New Life Ranch in Colcord, OK

Before we started on this journey early in May, we prayed for guidance and wisdom from our Lord to show us a route and timeline that would achieve the intended goal of visiting all the active projects of CWCf (link) that were literally scattered all over the USA. The purpose was to gain insight on what the "real" picture of the ministry was and to thank and encourage all the ministry's volunteers that have participated in the various projects. We were also tasked to build up relationships with the different camps, schools, churches, organizations and other entities that we encountered.

 

We are coming to the end of the 2017 and in in this short  span of time traveling, we had come across an amazing  array of personalities and organizations that have opened our eyes to the real meaning of SERVICE and SELF SACRIFICE that were shown on both sides of the isle!!!! Men and women of stature and notoriety are discovered in far flung and obscure places in service of others in very humbling environments. Our Lord presented so many aspects of service that we never knew existed much less get involved with. What a precious gift this was it will be treasured and shared with all who are willing to listen. 

 

Our last assigned projects was to take us to the small town of Colcord, Oklahoma which is nestled in the northeast corner of OK right close to the border of Arkansas. Just off  US Highway 412 and deep in a narrow valley is 1,000 acres comprising  New Life Ranch (link) . Please visit their website to fully appreciate all the programs and services that they deliver to the youth, their families, the local community and neighboring states.

 

 

View from the Island

 

Climbing wall on the "island"

 

Riding Arena and horse stall

 

Newly built dormitories

 

Beautiful overhead beams and architecture

The Bunker (exterior tornado shelter)

 

Steel and concrete interior tornado shelter

New Life Ranch (NLR) had tasked CWCf to construct their long over due Maintenance Staff Building. Currently, the 8 man maintenance staff had been sharing one room (8 x 15) in the middle of the maintenance shop to do all their office work which had to be done in shifts due to the lack of space and computer terminals in the office. Byron and Louise, long time members of CWCf  had been designated to act as project manager for the building. With the help of other RVing groups such as RVICS (link) and SOWERS (link) who were frequent visitors and volunteers to the camp the work was started.

 

Another group that has volunteer on several projects in the camp is a couple from Global Faith Mission, Jess and Anne Kerley (link). This couple brings a team of other workers with them from Tennessee to primarily work on electrical and HVAC work. These folks are an amazingly GOD led group!

 

The ground work and foundation had been contracted out and the slab was poured by the maintenance staff. After allowing a few days for the concrete to firm up, Byron started to do lay outs and proceeded to frame up the exterior walls.  

 

 

 



Byron showing me the layout

 

RVICS and Sowers helping out

 

Brian Palmer (Facilities Director) on top of scaffolding getting his hands dirty

 

 

 

Framing up the exterior walls

 

Brian again laying out the Rafters

 

 

With the building being dried in, the interior work was started. Electrical panel, boxes and wiring pulled through, insulation placed, siding nailed in, windows set, exterior trim and paint.

 

 

Ceiling insulation was an itchy affair

 

 

 

 

 

Drywall was installed by Duane Atkinson of CWCf, we fondly call him "Doctor Duane" due to his meticulous attention to detail and precise application of drywall. 

 

Dr. Duane doing what he does best

 

Looking a lot better with the wallboard up

 

Almost ready for tape and texture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are other pictures of other activities and small projects that were undertaken while at camp.

 

 

Lee with the Sowers install metal roofing

 

Lee, myself and Josh (staff) dig trench for sign lighting

 

Lee getting pretty tired from digging :-)

 

Window washing

 



Sandy of CWCf tending the horses

 

 

Yours truly punching holes

 

More window washing

 

It gets pretty chilling in the morning in Colcord

 

A small camp fire by the RV

 

Tall Josh showing off his latest hunt and little Josh behind 

 

Brian and kids at the jumping/bouncing  pad

 

There is also time to enjoy a nice bonfire with hotdogs and smores

 

 This camp, aside from being one of the largest in land area and  on site facilities, was one of the better organized and staffed camps that we had visited.

 

We were truly blessed to be able to participate in the construction project and in doing so were able to get to know the folks more intimately. Staff  was always very professional and courteous in their approach and interaction, majority of them are fulltime "missionaries" bringing in their own support to be able to serve and the Camp augments with housing and food. With II Cor 5:17 as their guiding verse "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! " it is such a joy to see an active and cohesive group all working towards achieving the mission "Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to equip believers for ministry. "

 

We continue to pray for continued blessings for each and every soul that serves at the camp, their families, the Board, the youths that attend and all that are in one way or another associated with this camp.