vol. 30 no. 2 “shepherding the hesitant” december 2018 how ... · mission statement: providing...
TRANSCRIPT
Mission Statement: Providing family-oriented Christian homes, on a working ranch for adults who have developmental disabilities.
Vol. 30 No. 2 “Shepherding the Hesitant” December 2018
Please visit our website at www.specialkranch.org and find us on Facebook for news, activities and pictures. (406) 322-5520
There is a lot of excitement at Special K Ranch during the Christmas season. All our residents are making plans with their families to go visit them and celebrate the birth of our Lord. Now granted, some of them are more excited about the presents under the tree and seeing family that they haven’t seen for a while, than they are about the birth of this special child, Jesus. Now don’t get me wrong, we can all get wrapped up in the excitement and busyness of the season. We make so many promises during the holidays that we forget the promises God gave in scripture and His fulfilled promise that we celebrate during this season.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17
Jesus has been our Counselor, Prince of Peace, Deliverer, and Comforter. He continues to reveal Himself to us in different, yet more beautiful, ways through each stage of our
lives. The full meaning of these words from Isaiah should give us enough strength, hope, and joy to face any crisis, to endure any sorrow, and to meet any temptation.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
We need to celebrate and focus on Christ, the ultimate picture of God’s love for us that first Christmas day, the birth of His one and only Son. Thank you, God!
The past several years Special K Ranch has been asked by Faith Evangelical Church to participate in the telling of the greatest miracle ever told, the birth of the baby Jesus. The story is told during a live narrated walk, through the days leading up to the birth of Christ. This year we brought a donkey for Mary to ride on her way to Bethlehem for one of the scenes, several sheep for the shepherds to herd and to be placed at the manger where the baby Jesus lay, and a horse for a weary traveler. Several of our residents were asked to dress up as shepherds to help manage the sheep and horse and to be with the sheep at the manger. They have so much fun doing this and are proud that their animals get to be used in the live narration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Peace be with you during this special holiday season!
Mike and the Gang at Special K Ranch!
Mike Oberg
Announcements
A Night of Wonder“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” which means “God with us”. Matthew 1:23
The Birth of Christ
Shepherds Dallas Eideand Robbie Larsen
Shepherd Ben Johnson
MONTANA INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR ENDOWED PHILANTHROPY: Montana taxpayers are eligible for a tax credit of up to $10,000 ($20,000 per couple). Planned gifts, such as charitable gift annuities, qualify for this credit, which is worth 40% of the charitable gift amount.
IRA ROLLOVER: Individuals who are 70½ or older can transfer up to $100,000 from an individual retirement account directly to a qualifying charity without recognizing the assets transferred as income. This tax-wise way of giving counts toward meeting the required minimum distributions from IRAs.
APPRECIATED STOCK: Giving appreciated securities yields powerful tax benefits. Generally, capital gains taxes can be avoided.
CASH: Cash gifts are the simplest way to provide support to the ranch.
HOW WILL MY GIFT BE USED? Your support can be designated for the general operating fund, for a specific program, or for the endowment.
How can you help?Special K Ranch operates independently of government funding.
On November 30, SKR House Mom Deb Carter retired. Deb was the home adviser for Robin Willems, Cindi Gordon and Kiele Guthridge in the Broyles House. She spent two separate seasons on the ranch, totaling just over 12 years. We already miss Deb’s storytelling, unique sense of humor, and the unconditional love she has for her Special K family, but we congratulate her on her retirement. Thank you for your time with us, Deb! Dianne Edinger will join us in January to be the new home advisor for the Broyles House.
The 2019 Open House will be held on Saturday, June 8. Please join us for food, live music, a plant and craft sale, and fellowship with residents!
The next fundraising dinner will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Details to follow!
Save the Dates!
We are often caught up at Christmas time with the “good tidings” of the season. It’s a wonderful time of year and much to be enjoyed. I often like to try and see things from another angle, kind of like the
different look we were given in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, of all those human elements that surround our time at Christmas. This year I am trying to grasp the amazing, complicated work of Amazon to fill all of the orders they are now receiving during this time and get them delivered. But let’s not stop there, what about the larger picture of all those people who are designing, manufacturing and assembling all of those presents? It’s overwhelming in its shear numbers. How many hours, trial items, how much funding, materials, broken down machines needing to be fixed for production to continue, electricity by the zillion kilowatts, etc., etc., etc.
Yet in the midst of such large-scale activity most of the individuals involved are probably excited about what they personally accomplish, whether it is a new automobile or a new squirt gun. The ranchers at SKR are like that, doing the best they can to make things that others can enjoy. It may be the beautiful flowers or the tasty vegetables, the vibrant seed or the healthy fat lambs. Whatever we do, we try to do as unto the LORD, that it may bless others as well as ourselves. In looking at our vision for five new homes, we are also looking for additional ways for our ranchers to be successful. We will be hunting for other businesses that can utilize our unique abilities and partner with us to accomplish good things for them and others. Feel free to join us in the celebration of the season of Christ’s birth and the celebration of finding new plans for His people here at Special K Ranch.
