Purpose and Vision
Located in the beautiful California High Desert; shadowed by the northern side of Big Bear Mountain and canopied by the clear blue skies of Lucerne Valley, sits twenty acres birthed into a vision of transformation. The property once used to rehabilitate ailing and injured horses, is now a place of healing for spiritually ailing and broken men. This is The River’s Edge Ranch.
The River’s Edge Ranch is a facility where broken lives are restored and equipped to live “the abundant life”; enabling each man to make a positive impact on his family, community and the world.
John 10:10 “I came that they may have life, and might have it abundantly.”
As scripture so clearly directs us, the purpose for this ranch is defined by the truth that Jesus came so that all men might experience abundant life. In this way, the River’s Edge Ranch provides a place for men to come face to face with Jesus Christ, so that they may experience restoration and a new life in Him. We believe that a true life transformation begins with a transformed heart; and so, we are dedicated to providing an environment where men can come to a sincere “heart change” through intimate contact with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Ministry to God
Ministry to other believers
Ministry to the world
Our focus at the River’s Edge Ranch is to provide an environment of quality in every sense where the three central aspects of Christian life will be followed, and the men can begin to foster a love for, Ministry to God, Ministry to other believers and Ministry to the world (evangelism).
Providing a foundation for the growth of these three central aspects, are leaders that lead by example and guide these men to the throne room of God with powerful worship and teachings. The leaders of The River’s Edge Ranch equip each man with the Christian life survival tools necessary for success, such as, mentorship, partnership, discipleship and accountability. Each learns the importance and value of a having a Paul, Barnabas and Timothy in his life, while becoming a true man of God.
Beyond that, the men of the River’s Edge Ranch are given frequent opportunities to participate in evangelical events where other men of God join them; sharing their experiences and demonstrating how each man can use his very own testimony to share God’s Word, and how His perfect love has changed his life. This develops, the desire to continue the practice of evangelism as a “way of life” and setting them upon the high road of successful Christian living.
The Physical Vision
This vision was birthed from a great need for a true men’s ranch; a ranch in every sense of the word. As an evangelist and pastor, and having served in men’s ministries for years, I have struggled with the conditions of many of the places designated for programs to get the lives of men back on track. Many times, these places were of substandard condition.
Along with poor living conditions, the men of these programs would often have to support the home they were in with outside jobs such as, car wash attendants, stadium employees, and even selling candy bars. Although working supports positive growth, these jobs often left them overworked and too tired to participate in the programs and events designed to support the discipleship they were so desperately in need of. As a result, I would often see the men of these homes struggle to get their lives back on track; often times not succeeding.
The work responsibilities at The River’s Edge Ranch focus solely on the ranch itself. The men use their hands to build, nurture and sow. The benefits are many. Aside from keeping the ranch thriving, this work is therapeutic and positively impacts the journey of a man turning his life around. Instead of leaving the ranch to work outside jobs, the men remain in each others company and that of their leaders, as well as, away from the distractions of the outside world. This affords them the opportunity and time it takes to grow into the lives of mighty men of God.
Time away from ranch chores will provide ample opportunity for mentoring and counseling, as well as, time to take part in group worship and fellowship. It also encourages the important time needed for Bible study and devoted quiet time with God. The men whom God sends to the River’s Edge Ranch are experiencing the fulfillment and wonder of life as a contributing member of the family of God
A Working Ranch
The River’s Edge Ranch is just that, a working ranch complete with livestock: horses, pigs, chickens, llamas, donkeys, and peacocks. We will soon be selling corn fed cattle to order, as a way to move the ranch into self sustaining status. Customers will be able to purchase, support and receive beef, at an average cost of $2.88 per pound.
The ranch has 38 mixed fruits, and 30 (of a planned 180) pistachio trees in place. Future commercial green houses will be growing shrubs and vegetables for resale in local nurseries.
GREEN TECHNOLOGY: The ranch has permits for 2 wind turbines that will harness the ample supply of desert winds; with the future having the entire property be fully wind and solar functional.
In 2012, there will be a 4800 square foot multi-function building. The ranch will also be outfitted with an industrial kitchen and plenty of bathroom/shower facilities, as we expand.
The property on which the River’s Edge Ranch sits is located just six miles north of the growing town of Lucerne and is easily reached from Highway 247. It is wonderfully located for both easy access, and yet, isolation from the distractions of city life.
Men arrive by way of various avenues. The River’s Edge Ranch is a resource for the Foursquare Church Family and any other local churches that have a need for this type of program. Also men are directed to the ranch through personal referrals. State and county organizations have given their full support as well as the high desert probation department. We get a lot of men who have been released from prison with nowhere to go and also we serve as an alternative to men who are facing prison.
* For more information please contact us at: 951.415.9642
or email bigalaceves@gmail.com