At Wildwood Hills Ranch, the mission is to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing healing, hope and God’s unconditional love to children and youth at risk. Nearly 9,000 Iowa youth were abused in 2016 alone and so clearly there is need for God’s merciful extension to them. At the ranch, we volunteered during the summertime and cleared their five-mile trail for the Wild Boar Challenge.

It was extremely challenging work, but we loved every bit of it. Personally, it gave me a sense of true meaning and purpose to support this cause. It made me want to go back and figure out what more I can do to be more involved. The feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion were overshadowed by the excitement and sense of pride in our hard work. We really saw the difference we made and that was the biggest reward!

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.” -Jesus

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ –Matthew 25:40

Photo taken by Tricia at Wildwood Hills Ranch