Marvin Schieldt, Program Director
Syliva McKinley Merrill Lynch Donald & Mary Nelson, Jr. Rudy & Marjory Spraycar Amy Wilkins Joyce & Gus WilkinsMARY JOHNSTON Jack & Audrey ParksMADGE & FRANK KAPPEL Craig & Kathleen BaumgartnerMURDENA KERR Victoria FryBETTY KINDSFATER Beverly Harper Jim & Ruth Hatten Andrew & Karin Racki Bob & Betty Saxbury Donna WagnerBONNIE KINNEY David & Sharon LegalleySTAN KINNEY Eryk & Phyllis AsmanBRADLEY KNAPP Terry & Rena LaugheryPAUL KOBER Wanda EastlickVINCE KOEFELDA Phil & Lecia Letz Barbara WennemarRAYMOND KOLSTAD Don KolstadKEVIN KREBSBACH Anonymous JOYCE KRIEGER Marvin & Kay KappelMARGE LACKMAN Robert & Peggy KappelSHELLIE LANGE Donna & Keith NelsonMARY KAY LATTA Beverly & Marvin JohnsonEDNA VIOLET LELAND Susan LewisSTEVE LETTKO Karen ClemmonsCLEO LEVY Maurine Lenhardt Raymond & Marilyn SchaakHERMAN LOFING Lawrence LofingVIRGINIA LOFING Lawrence LofingANDREA PETERSON LUDWIG Mary D. KasnerJAMES MARKOVICH Cindy Ripley Marilee WoldJOAN MARKOVICH Cindy RipleyRICHARD MARTIN Mary D. KasnerWALT & SHARON MARTIN Larry & Joy GoehnerBETTY & DICK MARTINSON Bruce & Margo Boynton Richard Foust John & Marilyn Hurless Marjorie Porter
Diane TippetsMICHAEL MATHER Charles & Jeanne HereimBILL MCALLISTER Don GlynnJAMES MCCALL Leroy & Norma WalterDR. ROBERT MCDONALD Owen & Shannon JohnsonLISA MCJUNKIN Donna BeutlerEMIL & HAZEL MELBY Evelyn WilliamsEUGENE METZGER LeRoy & Patricia Coles Bruce & Lillian Devries Larry & Nancy Frank Ed & Roxie Kraft James & Valorie K Kraft Robert & Kay Kraft Sylvia Kraft Deanna Latterell Kathryn McFadden Carol Metzger Sage & Scott Olson Melvin Reints John & Shelley WoldLORETTA METZGER Jim & Ruth Hatten Robert & Peggy Kappel Mary D. Kasner Robert & Kay Kraft Rob & Lori RosselotMARVIN METZGER Marilee WoldWILLIAM G. MICHAEL, JR. Jack Benner Marlene Dolechek Stan & Judy Eisenman Jan Lehman Edith Thompson Ronald & Donna WalterMr. & MRS. LYLE MILLER Dean & Betty FausnaughSHARON MILLER Robert & Kay KraftCHARLES “CHUCK” MORELLI Mr. R. HarawaySAMUEL MOURICH Duane & Mary Ann GuenthnerPATRICK MULLANEY Don & Lorraine Craig Sharon Lyle Bob & Betty Saxbury Kelly & Mary Smarsh Barbara WennemarLOIS MUNSON Bob & Mavis ShotwellZACH MURRAY Ronald & Donna WalterMAX LEE NEWLIN Don KolstadANN MARIE O’LEARY-GREGOIRE Robert & Judy RichmanLARRY OLSON Mark & Vicki WilliamsonAL PARKER Bob & Betty Saxbury
Mickie StoneDON PARSONS Sue & Scott McBurney Linwood & Elizabeth ParsonsLYNN PARSONS Susan & David Anderson Lloyd & Gerry WebberRAYMOND PEETE Jeffrey R PeeteLOIS POOLE Doug & Evelyn MillerPHIL & BETTY POPE Ralph & Carolyn GrannerTIM POTTS Joe & Roseanna LohofMARGARET RACKI Albert RackiHELEN REITER Duane & Mary Ann GuenthnerROSALIE ROBINSON Diane M. OversenRYNN & RUTH ROGERS Martin RogersTOM RUSCHKEWIEZ Downtown Wrecker &
RecoveryCOLLEEN RUTT Marvin & Kay KappelDONALD SABE Marlene AndersonR.L. & ELIZABETH SANDERSON Charles & Eva MonaghanBERTHA SANDOVAL Dodie ZweifelTERRY SANDS Bev & Ralph Amen Marlene Anderson Samuel & Jeannette Cain Wanda Eastlick Stan & Judy Eisenman Duane & Mary Ann Guenthner Brenda & David Hatten Marvin & Kay Kappel Mary D. Kasner Donna Wagner Bill & Mona WaltersBONNIE SCHERER Judy CuffJOYCE SCHESSLER Stan & Judy Eisenman Duane & Mary Ann Guenthner Ervin & Peggy WoodDORIS SCHMIDT K. & Virginia HuckinsREYNOLD SCHREINER Leroy & Norma WalterCLARICE SCHRUMPF Dirk & Christine ArnoldPATTY SELOVER G H Tanner Oil PropertiesJOANNE SLADE Owen & Shannon JohnsonDON SMITH Samuel & Jeannette Cain Mary D. KasnerNEVA SMITH Gerald & Carole VogelBENJAMIN SOMMERS
Chuck & JoLynn SommersJEANNIE SOUTHWORTH Warren & Judy FrankKAY STAHLECKER Winston StahleckerFRANK ‘STEVE’ STEVENS Larry StevensTYLER STOVALL Donna DelpDOROTHY & JOHN STRAUCH William & Linda StrauchDAVID STROBEL Dale & Pamela BilyeuDOROTHY STROBEL Dale & Pamela BilyeuLESTER STROBEL Dale & Pamela BilyeuGREG SYME Adrienne GibsonSTEPHANIE TAYLOR Hollis TaylorGEORGE THORMAHLEN George & Mary KrollLES UNRUH Donna & Keith NelsonJAMES & EVA VAN ARSDALE Sarah & Duane Van ArsdaleDOLLY VANDEBERG Bernadine HarrisMARVIN WEBER Butch RipleyREGINA WEGNER Stan & Judy Eisenman Brenda & David HattenBRET WELDELE Marvin & Kay KappelNICK WEPPLER Arleene WepplerFALLON WILLIAMS MCCADE Evelyn WilliamsDALE WILLIAMS Evelyn WilliamsGLEN & FRANCES WILLIAMS Evelyn WilliamsJOYCE WILLIAMS G H Tanner Oil PropertiesSAWYER WILLIAMS Evelyn WilliamsRALPH “LEFTY” WOLFF Marilee WoldLOUISE WORDEN Barbara WennemarGLEN ZEHNTNER Mary D. KasnerWILBERT “GENE” ZEILER Marlene Donaugh Connie & Greg Goodman/
ZeilerKEVIN ZUP Iline Rehling
Marvin Schieldt
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
The ranch is seeking additional business partners for its Service Contract vocational program. Please contact the ranch if you are interested in partnering with our residents and staff!
Cindi Gordon bar-coding boxes of jewelry for Montana Silversmiths
Ben Cheshire proudly holds up this rack from Montana
Silversmiths. Ben pulls the pins and replaces them, to make the
rack as good as new.
Sue White (vocational staff), Stephanie Morelli, Robin Willems
and Cindi Gordon (front) working with MT Silversmiths jewelry.
Dallas Eide, Paul LaVeau and Cathy Aexel collecting seeds for Bureau of Land
Management reclamation projects.
