For many years, I have had a dream to have a boys ranch on my family’s property in Oklahoma. In the last few years, God has turned that dream into a vision.
In the fall of 2006, I started working as Facilities Director at a church in Lakeville, Minnesota. Soon after my employment, I attended a Focused Living Retreat to discern what God had planned for me in my Christian walk.
During the retreat, there was a period when I was required to spend some quiet time with God. It was during that quiet time that God first told me what He had planned. He shared with me during a very clear conversation that what I had always thought of as a dream was actually a plan that He had been sharing with me for many years.
Little did I know how God was about to work in my life and the lives of my family and friends. From that day forward I started receiving very clear visions of what God had planned on the family property. He showed me that He does not want a boys ranch but rather a childrens ranch where both boys and girls can find refuge. He also wants more than a ranch; He wants a church retreat on the property so that people of all ages can come and grow closer to Him through nature, relationships, and spiritual activities.
Some more visions He has shown me are:
· a lake where now there is forest · cabins and people around that lake · a barn on a hillside where no barn has ever stood · areas for campsites, sports facilities and challenge courses · residents of the children's home assisting retreat guests
Finally, God showed me the name, Camp Asher. I have been fond of the name Asher since 1992 when a twelve year old boy came into my life. This boy’s middle name was Asher and he is one of many inspirations for my part of this vision. In Hebrew, Asher means “blessed” or “happy” and that name fits well with this vision because my family is truly blessed to have this property and when we and others are there, we are all truly happy.
I know Camp Asher Ranch and Retreat Center will come to full fruition some day because God has shown it to me. I am trusting God to guide me in sharing this vision with others so that many will be blessed with an opportunity to be a part of it.
I ask you to lift this vision up in prayer and ask God how He wants you to be a part.