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OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
"Sunbelt Christian Youth Ranch is a non-profit ministry committed to
the premise that all children have a right to a Christian home and
family. Our purpose is to provide to "at-risk" children,
regardless of social, religious or ethnic background, that
opportunity. Our goal is to nurture them in becoming stable,
productive Christian citizens."
We are a ministry to at risk
youth. Founded in 1989 for the purpose of establishing and
maintaining a consistent, stable, God honoring environment to help
children overcome the problems in their lives. The most
important means to this end is to share the good news of Jesus
Christ with each child, that they might have the opportunity to
enter into a relationship with Him. We are here to mend their
past by helping them see God's love and presence even through their
difficult circumstances. We mind their presence through
the structure, discipline, and routine of daily life. We mold
their future by instilling hope in the great plans God has for each
one of them.
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We believe that God's plan for
children is that they be a member of a family with loving parents to
guide and direct them. We read in Genesis that when God
designed the family, he put a man and a woman in a beautiful garden
setting to raise their children. Every child at Sunbelt
becomes part of a ranch family consisting of house parents who serve
as role models and 10 children who interact as brothers and sisters.
Sunbelt is a working ranch with
beef and dairy cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, and rabbits.
Each house raises and cares for its own livestock and grows their
own produce. We enjoy a climate that is favorable to almost
year round gardening. Planting a seed, tending the plant and
watching it grow, and finally harvesting the fruit is a powerful
lesson in patience and delayed gratification. These are
lessons that are used throughout scripture to illustrate what God is
trying to do in each of our lives. The children learn about
responsibility and a strong work ethic through these activities.
OUR HOUSES
Sunbelt currently has two houses that are set up for children and we
have another one under construction now as we plan for future needs.
The homes are approximately 3400 square feet, six bedrooms and three
bathrooms designed for 10 children. Each child shares a room
and as a result learns about sharing and getting along in a family
setting. Housework is equally shared. Each home has its
own barn and is named to give it an identity. The "Diamond H"
is the Harris house, named after the founders, Theron and Linda
Harris. The "Double D" is named after George and Grace Decker.
The "Rocking R" is named for the Regis family who were instrumental
in helping establish Sunbelt. The Diamond H is currently not
used as a full time Children's house due to age.
Each home has a committed,
married, Christian couple that serves as Mom and Dad to the children
in that home. In everything we do, the inclusion of family is
stressed. Our Greatest need is that of HOUSE PARENTS, who are
willing to commit to our ministry and be a part of what we are able
to accomplish at Sunbelt.
CHURCH
Children and adults on the Sunbelt Ranch attend Newton Christian
Church in Newton, Mississippi where we participate in Sunday School
and other youth activities there.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND
SPONSORSHIP
Sunbelt does not receive any governmental support. Our funding
is derived from the contributions of various congregations and
individuals who, in their vision realize that we must address the
problems that plague children today or we will have to address them
as adults later. Sunbelt grows as much of its own food as
possible, and operates as economically as possible, but we depend
upon our supporters and volunteers.
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