Alex Klee and Leslie Zeigler (vocational staff) assembling bobbins for Merco Co.
These bobbins will be used by fly fisherman to tie flies.
Honorariums and Memorials April 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018The people honored and memorialized on These pages are parT of The ongoing minisTry of special K ranch.
A special thank you to those listed for making these gifts.
IN HONOR OF:DREW & SHIRLEY ANDERSEN Harold & Jean AndersenANGELA BEADLE Helen & Mike EastwoodBRET BEAVANS Bob & Linda SmithLAURIE BOGRETT George CasselHOPE BURTON Kathleen RalphDALLAS EIDE Doug & Kim McRaeDEB HADLOCK Trish IngvalsonSTEPHANIE HAWORTH Kurt & Jean CarterDR. GERALD HEUER Jeanette & Dr. Ruth HeuerBETTY HOEKSEMA Nicole & Jon HodgesJANE JONES Karen DoolenALEX KLEE Jack & Vivian KleeSTEPHANIE LALIM Randy & Joy LalimJOHN LOCKIE Bruce LockieARMAND & ARLE LOHOF Julie DickinsonALEXIS MANN Barbara TusaJANETTE & RALPH NASH Robert & Sherrie WillemsJIM & MELODY QUADE John & Jeanne MohrGREG WENNEMAR Sisters of Charity LeavenworthWILLEMS FAMILY David RoseROBIN WILLEMS Greg & Cindy BrazellROBERT E. WILLEMS, SR Robert & Sherrie Willems
IN MEMORY OF:JOHN AALGAARD Darlene FoxDEBBIE ABRAHAMS Doug & Evelyn MillerJOHN AEXEL Mark H. LarsonESTHER ANDERSON Jack & Audrey ParksDARRELL BAER Robert & Roberta Fox Butch RipleySTEVE BAKKER William & Helen BakkerPHILIP DAN BARNETT Joan BarnettGLADYS BAUGH
Claire LelandRITA CLARE BECK Terry & Rena LaugheryTIMOTHY LEON BERHOW Randal & Debra EgstadBARBARA BERRETH Larry & Dawn LofthouseMINNIE BERST Stan & Judy Eisenman Elhart & Mary Hoffman Marvin & Kay Kappel Robert & Peggy Kappel Carol SandsLOUISE BLACKFORD Gary HinesGERTRUDE BOKLMANN Richard & Carolyn HardelJOHN PERRY BOND Russell & Mary HallLLOYD BOOTH Clifton Booth Robert & Cheryl Booth Eunice Goddard Thomas & Debrah LutkeJERRY BOUTSEN Bob & Janet PronguaKENNETH BOYD Doris OlsonRICK BUCKINGHAM Helen McCourtDOROTHY BUMMER Cathie KautzJAMES CALDWELL Dean & Betty FausnaughDOLLY CARR Donna & Keith NelsonJOHN CHAFFEE Dick & Stacy Goins Tom & Amber Hope Ed & Roxie Kraft Mr. & Mrs. Robert Miller Public Auction Yards Dean & Marlie Risa William & Linda StrauchNORMA JEAN CHRISTENSEN Leroy & Norma WalterRON COMBS Karen CombsEDWIN “TAYLOR” COX Marjorie KnoblochCHRISTOPHER CRAIG Terry MattfeldtDAWN CRAIG Kathleen DorsettJAMES WARREN CRUM Mary UnderwoodIRVIN CUTHBERTSON Esther CuthbertsonLAUREN DAMSCHEN Evelyn DamschenAL DECK Donna BeutlerFRANCES E. DOLL
Bill & Barb Haws Frankie Jansma Thomas & Moireen King Doug & Bonita WilsonROBERT G.C. EADS Susan & Robert LeavertonBETTY & GLENN EASTLICK William & Linda StrauchHAZEL EDEN Terry & Rena LaugheryHARLAN ERICKSON Elroy & Judy Erickson Loretta WittmerJO EVANS Jerry EvansJOHN EVANS Jerry EvansKENNETH FETTIG Marlene AndersonFRED FEUERBACHER III David & Betty NeibauerCHARLENE FISCHER CRAWFORD Allan & Linda SipesFRANK FORTIN Jack & Arlene OakesDEAN FRANK Susie WeaverVICTOR FRANK Loretta FrankBEN FREEMAN Connie WeilerTHELMA GACKLE Roger & Connie EissingerBARBARA GARNETT Jan LehmanHAROLD GIERKE K. & Virginia HuckinsMORRIS GIESICK Sam & Monica McDowellJANE GLENNIE Lloyd & Gerry WebberDON GLUMBIK Norma KappelELVA GLUTH John & Jeanne MohrLORENE GOEHNER Larry & Joy GoehnerOTTO GOEHNER Larry & Joy GoehnerDON GRABOWSKA Kathy ShayROBERT GRAHAM Beverly Harper Theodore & Dorothy Henry Robert & Kay KraftDAVE GRIMLAND Larry & Joy GoehnerFRANCES E. GUTHRIDGE Gerald & Claudia Howard Judith WilliamsPETER GUTHRIDGE Gerald & Claudia Howard Judith Williams
JUDY HADLOCK Warren & Phyllis GramleyHAROLD HALL Phil & Lecia LetzTERRY HALVERSON Berniece HalversonNICHOLAS HANKINS Allen HankinsGERRY HARPER Barbara WennemarSHIRLEY HARR Donald HarrRAY HAVIG Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co. Darrell & Sally Ehrlick G H Tanner Oil Properties Mr. & Mrs. Chadwin Lutey Sue & Scott McBurney NATSO, Inc Mary Thielen Tom & Jeanne VogelROSEMARY HOFERER Duane & Mary Ann GuenthnerNANCY HOFFERBER Bernadine HarrisDONALD JACOBSON, SR Doug & Evelyn MillerVALARIE JAWORSKI Frank & Mary RobertsCLARENCE & JANITH JENKINS Larry & Joy GoehnerELENA MAE JENSEN Ethel H. PeltonLAVERNE JENSEN Melvin & Frosty Brown Terry Corey John Decker David & Debra Dornfeld Sandra Feit Hans & Lynn Hanson L.B. Henderson Otto Jensen Dean & Kelli Johnson Judy & George Lawrence Wayne & Marva Leben Bruce & Linda Little Charles & Audrey Reed Leo & Joan Roller Darold & Diane Ruff Mylo & Kay Sather David Stensrud A.C. Weiland Joyce Williams Allen & Marsha WilsonMICHAEL JEPSEN Donna & Keith NelsonZANE JOHNSON Sam & Michelle Doutrich Otto & Jody Dringman Kim & Mike Johnson Arthur & Patricia Kramer Gareld & Barbara Krieg Susan McKinley
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Psalm 24: 1-2
In recent years, a very close friend of the ranch was diagnosed with terminal
cancer. I noticed him sitting in the circle one morning at Wednesday Devotions, which is a weekly gathering of worship and music enjoyed by residents and staff. It’s also a time when we give awards to our rancher of the month and most improved rancher. He – for now, I will refer to our close friend as Jon (often meaning generous, courageous, helpful) – sitting next to his daughter, appeared to be completely at peace, with a content, mild smile spread across his face. Until that day, I hadn’t had a lengthy conversation with Jon. I sat down next to him, after worship was over, and thanked him for his recent outpouring of generosity, which included providing funding to purchase more than several much-needed pieces of equipment and vehicles for the ranch. Jon, because of his closeness to the ranch and conversations
with Marvin, knew we needed better equipment to carry out our work.
