Why I do what I do!

My life has been deeply shaped by the times I’ve stepped away from the ordinary pace of life and sought the Lord in community. There’s truly something transformative about breaking away from distractions and focusing on Him with others. These experiences have taught me that slowing down and being in community aren’t separate—they work hand in hand. It’s in the stillness that I feel God speaking to me, and it’s through the people around me that I see His love in action. Whether in the quiet of personal reflection or the joy of shared fellowship, camp continually reminds me of what it means to live a life centered on Christ and I love bringing people into this with me. It’s easy to let the busyness of daily life pull our attention in so many directions, but when surrounded by a group of believers, it’s like our faith gets a refresh and refocus. In those moments of worship, prayer, and community, I’m reminded of God’s presence and purpose in a powerful way.

As we gather together and talk about the work that the Lord is doing, we grow through each other’s experiences and testimonies, pushing one another closer to Christ. At New Life Ranch, we create a place where we can uplift, challenge, and inspire one another to live out our faith with authenticity. As Proverbs 27:17 says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” These connections don’t just sharpen our understanding of who God is—they also shape who we are becoming in Him and I want people to be a part of it.

Community also teaches us about serving others. Jesus modeled this so beautifully during His time on earth, and it is vital to live out His example in my relationships. Whether it’s meeting a practical need or just showing up for someone, putting faith into action helps reflect God’s love in meaningful ways. It’s through this service that we come to understand the depth of Jesus’ words in Matthew 20:28: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

When I reflect on what it means to rely on Jesus daily, I’m reminded that we need each other to point ourselves back to Him. Being in community with believers strengthens my resolve to live out my faith boldly and humbly, and it reminds me of Paul’s encouragement in Galatians 6:2 to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Ultimately, seeking the Lord in community helps us to anchor our faith. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of God’s story—a story of redemption, love, and hope.

At New Life Ranch, we are committed to creating a place where people can encounter God, grow together, and be sent out to live lives that glorify Him. These experiences of stillness, fellowship, and service are not just moments—they are invitations into a deeper life with Christ. And as we rely on Him together, we are reminded that His love and grace sustain us in every step of the journey.

^ this is flint valley! i live here!

New Life Ranch Mission Statement:

Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equip believers of ministry

New Life Ranch Core Values:

Biblically Based

Focused on Relationships

Service to Others

^ watch this video to see camp in action!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

 

what is my role at camp?

The simple way to describe my role is that I coordinate, delegate, and prepare all of the aspects that go into 12 weeks of summertime for Summer Camp at Flint Valley! I am part of recruiting and hiring almost all of the summer staff, helping create the biblical theme for each summer, preparing and teaching summertime activities for summer staff to lead, and supporting summer staff through discipleship and mentorship! Depending on the season, I could be doing many crazy things! You can find me leading training sessions for our summer staff, jumping a mountain bike off a ramp into the creek, visiting college campuses to recruit staff, or talking with parents about their child who is having struggles while at camp.

My overarching vision is to devote this season of my life to creating a space where students and young adults can encounter the Lord Jesus, seek to know Him more deeply, and create lifelong memories! My desire is to invite people into the Valley each summer to be able to encounter the Lord and have an impact that stretches far beyond our gates.

Throughout my life, Jesus has consistently made Himself known when I take a moment to step out, disconnect and refocus. Stepping into the uncomfortable has always stretched me and helped me realize the active presence that the Lord has in my life. It is from those experiences that I feel the Lord calling me to create those spaces for others, and New Life Ranch is that opportunity at this time!

Keep up to date with the ways the Lord is at work through each different season of camp and my life by visiting my ministry updates page!

< leading summer staff is the best part of my job

  • Not quite! I do 9 months of planning for 3 months of action! Yes, I have a job throughout the year even though I manage a summer camp! I get to help with things around the valley during the year, but I am not in charge of managing programming! My focus is planning as well as summer staff recruiting!

  • I attend a church in Northwest Arkansas called Fellowship Bible Church. My girlfriend, Alli, and I recently joined a community group with other young adults! I also stay very connected with many of the friends that I made while attending JBU! I have also been getting closer with a lot of the staff that work at the valley and have loved living here!

  • New Life Ranch gave me the opportunity to travel to Seattle, Washington in December of 2024 to go to the CCCA (Christian Camp and Conference Association) National Convention! It was a really good time of connecting with hundreds of other camp professionals from across the world! The week was full of lots of brainstorming and learning. I left feeling empowered to attack the next summer with more resources and ideas!