Easter is more than just a holiday—it is the cornerstone of our faith, the living hope that sustains us through every trial and triumph. It is the powerful reminder that, no matter how dark or uncertain our circumstances may be, hope is never lost. The story of Easter is one of profound sacrifice, boundless love, and the awe-inspiring power of God to redeem what has been broken. It is the story of a Savior who bore our sin, suffered in our place, and triumphed over death, so that we could experience eternal life and victory in Him.

For Jesus’ disciples, Good Friday was anything but "good." Their Teacher, their Friend, their Messiah had been crucified, and with His death, their hopes and dreams seemed to perish as well. The future they had envisioned was shattered. Can you imagine the despair and confusion they must have felt? The silence of that day must have felt overwhelming, as though the world had been plunged into darkness.

But in that moment of seeming hopelessness, God was at work.

On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave, declaring that the darkness will never overcome the light, that death has been defeated, and that God is always moving—even when we cannot see it. This is the power of Easter. It’s not just a story from long ago; it’s the eternal truth that we hold onto today. As Paul writes in Romans 6:4, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work today, bringing hope, healing, and new life to all who believe.

Easter Hope at Ironwood Springs

At Ironwood Springs, we witness this resurrection power daily. We see it in the lives of veterans who come to our Operation Welcome Home program, carrying the heavy burdens of their past experiences, yet finding healing, connection, and peace. We see it in the families of children with special needs, who attend ConnectAbilities events, where they experience the love, acceptance, and support that reflect the heart of Christ. We see it in the hearts of guests, who come uncertain of what to expect but leave transformed by the joy of new friendships and the life-changing message of Christ's love.

Every day, we are reminded that Jesus is still in the business of restoring hearts and lives. Just as He rolled away the stone from His tomb, He is still removing barriers, breaking chains, and calling us into the fullness of life that only He can provide. Jesus is alive, and His work is ongoing—both in the world and in each of us. Perhaps you’ve walked through seasons of life where you felt as though you were in the darkness of that silent day Christ was crucified—confused, uncertain, or even hopeless. Maybe you are facing such a season now. Easter is a reminder that God is not done with your story. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is still at work, bringing hope, healing, and new beginnings. As we remember the resurrection, we are assured that God is always moving in our lives, even when we cannot see it.

Join Us for a Night of Miracles

This Easter, as we celebrate the risen Savior, I want to invite you to be a part of something special at Ironwood Springs. On May 9, we will host our “Miracles Happen at Night” fundraiser, an evening filled with powerful testimonies, inspiring stories, and an opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.

This event is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a chance to witness how God is moving through Ironwood Springs and how you can join in His work. Tickets are available now, and we would love for you to join us. Whether you’ve been part of the Ironwood family for years or are just getting to know us, this is a moment to celebrate the miracles God is performing and to invest in the ministry that is changing lives.

This Easter, let’s hold onto the promise that because Jesus lives, hope is alive. Let’s share that hope with others—through our lives, our faith, and our generosity. Together, we can bring hope to a world that so desperately needs it.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter, filled with the joy and victory of our risen Savior.

In Christ,

Matthew
Executive Director, Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch

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
"Be still, and know that I am God."
— Psalm 46:10

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, constantly moving from one task to the next. Yet, this verse from Psalm 46:10 invites us to pause, reflect, and rest in God's presence. When God tells us to "be still," He is not just asking us to stop physically, but to quiet our hearts and minds as well. It is in this stillness that we are able to fully acknowledge His sovereignty and experience His peace.

"Be still" calls us to trust in God's control over every situation, no matter how chaotic life may feel. In the midst of trials, stress, or uncertainty, we are reminded that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). When we take time to be still, we allow space for God to speak into our hearts, offering wisdom, guidance, and comfort. This verse encourages us to stop striving, to let go of the need to control everything, and to embrace the peace that comes from knowing that God is in charge. It’s an invitation to surrender our worries and trust that He is working in our lives for our good and His glory.

As we reflect on this verse throughout the month, let us make intentional moments of stillness to deepen our relationship with God. Whether through prayer, quiet reflection, or simply taking a breath and centering our thoughts on Him, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence and His plan for our lives.

May this month be a reminder to slow down, trust in God’s timing, and rest in His perfect peace.