For almost five decades, Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch has been a living testament to the power of God-centered community. What started as a simple dream in 1976 has grown into a place of healing, restoration, and transformation for tens of thousands of people—from veterans and military families to individuals with disabilities, youth, and families seeking renewal.

Through the years, the one constant has been community. The heart of Ironwood Springs has always been people coming together in faith to support one another, reflecting God’s design for His work.

Ironwood’s Community in Action: 1976–2025

1. A Community of Volunteers and Servant Leaders

From the beginning, Ironwood Springs has been built by the hands of volunteers—people who have given their time, talents, and resources to make this ranch a place of ministry and miracles.

  •      Volunteers helped construct the first camp buildings, laying the foundation for future programs.

  •      Over the years, churches, businesses, and individuals have come together for barn renovations, cabin buildss, and facility improvements—just as the early Church worked together to meet the needs of the body (Acts 2:44-47).

  •      Annually, over 100+ volunteers give their time to serve in camps, retreats, equine therapy, and special events, living out 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”

2. A Community of Military Families and Veterans

Through Operation Welcome Home, Ironwood has provided a safe place for thousands of service members and their families to reconnect and heal.

  •      Since the early 2000s, Ironwood has hosted hundreds of military retreats, offering counseling, equine therapy, and fellowship to help veterans and their loved ones navigate post-service life.

  •      Many veterans have shared how these retreats have saved their marriages, restored their faith, and helped them find healing from PTSD and trauma.

  •      Military chaplains and counselors have partnered with Ironwood, ensuring that spiritual, emotional, and relational needs are met—fulfilling Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens.”

3. A Community for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families

Through ConnectAbilities and other special needs programs, Ironwood has welcomed thousands of children, adults, and families living with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has a place where they are celebrated, not limited.

  •      Since the 1980s, Ironwood has hosted wheelchair camps, adaptive horseback riding, and family weekends, giving individuals with disabilities opportunities they might never experience elsewhere.

  •      Families return year after year, building a supportive network of friendships that extend beyond camp.

  •      The joy and confidence gained at these camps reflect Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

4. A Community of Youth and Future Leaders

Ironwood’s youth horse camps and leadership programs have been instrumental in shaping thousands of young lives over the decades.

  •      Summer camps since the 1980s have provided adventure, mentorship, and spiritual growth, raising up future pastors, teachers, and servant leaders.

  •      Ironwood’s horse campst teaches responsibility, discipline, and faith through equine experiences, giving young people a strong foundation in integrity, teamwork, and Christ-centered living.

  •      Many past campers have returned as staff, volunteers, or ministry leaders, paying forward the investment of those who once mentored them—just as Paul invested in Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2).

5. A Community of Prayer and Supporters

Ironwood Springs has never walked this journey alone. Faithful donors, prayer warriors, and partners have sustained and grown the ministry year after year.

  •      Whenever issues arise, the Ironwood community rallied, raising funds, offering labor, and praying fervently to support the ranch in all areas.

  •      Churches, businesses, and individuals have continuously stepped up to ensure that Ironwood remains a place of ministry, healing, and transformation.

  •      Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to spur one another on in faith—and Ironwood’s supporters have done exactly that for nearly 50 years.

Join Us in Continuing the Legacy

On May 9, we will gather for our “Miracles Happen at Night” fundraising event—a night to celebrate what God has done and to ensure that Ironwood continues to impact lives for generations to come. We invite you to be part of this God-centered community—through giving, volunteering, and praying—so that Ironwood Springs can continue to be a place where miracles happen.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Will you join us?

• Learn more & get involved by contacting me at matthew@ironwoodsprings.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matthew is the Executive Director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, where he has joyfully served since 2022. A resident of Stewartville, Minnesota, Matthew lives with his wife and youngest son, and together, they are committed to making a positive impact in their community.

With over 20+ years of experience in education, Matthew’s career spans a variety of leadership roles in public schools, non-profit organizations, and a major sports organization where he led cutting-edge, impactful educational initiatives. His passion for making education accessible and meaningful has driven his work in the special education field, where he has designed inclusive learning spaces and created engaging programs for all development levels.

Matthew’s educational background includes a liberal arts degree from Simpson University, followed by graduate studies in Special Education and Theological Studies at National and Liberty University. His unique blend of skills allows him to bring a faith-driven, inclusive approach to his work at the Ranch.

As a parent of a child with autism, Matthew is particularly passionate about serving families with special needs. He strives to use his personal experiences and professional expertise to ensure that Ironwood Springs provides accessible, transformative experiences for everyone, regardless of their ability.

Matthew is excited to continue working alongside the Ironwood Springs community to glorify God and create meaningful experiences that educate, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of all who walk through the Ranch's doors.

MONTHLY BIBLE VERSE
2025 Ranch Theme: Living Water

Based on John 7:38

"Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." — John 7:38 (NIV)

This powerful verse from John reminds us that through faith in Jesus, we receive the gift of the Living Water—a constant flow of grace, peace, and renewal that sustains us spiritually and physically. Just as water nourishes the body, Jesus' presence nourishes our souls, offering life and healing.

At Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, we see this "Living Water" at work every day. Whether through our equine therapy programs, retreats, or community events, we are honored to provide a place where people can drink deeply from the well of God's love. Like the flowing rivers described in John 7:38, we aim to be a source of renewal for all who visit, sharing the healing and hope that only Christ can provide.

As we embrace this theme throughout the year, we invite you to reflect on how the Living Water flows through you and how you can help others experience its transformative power.