He told me all about his history of donating to the ranch, and why his support had been so significant, especially recently. Jon came to the realization that, since everything on earth belongs to God, so did his financial means. He ensured his family was taken care of in that regard, and he knew he had an opportunity to help with additional assets he had available. He said to me, “Steve, everything in this world belongs to God. It’s not my money. It is God’s money.” Then, referring to the gifts he had given, Jon looked at me, grinned, and said, “and let me tell you . . . it has been a LOT of fun to spend God’s money!” What Jon said to me touched my heart and has drastically changed my perspective about raising money for our residents.
We’re incredibly fortunate for the blessings 2019 will bring: a new greenhouse season, a brand-new resident home, four new life-long residents being welcomed to the ranch, and countless other blessings. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for turning opportunities into realities.
We wish you the Merriest of Christmases, from our family to yours!
Steven Aadland, Development Director
Steven Aadland
As I reflect on this past year, I have realized many blessings in disguise. Accepting the Residential Director position here at SKR was one of them, and perhaps the greatest one of all. To be a part of this awesome organization has thus far been a path to great riches in my life. No, not monies or “things”, but a multitude of new friends, and a family I can share with daily. I am so excited to see the growth spurt we are experiencing continuously throughout the year. We have an ever-expanding waiting list of people needing a place like SKR to call home. We have the first home of our Phase II Expansion Project set to open during summer of 2019. God is good. I have been able to meet most of the residents’ families throughout my first year here, and I hope to continue getting to know everyone a little better.
The House Moms here at the ranch do so much to make sure our residents feel at home; they are loved, guided, and helped with whatever is needed. We have come together as a community and tweaked what didn’t work, adjusted what did for the better, and the best part . . . everyone jumps in where they are needed at any given time. I couldn’t ask for a better group of women to be “moms” and to be the guiding force in our homes here at SKR. The residents continue to show me how simply living in the moment can make your day. I have experienced many “firsts” this year and am blessed to learn something new all the time. I hope that each and everyone of you enjoys a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Kathy Lee, Residential Director
Kathy Lee
Merry Christmas
• Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
• AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
• Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com, rather than amazon.com.
• With Thrivent Choice®, you can recommend where some of Thrivent Financial’s charitable outreach funds go. Since 2010, more than $330 million has been distributed to churches and nonprofits nationwide.
• See the instructions in the How to Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars at Thrivent.com under the Making a Difference section. You can also contact your Thrivent Financial representative or call the Member Connection Center at 800-847-4836 and state “Thrivent Choice” at the prompt.
Special K Ranch has been awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the third consecutive year. Only 21% of the charities evaluated have received three consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Special K Ranch outperforms most other charities in America.
We thank our generous sponsors who supported the 2018 Fundraising Dinner Celebration and
Fund Drive with pre-event gifts of $500 or more.
Nearly 600 people attended the 2018 fundraising dinner. Residents, donors, staff and volunteers came together to enjoy a special night of food, fellowship and fun. We’re incredibly thankful to our supporters and volunteers for putting together yet another successful fundraiser!
Does your employer have a matching gift program? Many companies, such as First Interstate Bank, Conoco, Microsoft, and countless others, have matching gift programs. How do they work? Depending on the program, companies will match, dollar for dollar, donations you make to charities of your choice.
Matching Gift Programs
Ben Cheshire was recognized as Rancher of the Year.
JD Little Soldier was awarded Most Improved Rancher.
From left: Dallas Eide said grace, Don Havig was the Master of Ceremonies, and
Paul LaVeau performed God Bless America. Thank you, Dallas, Don and Paul!
BARONSBentley Foundation
Capstone Wealth Management
First Interstate Bank
Montana Silversmiths
PARTNERSJulie Bowden
CHS Inc
Edwards Frickle & Culver/Edwards Jet Center
Eide Bailly
Jones Construction
Karell Dyre & Haney PLLP
Allen and Pat Karell
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Stockman Bank
T-K Production Company
Valley Federal Credit Union
HERDERSAll Seasons Lawn Care
Anderson ZurMuehlen
Bank of Bridger
Billings Clinic Foundation
Jere Bogrett
Bill Clagg
Cole Family Foundation
Crowley Fleck PLLP
Doak & Associates, P.C.
Drs. McBride, Steiner, & Lebsock
Darrell and Sally Ehrlick
Richard and Carol Evans
Russ and Mary Hall
Mark & Melody Heide
Hertz Car Sales
Tom and Sandra Hines
Holland & Hart LLP
Roger and Darla Huebner
Terri & Rusty Izatt
Jersey DairyRobert and Sherrie Willems
Kalm With Kava – Monsoon Beverages
Gail Kleman
Don Kolstad
McCall Homes LLC
Montana-Wyoming West PC
Moulton Bellingham PC
Mountain States Environmental
Gregory and Kari Novasio
Rimrock Property Management
Smith Funeral Chapels
Sonshine ElectricDavid and Sara Ruff
St. Vincent Healthcare
Nancy Steel
Tire World of Bozeman
Robert and Patricia Thuesen
Ultragraphics
Western Security Bank
Whitten & Borges
WIPFLi
Carl Wolf
Chuck and Janet Zundell
• Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
• AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
• Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com, rather than amazon.com.
