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S.O.T.M. Update
Construction Ahead
With the coming summer season, there are increased signs of change with road crews and repairs on our major highways. In like manner, there is a season of change at Miracle Mountain Ranch. Though there are always continual and gradual changes, every once in a while there is an obvious repositioning. Over the years of outreach and travel with Sermon on the Mount, the apprenticeship program here has had an increased volume in the southern states, particularly in Texas with us working out of the International ALERT Academy base in Big Sandy, Texas. Lew and Melodie recognized an opportunity to address both the increased demands of the apprenticeship program back at Miracle Mountain Ranch and expand the adult leadership training that has been in the developmental stages in recent years. Thus it is our intent to take approximately ten second year apprentices to Texas to work in the Camps and Conferences Center on the International ALERT Academy campus.

Due to rising interests in CAMP, this satellite outreach will still stay under the umbrella of Miracle Mountain Ranch, therefore allowing for both full enrollments of first and second year apprentices in Pennsylvania while allowing us to address the needs for increasing interest in second year training. This has required much preparation for shifting staff responsibilities and sharing of the training and structure of ALERT.

Among the most significant changes, David and Rhonda Sterrett and family will move to Texas after 31 years of being located at Miracle Mountain Ranch. They will oversee the apprenticeship training in Texas in conjunction with the ALERT Camps and Conferences Division. Alumni already on staff in Texas who share similar experiences and values are Daniel and Sandy Sterrett and Joanna Sterrett (daughter of David & Rhonda). Additional team members include Charlotte Jackson who will work as a public relations and event liaison and Joe Richards who will oversee the equestrian program being developed. (It is our intent to offer a horse program for the public with some horse training options for the apprentices who will be involved in Texas). They will be supported by Lew and Melodie and Bob and Michelle Geney in addition to the ALERT Leadership Staff. Lew and Melodie will continue to divide their time between the developing ministry in Texas, long term responsibilities at Miracle Mountain Ranch, and travel.

What does that mean for the team at Miracle Mountain Ranch? Ralph Magill, as the Ranch Manager, will be assuming new administrative responsibilities and Matt Cox will become the Camp Director. Donnie Rosie will shift his emphasis from Sermon on the Mount to Miracle Mountain Ranch as the Marketing and Resource Manager but will provide support for the new SOTM staff and facilitate in a healthy transition. Patty May will assume more responsibilities in CAMP as Dean of Women. The Pigers have already been established to fill in the gap when David and Rhonda leave. There still remains some need in the area of Operations and Farming. In some sense it may seem like we are playing musical chairs. The truth is that over the years that responsibilities often change due to experience and wisdom and the ever-changing needs within the organization. We are greatly blessed to have a very supportive board, a lot of wise counsel available to the ministry, a supportive ministry team in Texas, and the grace of God to make the transitions.

Do not be deceived in thinking that there are less needs for you; indeed volunteers are more needed and appreciated than ever both in Pennsylvania and Texas (perhaps this is a good alternative for winter volunteers). Additional changes include a growing emphasis on Leaders by HEART, with a desire to strengthen the outreach to communities through the subsequent discipleship materials. Miracle Mountain Ranch will maintain their outreach to youth, discipleship of young adults, and outreach to adults. Note your calendar for increased adult outreach ministries and leader development from the Texas campus and keep an eye out for the many new resources and opportunities in the days ahead. Also check out the new web site for Leaders by HEART at www.leadersbyheart.com. Your prayer support and financial backing are much appreciated and deeply coveted.

Testimonies:

Leaders by HEART
Was really great! I learned so much I can take back to my home and my office. This is “exactly” the kind of visual
training that I’ve needed for a long time.
For me, clarity of understanding evolves through dialogue – experience – practice – etc. This is a very effective
leadership program. I’ve grown professionally and personally. Thank you.
Extremely enjoyable…went away with ideas and guidelines to apply not only at work but everyday issues…
Hopefully will be able to attend another seminar

Horse Training Clinic
Great week! Learned more about where I need work in my life before God
I am blessed to be able to come here. I received more than I expected (from Sermons and Morning devotional time).
I appreciate what Sermon on the Mount does, has done, and continues to do for me in my horsemanship skills
and in my walk with the Master. Thank you soooo much!

Open House
Wonderful day for our entire family
Never been to a Sermon on the Mount before, I was really challenged!
I came for the Sermon on the Mount, but was blessed by the all the events
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