On October 31, 2020 our entire world shattered and came totally undone. Our precious, amazing, adored little girl Rachel went to be with Jesus and we will never see her again this side of heaven.

Our souls were completely broken and our faith was rocked hard. It has been – and continues to be – a long road of adjusting to this new life without our Rachel. The platitudes of “God needed another angel” or “everything happens for a reason” I don’t agree with, but I do know that God takes the awful things that happen in this world, holds them in His hands, and can redeem the pain and suffering in order to comfort his children and bring glory to Himself through it all.

And that is what we are seeing God do as He is leading us in a new undertaking.

Through an 11-month journey – in which God opened a door that had closed by working through a couple with willing, obedient souls – we were able to purchase a 5.5 acre Hass avocado farm. This farm will eventually be about much more than just avocados; it will provide a way to share Christ’s love, provide jobs and training for the youth in our programs, and impact the lives of many people beyond just the participants in our current ministry. The vision is huge and the opportunities to bless are endless. Therefore, we are so incredibly grateful, honored, excited and feeling hope for the future.

Another aspect of this new venture that brings us joy is the name of the farm, Rancho Raquelita – or “Little Rachel Ranch.” Rachel adored all animals, bugs, and reptiles, so we feel like the project – named for her – is a great way to not only glorify God and further his kingdom, but also to carry Rachel’s memory forward and participate in God’s redeeming the pain of losing our little girl.

So, we will commit ourselves afresh to the ministry and the farm, working faithfully and with the passion, the joy, and the fire that she had every day she was here on Earth.