• With Thrivent Choice®, you can recommend where some of Thrivent Financial’s charitable outreach funds go. Since 2010, more than $330 million has been distributed to churches and nonprofits nationwide.
• See the instructions in the How to Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars at Thrivent.com under the Making a Difference section. You can also contact your Thrivent Financial representative or call the Member Connection Center at 800-847-4836 and state “Thrivent Choice” at the prompt.
Special K Ranch has been awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the third consecutive year. Only 21% of the charities evaluated have received three consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Special K Ranch outperforms most other charities in America.
We thank our generous sponsors who supported the 2018 Fundraising Dinner Celebration and
Fund Drive with pre-event gifts of $500 or more.
Nearly 600 people attended the 2018 fundraising dinner. Residents, donors, staff and volunteers came together to enjoy a special night of food, fellowship and fun. We’re incredibly thankful to our supporters and volunteers for putting together yet another successful fundraiser!
Does your employer have a matching gift program? Many companies, such as First Interstate Bank, Conoco, Microsoft, and countless others, have matching gift programs. How do they work? Depending on the program, companies will match, dollar for dollar, donations you make to charities of your choice.
Matching Gift Programs
Ben Cheshire was recognized as Rancher of the Year.
JD Little Soldier was awarded Most Improved Rancher.
From left: Dallas Eide said grace, Don Havig was the Master of Ceremonies, and
Paul LaVeau performed God Bless America. Thank you, Dallas, Don and Paul!
BARONSBentley Foundation
Capstone Wealth Management
First Interstate Bank
Montana Silversmiths
PARTNERSJulie Bowden
CHS Inc
Edwards Frickle & Culver/Edwards Jet Center
Eide Bailly
Jones Construction
Karell Dyre & Haney PLLP
Allen and Pat Karell
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Stockman Bank
T-K Production Company
Valley Federal Credit Union
HERDERSAll Seasons Lawn Care
Anderson ZurMuehlen
Bank of Bridger
Billings Clinic Foundation
Jere Bogrett
Bill Clagg
Cole Family Foundation
Crowley Fleck PLLP
Doak & Associates, P.C.
Drs. McBride, Steiner, & Lebsock
Darrell and Sally Ehrlick
Richard and Carol Evans
Russ and Mary Hall
Mark & Melody Heide
Hertz Car Sales
Tom and Sandra Hines
Holland & Hart LLP
Roger and Darla Huebner
Terri & Rusty Izatt
Jersey DairyRobert and Sherrie Willems
Kalm With Kava – Monsoon Beverages
Gail Kleman
Don Kolstad
McCall Homes LLC
Montana-Wyoming West PC
Moulton Bellingham PC
Mountain States Environmental
Gregory and Kari Novasio
Rimrock Property Management
Smith Funeral Chapels
Sonshine ElectricDavid and Sara Ruff
St. Vincent Healthcare
Nancy Steel
Tire World of Bozeman
Robert and Patricia Thuesen
Ultragraphics
Western Security Bank
Whitten & Borges
WIPFLi
Carl Wolf
Chuck and Janet Zundell
Honorariums and Memorials April 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018The people honored and memorialized on These pages are parT of The ongoing minisTry of special K ranch.
A special thank you to those listed for making these gifts.
IN HONOR OF:DREW & SHIRLEY ANDERSEN Harold & Jean AndersenANGELA BEADLE Helen & Mike EastwoodBRET BEAVANS Bob & Linda SmithLAURIE BOGRETT George CasselHOPE BURTON Kathleen RalphDALLAS EIDE Doug & Kim McRaeDEB HADLOCK Trish IngvalsonSTEPHANIE HAWORTH Kurt & Jean CarterDR. GERALD HEUER Jeanette & Dr. Ruth HeuerBETTY HOEKSEMA Nicole & Jon HodgesJANE JONES Karen DoolenALEX KLEE Jack & Vivian KleeSTEPHANIE LALIM Randy & Joy LalimJOHN LOCKIE Bruce LockieARMAND & ARLE LOHOF Julie DickinsonALEXIS MANN Barbara TusaJANETTE & RALPH NASH Robert & Sherrie WillemsJIM & MELODY QUADE John & Jeanne MohrGREG WENNEMAR Sisters of Charity LeavenworthWILLEMS FAMILY David RoseROBIN WILLEMS Greg & Cindy BrazellROBERT E. WILLEMS, SR Robert & Sherrie Willems
IN MEMORY OF:JOHN AALGAARD Darlene FoxDEBBIE ABRAHAMS Doug & Evelyn MillerJOHN AEXEL Mark H. LarsonESTHER ANDERSON Jack & Audrey ParksDARRELL BAER Robert & Roberta Fox Butch RipleySTEVE BAKKER William & Helen BakkerPHILIP DAN BARNETT Joan BarnettGLADYS BAUGH
Claire LelandRITA CLARE BECK Terry & Rena LaugheryTIMOTHY LEON BERHOW Randal & Debra EgstadBARBARA BERRETH Larry & Dawn LofthouseMINNIE BERST Stan & Judy Eisenman Elhart & Mary Hoffman Marvin & Kay Kappel Robert & Peggy Kappel Carol SandsLOUISE BLACKFORD Gary HinesGERTRUDE BOKLMANN Richard & Carolyn HardelJOHN PERRY BOND Russell & Mary HallLLOYD BOOTH Clifton Booth Robert & Cheryl Booth Eunice Goddard Thomas & Debrah LutkeJERRY BOUTSEN Bob & Janet PronguaKENNETH BOYD Doris OlsonRICK BUCKINGHAM Helen McCourtDOROTHY BUMMER Cathie KautzJAMES CALDWELL Dean & Betty FausnaughDOLLY CARR Donna & Keith NelsonJOHN CHAFFEE Dick & Stacy Goins Tom & Amber Hope Ed & Roxie Kraft Mr. & Mrs. Robert Miller Public Auction Yards Dean & Marlie Risa William & Linda StrauchNORMA JEAN CHRISTENSEN Leroy & Norma WalterRON COMBS Karen CombsEDWIN “TAYLOR” COX Marjorie KnoblochCHRISTOPHER CRAIG Terry MattfeldtDAWN CRAIG Kathleen DorsettJAMES WARREN CRUM Mary UnderwoodIRVIN CUTHBERTSON Esther CuthbertsonLAUREN DAMSCHEN Evelyn DamschenAL DECK Donna BeutlerFRANCES E. DOLL
Bill & Barb Haws Frankie Jansma Thomas & Moireen King Doug & Bonita WilsonROBERT G.C. EADS Susan & Robert LeavertonBETTY & GLENN EASTLICK William & Linda StrauchHAZEL EDEN Terry & Rena LaugheryHARLAN ERICKSON Elroy & Judy Erickson Loretta WittmerJO EVANS Jerry EvansJOHN EVANS Jerry EvansKENNETH FETTIG Marlene AndersonFRED FEUERBACHER III David & Betty NeibauerCHARLENE FISCHER CRAWFORD Allan & Linda SipesFRANK FORTIN Jack & Arlene OakesDEAN FRANK Susie WeaverVICTOR FRANK Loretta FrankBEN FREEMAN Connie WeilerTHELMA GACKLE Roger & Connie EissingerBARBARA GARNETT Jan LehmanHAROLD GIERKE K. & Virginia HuckinsMORRIS GIESICK Sam & Monica McDowellJANE GLENNIE Lloyd & Gerry WebberDON GLUMBIK Norma KappelELVA GLUTH John & Jeanne MohrLORENE GOEHNER Larry & Joy GoehnerOTTO GOEHNER Larry & Joy GoehnerDON GRABOWSKA Kathy ShayROBERT GRAHAM Beverly Harper Theodore & Dorothy Henry Robert & Kay KraftDAVE GRIMLAND Larry & Joy GoehnerFRANCES E. GUTHRIDGE Gerald & Claudia Howard Judith WilliamsPETER GUTHRIDGE Gerald & Claudia Howard Judith Williams
