"Do everything in Love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

 Antora Youth Ranch is such a special place. When I originally volunteered, I was mostly looking for a way to work with horses again, but I learned so much from working there. The Curtis family has such a Christlike love for their community and for children, it transformed the way that I think about service. The other mentors were all so committed to serving not just the kids we worked with, but the ranch as a whole. On top of that, the kids that I worked with reminded me about the childlike faith that we are called to have, and that childlike faith often includes childlike fear. I pray that this is just the beginning of the work I get to do with Antora.  

 Antora has been such a blessing to our family the last few years. My daughter Charlotte has been involved with the horse program.  The growth and confidence we have seen in her is unbelievable. When we began she would often cry and want to avoid the animals. This past summer she trotted on her favorite horse Zippo and developed a love and passion for horses I never thought I would see. She had amazing mentors who loved her so much and would teach her about God and His love for her. She asks me daily when she will be going to Antora because it truly is her happy place. Antora is not only a blessing to our family, it provided a place for my daughter to grow closer to God and develop into a beautiful, confident young woman. We absolutely love Antora!  

 The Gal-Up study was truly life-changing! It quickly became the highlight of my week. Not only was it a sweet time of fellowship and a safe place to reset and refocus on Christ, but the study was also insightful and grounded in Truth. We explored the hope we have in Christ, how horses respond to various situations such as pressure and vulnerability, and the lessons that can be learned from them. Being around the horses allowed me to process, quiet my heart, and fall more in love with Jesus during a battle with anxiety. There is so much I’ve gleaned from this study that I continue to think about and put into practice - not to mention the lasting friendships that were formed there. I highly recommend Antora and all they do to serve families and the Lord! 

 When my daughter started going to Antora, she was afraid to approach a horse. By the end of her sessions, she was grooming and riding with confidence. She calls the horses by name and counts them as her friends! Her experience at Antora transferred over to her everyday life, helping her tackle tough situations. Jemma also enjoyed her one on one time with her mentor. It was a chance for her to unload her thoughts and worries with a kind, trusted adult who she knew cared for her. I highly recommend Antora!  

 When I was first invited to join a “Horse Bible Study,” I was skeptical. I tend to avoid animal interaction when I can, mostly for two reasons; One being I have a slight allergy to most animals and two being I simply don’t like them very much. But I said yes, and am I ever glad that I did. 

   When I showed up to our very first afternoon in my sister’s extra pair of boots, and her beside me, I wasn’t sure how I felt. None the less we walked in and little did I know, my life was about to change. As we started into Bible study, I thought it was rather elementary at first. How do horses relate to God? That’s exactly what I found out over those next seven weeks. 

   Time began to fly by, and Monday afternoons became one of the biggest highlights of my week. Together, as a group we began to explore the Bible and who God is in a deeper way. We discussed topics such as Pain and Pressure, Fear, Relationships, and so much more. I found myself in a group of caring people who wanted to pray for me and discuss things; people I could trust. Come to find, I didn’t mind the horses. In fact, I began to enjoy walking with and stroking the beautiful, strong animals.

    I grew so much spiritually over those seven weeks. I was able to process aspects of grief that I had pushed aside. I worked through the hurt of a broken long time friendship, which I am happy to say, is slowly mending. My fears of the uncertain future and what I will do after graduating dissipated, being replaced with peace. I surrendered certain thought patterns to God. The list goes on and on. I made some very dear friends and memories that I will forever cherish. 

   I am so grateful to my Bible Study leaders for hosting this Study and for letting me simply get to know and connect with the horses like I never knew was possible. I am not the same person that I was going into this. It all went from being nervous to walk in on the first day, to long hugs, sweet words and gifts, and never wanting to leave that very last day. I will forever be grateful that God placed me in that “Horse Bible Study.”