Stephen* graduated from high school in May of 2024. He began his journey at Boys Ranch Town (BRT) as a sixth grader. After living in Mexico off and on with his parents and off and on in foster care, God provided BRT, “a safe place, a place where I don’t have to worry.”
While at BRT, some of his favorite memories are cottage trips to Texas and Lake Texoma. He recalls nature walks, eating out, and a Ranger’s Baseball game as highlights. The most important aspect he remembers is his feeling of being part of a family, “something I had never had before.”
Stephen enjoyed fun food challenges in the cottage and playing in the puddle in front of his cottage when the driveway filled with rain. He appreciates the times his housedad would redirect him in his behavior. This happened a lot through cottage devotions, as the lessons “convicted me and made me a more responsible adult,” says Stephen.
When asked why someone should support the ministry of BRT, he responded, “Because this place can shape a kid to be a Christian man and change the perspective kids have on this world…see the light even when the world seems like it’s filled with darkness, change the perspective of thinking negative to positive.”
“We are very proud of Stephen for being motivated to do well, and how he’s organized in his plans and serious about his faith,” said Brian and Leah Ingraham, Stephen’s houseparents since sixth grade. “We want him to know he will always be a part of our family.”
“This is a family to me: building that bond with others, seeing everyone succeed, learning to put others before yourself and take care of yourself.”
Stephen earned straight A’s in his senior year of high school and discovered a love for running after a season of cross-country. He learned endurance and finishing well in cross country, which has prepared him for what God has next for him, basic training in the military. Stephen will be training in the U.S. Army for 6 months.
Prayer Requests
Please pray Stephen is successful in basic training and he will not have any injuries. Pray also his relationship with God continues to strengthen and grow and Stephen will get a full-time spot in the U.S. Army after completing basic training.
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*Name changed to protect privacy.