JUDY HADLOCK Warren & Phyllis GramleyHAROLD HALL Phil & Lecia LetzTERRY HALVERSON Berniece HalversonNICHOLAS HANKINS Allen HankinsGERRY HARPER Barbara WennemarSHIRLEY HARR Donald HarrRAY HAVIG Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co. Darrell & Sally Ehrlick G H Tanner Oil Properties Mr. & Mrs. Chadwin Lutey Sue & Scott McBurney NATSO, Inc Mary Thielen Tom & Jeanne VogelROSEMARY HOFERER Duane & Mary Ann GuenthnerNANCY HOFFERBER Bernadine HarrisDONALD JACOBSON, SR Doug & Evelyn MillerVALARIE JAWORSKI Frank & Mary RobertsCLARENCE & JANITH JENKINS Larry & Joy GoehnerELENA MAE JENSEN Ethel H. PeltonLAVERNE JENSEN Melvin & Frosty Brown Terry Corey John Decker David & Debra Dornfeld Sandra Feit Hans & Lynn Hanson L.B. Henderson Otto Jensen Dean & Kelli Johnson Judy & George Lawrence Wayne & Marva Leben Bruce & Linda Little Charles & Audrey Reed Leo & Joan Roller Darold & Diane Ruff Mylo & Kay Sather David Stensrud A.C. Weiland Joyce Williams Allen & Marsha WilsonMICHAEL JEPSEN Donna & Keith NelsonZANE JOHNSON Sam & Michelle Doutrich Otto & Jody Dringman Kim & Mike Johnson Arthur & Patricia Kramer Gareld & Barbara Krieg Susan McKinley
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Psalm 24: 1-2
In recent years, a very close friend of the ranch was diagnosed with terminal
cancer. I noticed him sitting in the circle one morning at Wednesday Devotions, which is a weekly gathering of worship and music enjoyed by residents and staff. It’s also a time when we give awards to our rancher of the month and most improved rancher. He – for now, I will refer to our close friend as Jon (often meaning generous, courageous, helpful) – sitting next to his daughter, appeared to be completely at peace, with a content, mild smile spread across his face. Until that day, I hadn’t had a lengthy conversation with Jon. I sat down next to him, after worship was over, and thanked him for his recent outpouring of generosity, which included providing funding to purchase more than several much-needed pieces of equipment and vehicles for the ranch. Jon, because of his closeness to the ranch and conversations
with Marvin, knew we needed better equipment to carry out our work.
He told me all about his history of donating to the ranch, and why his support had been so significant, especially recently. Jon came to the realization that, since everything on earth belongs to God, so did his financial means. He ensured his family was taken care of in that regard, and he knew he had an opportunity to help with additional assets he had available. He said to me, “Steve, everything in this world belongs to God. It’s not my money. It is God’s money.” Then, referring to the gifts he had given, Jon looked at me, grinned, and said, “and let me tell you . . . it has been a LOT of fun to spend God’s money!” What Jon said to me touched my heart and has drastically changed my perspective about raising money for our residents.
We’re incredibly fortunate for the blessings 2019 will bring: a new greenhouse season, a brand-new resident home, four new life-long residents being welcomed to the ranch, and countless other blessings. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for turning opportunities into realities.
We wish you the Merriest of Christmases, from our family to yours!
Steven Aadland, Development Director
Steven Aadland
As I reflect on this past year, I have realized many blessings in disguise. Accepting the Residential Director position here at SKR was one of them, and perhaps the greatest one of all. To be a part of this awesome organization has thus far been a path to great riches in my life. No, not monies or “things”, but a multitude of new friends, and a family I can share with daily. I am so excited to see the growth spurt we are experiencing continuously throughout the year. We have an ever-expanding waiting list of people needing a place like SKR to call home. We have the first home of our Phase II Expansion Project set to open during summer of 2019. God is good. I have been able to meet most of the residents’ families throughout my first year here, and I hope to continue getting to know everyone a little better.
The House Moms here at the ranch do so much to make sure our residents feel at home; they are loved, guided, and helped with whatever is needed. We have come together as a community and tweaked what didn’t work, adjusted what did for the better, and the best part . . . everyone jumps in where they are needed at any given time. I couldn’t ask for a better group of women to be “moms” and to be the guiding force in our homes here at SKR. The residents continue to show me how simply living in the moment can make your day. I have experienced many “firsts” this year and am blessed to learn something new all the time. I hope that each and everyone of you enjoys a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Kathy Lee, Residential Director
Kathy Lee
Merry Christmas
We are often caught up at Christmas time with the “good tidings” of the season. It’s a wonderful time of year and much to be enjoyed. I often like to try and see things from another angle, kind of like the
different look we were given in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, of all those human elements that surround our time at Christmas. This year I am trying to grasp the amazing, complicated work of Amazon to fill all of the orders they are now receiving during this time and get them delivered. But let’s not stop there, what about the larger picture of all those people who are designing, manufacturing and assembling all of those presents? It’s overwhelming in its shear numbers. How many hours, trial items, how much funding, materials, broken down machines needing to be fixed for production to continue, electricity by the zillion kilowatts, etc., etc., etc.
