[Perspective] Ministry begins fresh every day

By Brandy Urioste, director Arkansas Baptist Ranch.

Spring is a true representation of renewal. I love listening to the children playing outside, birds chirping, frogs croaking in the evenings and watching the trees bud out all while thinking about how Christ created all things and how He cares about the least of all things. We often get busy and too caught up in the day-to-day to really celebrate what Christ has done for us, what He has created, and what He is actively doing every day in our lives. 

The word celebrate means “to rejoice in or have special festivities to mark.” Spring itself is a reason to celebrate, but it is also a reminder of Easter, which is a time that we all should stop and truly celebrate. Good Friday is incredibly special to Christians, and I would propose that every day is, in a way, good Friday. It is special because it was the day He chose to die for my sins and the sins of all. He chose to die and rise again! 1 Peter 2:24 states, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 John 4:9 states,” By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” This is the message that we want everyone to know. 

Here at the Arkansas Baptist Ranch, we serve children and families from all walks of life. No child or family comes to the Ranch by chance, but by God’s divine intervention. Each child who comes and lives on the Arkansas Baptist Ranch has the opportunity to attend church each week and is encouraged to engage in church activities and events.  

During this last year, I have had the opportunity to witness four children grow in their faith because they were placed in a Christ-centered home with foster parents who are actively serving Christ. These children get excited to share new scripture they have learned; one even wrote it on his bathroom mirror. They love to listen to Christian music, often requesting that the radio be turned up when their favorite song comes on. 

Recently, we had a child ask one of our preteens, “Why are you singing?” She replied, “I am praising Jesus,” which led to a Gospel conversation where he accepted Jesus as his Savior! Later in the week, I had the opportunity to speak with his father who was visiting. I told him about his child who accepted Christ and that he would be baptized soon with the father’s permission. The dad said absolutely and shared that this child was the only one of his children that he dedicated to Christ after he was born. Our foster families not only share Christ with the children they are caring for but also with biological parents whenever possible. It is a never-ending ministry that begins fresh every day.  

Pray for us at Arkansas Baptist Ranch, a ministry of Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries, as we serve the children in our care and their families.