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
You can raise funds for your congregation, Bible study group, women's group, or youth group, AND provide hope and healing for a child at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, by hosting a Honey Sunday.
For decades, congregations across the United States have held Honey Sundays. We invite you to join them — and bring God’s love to a child by organizing a Honey Sunday fundraiser.
Honey Sunday keeps the focus on the work of our Lord, your church, and the Ranch. And we make it easy for you to do by sending everything you’ll need. We'll even mail the honey directly to people's homes, so you don't have to worry about distribution.
To request your Honey Sunday materials, fill out the form here!
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