Yet in the midst of such large-scale activity most of the individuals involved are probably excited about what they personally accomplish, whether it is a new automobile or a new squirt gun. The ranchers at SKR are like that, doing the best they can to make things that others can enjoy. It may be the beautiful flowers or the tasty vegetables, the vibrant seed or the healthy fat lambs. Whatever we do, we try to do as unto the LORD, that it may bless others as well as ourselves. In looking at our vision for five new homes, we are also looking for additional ways for our ranchers to be successful. We will be hunting for other businesses that can utilize our unique abilities and partner with us to accomplish good things for them and others. Feel free to join us in the celebration of the season of Christ’s birth and the celebration of finding new plans for His people here at Special K Ranch.
Marvin Schieldt, Program Director
Syliva McKinley Merrill Lynch Donald & Mary Nelson, Jr. Rudy & Marjory Spraycar Amy Wilkins Joyce & Gus WilkinsMARY JOHNSTON Jack & Audrey ParksMADGE & FRANK KAPPEL Craig & Kathleen BaumgartnerMURDENA KERR Victoria FryBETTY KINDSFATER Beverly Harper Jim & Ruth Hatten Andrew & Karin Racki Bob & Betty Saxbury Donna WagnerBONNIE KINNEY David & Sharon LegalleySTAN KINNEY Eryk & Phyllis AsmanBRADLEY KNAPP Terry & Rena LaugheryPAUL KOBER Wanda EastlickVINCE KOEFELDA Phil & Lecia Letz Barbara WennemarRAYMOND KOLSTAD Don KolstadKEVIN KREBSBACH Anonymous JOYCE KRIEGER Marvin & Kay KappelMARGE LACKMAN Robert & Peggy KappelSHELLIE LANGE Donna & Keith NelsonMARY KAY LATTA Beverly & Marvin JohnsonEDNA VIOLET LELAND Susan LewisSTEVE LETTKO Karen ClemmonsCLEO LEVY Maurine Lenhardt Raymond & Marilyn SchaakHERMAN LOFING Lawrence LofingVIRGINIA LOFING Lawrence LofingANDREA PETERSON LUDWIG Mary D. KasnerJAMES MARKOVICH Cindy Ripley Marilee WoldJOAN MARKOVICH Cindy RipleyRICHARD MARTIN Mary D. KasnerWALT & SHARON MARTIN Larry & Joy GoehnerBETTY & DICK MARTINSON Bruce & Margo Boynton Richard Foust John & Marilyn Hurless Marjorie Porter
Diane TippetsMICHAEL MATHER Charles & Jeanne HereimBILL MCALLISTER Don GlynnJAMES MCCALL Leroy & Norma WalterDR. ROBERT MCDONALD Owen & Shannon JohnsonLISA MCJUNKIN Donna BeutlerEMIL & HAZEL MELBY Evelyn WilliamsEUGENE METZGER LeRoy & Patricia Coles Bruce & Lillian Devries Larry & Nancy Frank Ed & Roxie Kraft James & Valorie K Kraft Robert & Kay Kraft Sylvia Kraft Deanna Latterell Kathryn McFadden Carol Metzger Sage & Scott Olson Melvin Reints John & Shelley WoldLORETTA METZGER Jim & Ruth Hatten Robert & Peggy Kappel Mary D. Kasner Robert & Kay Kraft Rob & Lori RosselotMARVIN METZGER Marilee WoldWILLIAM G. MICHAEL, JR. Jack Benner Marlene Dolechek Stan & Judy Eisenman Jan Lehman Edith Thompson Ronald & Donna WalterMr. & MRS. LYLE MILLER Dean & Betty FausnaughSHARON MILLER Robert & Kay KraftCHARLES “CHUCK” MORELLI Mr. R. HarawaySAMUEL MOURICH Duane & Mary Ann GuenthnerPATRICK MULLANEY Don & Lorraine Craig Sharon Lyle Bob & Betty Saxbury Kelly & Mary Smarsh Barbara WennemarLOIS MUNSON Bob & Mavis ShotwellZACH MURRAY Ronald & Donna WalterMAX LEE NEWLIN Don KolstadANN MARIE O’LEARY-GREGOIRE Robert & Judy RichmanLARRY OLSON Mark & Vicki WilliamsonAL PARKER Bob & Betty Saxbury
Mickie StoneDON PARSONS Sue & Scott McBurney Linwood & Elizabeth ParsonsLYNN PARSONS Susan & David Anderson Lloyd & Gerry WebberRAYMOND PEETE Jeffrey R PeeteLOIS POOLE Doug & Evelyn MillerPHIL & BETTY POPE Ralph & Carolyn GrannerTIM POTTS Joe & Roseanna LohofMARGARET RACKI Albert RackiHELEN REITER Duane & Mary Ann GuenthnerROSALIE ROBINSON Diane M. OversenRYNN & RUTH ROGERS Martin RogersTOM RUSCHKEWIEZ Downtown Wrecker &
RecoveryCOLLEEN RUTT Marvin & Kay KappelDONALD SABE Marlene AndersonR.L. & ELIZABETH SANDERSON Charles & Eva MonaghanBERTHA SANDOVAL Dodie ZweifelTERRY SANDS Bev & Ralph Amen Marlene Anderson Samuel & Jeannette Cain Wanda Eastlick Stan & Judy Eisenman Duane & Mary Ann Guenthner Brenda & David Hatten Marvin & Kay Kappel Mary D. Kasner Donna Wagner Bill & Mona WaltersBONNIE SCHERER Judy CuffJOYCE SCHESSLER Stan & Judy Eisenman Duane & Mary Ann Guenthner Ervin & Peggy WoodDORIS SCHMIDT K. & Virginia HuckinsREYNOLD SCHREINER Leroy & Norma WalterCLARICE SCHRUMPF Dirk & Christine ArnoldPATTY SELOVER G H Tanner Oil PropertiesJOANNE SLADE Owen & Shannon JohnsonDON SMITH Samuel & Jeannette Cain Mary D. KasnerNEVA SMITH Gerald & Carole VogelBENJAMIN SOMMERS
Chuck & JoLynn SommersJEANNIE SOUTHWORTH Warren & Judy FrankKAY STAHLECKER Winston StahleckerFRANK ‘STEVE’ STEVENS Larry StevensTYLER STOVALL Donna DelpDOROTHY & JOHN STRAUCH William & Linda StrauchDAVID STROBEL Dale & Pamela BilyeuDOROTHY STROBEL Dale & Pamela BilyeuLESTER STROBEL Dale & Pamela BilyeuGREG SYME Adrienne GibsonSTEPHANIE TAYLOR Hollis TaylorGEORGE THORMAHLEN George & Mary KrollLES UNRUH Donna & Keith NelsonJAMES & EVA VAN ARSDALE Sarah & Duane Van ArsdaleDOLLY VANDEBERG Bernadine HarrisMARVIN WEBER Butch RipleyREGINA WEGNER Stan & Judy Eisenman Brenda & David HattenBRET WELDELE Marvin & Kay KappelNICK WEPPLER Arleene WepplerFALLON WILLIAMS MCCADE Evelyn WilliamsDALE WILLIAMS Evelyn WilliamsGLEN & FRANCES WILLIAMS Evelyn WilliamsJOYCE WILLIAMS G H Tanner Oil PropertiesSAWYER WILLIAMS Evelyn WilliamsRALPH “LEFTY” WOLFF Marilee WoldLOUISE WORDEN Barbara WennemarGLEN ZEHNTNER Mary D. KasnerWILBERT “GENE” ZEILER Marlene Donaugh Connie & Greg Goodman/
