It has been 20 days or so since we brought our son, Jaiden home from the ranch.  This turn-around with him is absolutely amazing and I sometimes, if I wasn't experiencing and seeing it for myself, it would be hard to believe.

A year ago, we as parents, had a difficult time watching Jaiden struggle with his inner self.  It was one of the hardest reality as parents to admit that we just didn't have any other options for him.  Not that we were failing, but simply we didn't have the experience or resources needed to help Jaiden get back on track and know that he is worth it and his past did not define who he can and yearned to become.  As a family unit, we have taught our children about the Lord and how He can be implemented into our lives, with meaningful lessons and is someone who is always by your side no matter what.

A year ago Jaiden, agreed the ranch was a good idea.  He was a little hesitant about staying a year, but as time grew forward, he really learned to enjoy what he was doing.  Jaiden learned so many great life lessons and got so many different experiences with many different jobs, activities, and livestock, including calving and branding.  He learned the essentials of what it really means to live on a ranch and contribute back.  He took horsemanship which helped with his self-confidence and understanding of what it's really like building a relationship with an animal.  The animal therapy he got was absolutely amazing and he hopes to get a "white" horse one day.

Because of the ranch, and all they have done and taught us, we are looking at buying an acreage and raising the boys out on one.  Throughout the year we got to talk to Jaiden once a week and visit once a month.  This was so very important for us as we are a fairly close family.  The extension of open arms and willingness to help us as a family, to learn and grow with each other, wasn't anything less than a true blessing.

Now that Jaiden has completed his year and is home, it does not mean goodbye but friends made for life.  For us as parents, knowing the ranch and everyone employed there, supports us and has an open door policy is enough reassurance that this was the best decision we have ever made as a family.  Thank you so much to everyone involved in Jaiden's growth throughout the year.  You most definitely have made a positive impact on Jaiden and us as a family.   - A Thankful Mother, Birch Hills, Saskatchewan

Nothing fills our hearts with more joy than hearing of what God has done in the lives of our students!  Recently Todd had the privilege of catching up with a former student, Thomas Kuksuk (TK).  Tom lived at Broken Arrow from Sept, 2013 to July, 2016.  From Broken Arrow, he and his mother Bonnie and two brothers moved to Assiniboia.  He attended school for one year at ACHS.  In fall of his grade 10 year he decided to move in with the Stewart Family and attend Rockglen School.  Tom achieved his goal of earning his Grade 12!  He graduated with the Class of 2020 from Rockglen High School.  He is now attending YWAM, Youth With A Mission, at the Global Prayer House Missions Base in Medicine Hat, AB.  Here is part of Todd and TK's call:

TODD: Can you describe a little bit of what it was like when you first came to Broken Arrow?  TK: It was 7 years ago and I was 11 years old.  I was pretty quiet.  At times it was scary because I wasn't quite used to the culture change and I was missing family.  I was lonely at times also.  TODD: Where was home for you?  TK: I was raised at Arviat, Nunavut and born in Churchill, Manitoba.  The weather was so different.  The lifestyle was too.  TODD: As you think back over your time at Broken Arrow, what is one thing you have learned that you apply to your life today?  TK: Getting up in the morning, LOL...and doing daily chores, such as feeding the calves, and going to pickup the eggs in the chicken coop in time to get picked up by the bus for school.  I wasn't used to getting up in the morning!  Setting my alarm has been a good habit for me to make.  TODD: How is it working out in Medicine Hat?  Have you been getting to school on time?  TK: Pretty good, LOL...today I was a bit late because my report was due and I was working on that.  TODD:  Broken Arrow describes itself as one big family helping other families.  How have you experienced this since moving off of Broken Arrow in 2016?  TK: It was quite an adventure.  We saw growth in our family.  I stayed in contact - I got help when I needed it.  Looking back, I am the only member of the Kuksuk family to get my grade 12 and that is amazing to think about.  TODD: You ended up moving to another ranch with Broken Arrow family members?  How was that?  TK: Yes, I lived with Lyle and Gina Stewart and finished my high school.  It was awesome being a part of their family!  TODD: Part of the Broken Arrow Mission is to help youth love God, love themselves and love others.  How have you seen this grow and develop in your own life?  TK: That has been so life-changing.  At first I didn't quite understand it at the age of 11.  At the age of 12, I decided to get baptized.  With the help of the people at Broken Arrow my faith grew stronger.  TODD: Part of it is learning to love ourselves.  How have you been learning to love yourself as God created you to be?  TK: One thing I learned is that without the love of God I wouldn't be able to love who I am.  There is so much revelation in loving God and being able to put that love towards others and myself.  TODD: We are excited for you Tom.  One last question.  What are some of the ways the Broken Arrow family can pray for you and continue to support you in these days?  TK: Pray for courage for me in the next steps.  I have been reminded by the Holy Spirit of Joshua 1:9.  TODD: How about ways of support?  Texts, cards, etc. TK: There's been lots of financial support  and some encouraging texts, calls and emails.  TODD: He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider.  It has been a pleasure to hear your voice and I am thrilled how God is working in your heart and I know he has the perfect place plan for you.  TK: Thank you so much!  To continue following Thomas on his journey, you can find him on INSTAGRAM with YWAM  PURSUIT INTERNSHIP #ywampursuitinternship.  Join us in praying for Tom, that God will grant him courage and strength as he prepares to go share the transforming love and good news of Jesus Christ.

Thomas wrote a Thank you to Broken Arrow, which was published in our Fall/Winter 2021 Newsletter.  Here is what he had to say seven years after first coming into the care of Broken Arrow Youth Ranch:

          Thank you to my Broken Arrow Youth Ranch family.  I think of Todd and Lara, Rick and Maureen, Barry and Ruth, Daniel and Jen, Lyle and Gina.  Thank you for all teaching me education I needed, good habits made and operating all of these in love!  Teaching me to love myself, others and most importantly God!  Because He FIRST loved us, we can love those around us and those who need it!

          Thank you to my church family.  I think of Lionel, Connie, Cal, Jill, Clint, Dawn and all those who came to show me the love of God and showed me how to worship God all TOGETHER!  To my Saskatchewan Family.  I think of Lyle and Gina, Emily, Brooke and Ross and all the rest!! Lyle, thank you for equipping and teaching me to honour others both in the good and hard times!  Teaching me the equipment around farming and ranching!  It's hard to have patience when the cows are out when there are not supposed to be, but, yet we can operate in love and thank you for teaching me that!  Momma G, one of many who took the role of being my mom in SK.  Thank you for showing me the love of God through all the hard work around the house, through worship, through your passion to help in my schooling!

          I can't believe seven years passed so quickly, but these years with my Broken Arrow family, Church family and Saskatchewan family has taken me where I truly believe God wants me to be!  So thank you so much for equipping me to become the young man God sees and wants me to be!  -  a Thankful Student, originally from Arviat, Nunavut

"Broken Arrow Youth Ranch has exceptional programs that are well-rounded for young adults.  The combination of faith-based learnings, school education, chores, activities/sports, and family time helped my son grow and mature in such a positive way while he was there.  Furthermore, the work you did with myself and my entire family and the hospitality you provided was above and beyond the expectations I had when I first enrolled Levrette at Broken Arrow.  Your staff are extraordinary and have shown our family compassion and love and have encouraged us every step of the way.  I have learned from you how important family and friends are.  For this I am especially thankful."   - A Thankful Father, Regina, SK.