ZeilerKEVIN ZUP Iline Rehling
Marvin Schieldt
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
The ranch is seeking additional business partners for its Service Contract vocational program. Please contact the ranch if you are interested in partnering with our residents and staff!
Cindi Gordon bar-coding boxes of jewelry for Montana Silversmiths
Ben Cheshire proudly holds up this rack from Montana
Silversmiths. Ben pulls the pins and replaces them, to make the
rack as good as new.
Sue White (vocational staff), Stephanie Morelli, Robin Willems
and Cindi Gordon (front) working with MT Silversmiths jewelry.
Dallas Eide, Paul LaVeau and Cathy Aexel collecting seeds for Bureau of Land
Management reclamation projects.
Alex Klee and Leslie Zeigler (vocational staff) assembling bobbins for Merco Co.
These bobbins will be used by fly fisherman to tie flies.
Mission Statement: Providing family-oriented Christian homes, on a working ranch for adults who have developmental disabilities.
Vol. 30 No. 2 “Shepherding the Hesitant” December 2018
Please visit our website at www.specialkranch.org and find us on Facebook for news, activities and pictures. (406) 322-5520
There is a lot of excitement at Special K Ranch during the Christmas season. All our residents are making plans with their families to go visit them and celebrate the birth of our Lord. Now granted, some of them are more excited about the presents under the tree and seeing family that they haven’t seen for a while, than they are about the birth of this special child, Jesus. Now don’t get me wrong, we can all get wrapped up in the excitement and busyness of the season. We make so many promises during the holidays that we forget the promises God gave in scripture and His fulfilled promise that we celebrate during this season.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17
Jesus has been our Counselor, Prince of Peace, Deliverer, and Comforter. He continues to reveal Himself to us in different, yet more beautiful, ways through each stage of our
lives. The full meaning of these words from Isaiah should give us enough strength, hope, and joy to face any crisis, to endure any sorrow, and to meet any temptation.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
We need to celebrate and focus on Christ, the ultimate picture of God’s love for us that first Christmas day, the birth of His one and only Son. Thank you, God!
The past several years Special K Ranch has been asked by Faith Evangelical Church to participate in the telling of the greatest miracle ever told, the birth of the baby Jesus. The story is told during a live narrated walk, through the days leading up to the birth of Christ. This year we brought a donkey for Mary to ride on her way to Bethlehem for one of the scenes, several sheep for the shepherds to herd and to be placed at the manger where the baby Jesus lay, and a horse for a weary traveler. Several of our residents were asked to dress up as shepherds to help manage the sheep and horse and to be with the sheep at the manger. They have so much fun doing this and are proud that their animals get to be used in the live narration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Peace be with you during this special holiday season!
Mike and the Gang at Special K Ranch!
Mike Oberg
Announcements
A Night of Wonder“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” which means “God with us”. Matthew 1:23
The Birth of Christ
Shepherds Dallas Eideand Robbie Larsen
Shepherd Ben Johnson
MONTANA INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR ENDOWED PHILANTHROPY: Montana taxpayers are eligible for a tax credit of up to $10,000 ($20,000 per couple). Planned gifts, such as charitable gift annuities, qualify for this credit, which is worth 40% of the charitable gift amount.
IRA ROLLOVER: Individuals who are 70½ or older can transfer up to $100,000 from an individual retirement account directly to a qualifying charity without recognizing the assets transferred as income. This tax-wise way of giving counts toward meeting the required minimum distributions from IRAs.
APPRECIATED STOCK: Giving appreciated securities yields powerful tax benefits. Generally, capital gains taxes can be avoided.
CASH: Cash gifts are the simplest way to provide support to the ranch.
HOW WILL MY GIFT BE USED? Your support can be designated for the general operating fund, for a specific program, or for the endowment.
How can you help?Special K Ranch operates independently of government funding.
On November 30, SKR House Mom Deb Carter retired. Deb was the home adviser for Robin Willems, Cindi Gordon and Kiele Guthridge in the Broyles House. She spent two separate seasons on the ranch, totaling just over 12 years. We already miss Deb’s storytelling, unique sense of humor, and the unconditional love she has for her Special K family, but we congratulate her on her retirement. Thank you for your time with us, Deb! Dianne Edinger will join us in January to be the new home advisor for the Broyles House.
The 2019 Open House will be held on Saturday, June 8. Please join us for food, live music, a plant and craft sale, and fellowship with residents!
The next fundraising dinner will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Details to follow!
Save the Dates!