by Erin Austin 

“Caring for 22 children was no small matter to us. The home was not underwritten in any way; no money at all was promised. But we stood solidly upon God’s promise: ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you’ (Matthew 6:33).“

“We were not mystical. We did not live in the clouds. ‘Our way was in the dust of the ordinary road.’ But our Father had promised to care for us. Could any words be plainer than those we loved so well?” (Mary McHenry) 

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:25-33) 

From the beginning of his time as director at Joy Ranch in 2019, Dan Austin was burdened to homeschool our children. While removing them from troublesome home environments helped, it didn’t stop the negative influence from their peers. Although most of our residents want to change, they don’t yet have the strength and fortitude to completely step away from negative relationships with friends at school. Beyond that, none of our kids are on grade level when they come to us. Schools have simply passed them year after year to the next grade level despite not having the skills needed. Homeschool was the goal, but numerous obstacles were in the way. 

Covid became a blessing in disguise for Joy Ranch. Because of licensing classifying the Ranch as a residential facility, Joy Ranch fell into the same restrictive category for nursing home Covid guidelines. The state couldn’t require our kids to go to public school. The era of virtual school began. Like most families across the country can attest, there was a lot of stress and tears trying to adapt to virtual school, mainly from the adults. But Joy Ranch quickly noticed something. Unlike the majority of students, our kids’ grades didn’t get worse. They stayed the same. However, our director was right. Our kids’ behaviors started to change and improve because they were with us all the time. A Christian environment became their predominant influence. Suddenly, staff were having breakthrough conversations with kids. Lightbulbs were going off in our kids’ minds, and they started to realize there was truth in what staff were saying. Still, while we finally were able to keep them on campus instead of sending them off to school, we still had hurdles to cross before we were allowed to homeschool. 

The first obstacle was passed when the Commonwealth of Virginia made it possible for children’s homes to attend an accredited school program of their choice. No longer was it legally required for residents in a group home setting to attend public school. Still, there was a huge question on whether or not Joy Ranch residents would be allowed to homeschool, so attorneys were contacted. The conclusion was the local school board would have to approve of Joy Ranch residents being homeschooled, and there was question on whether or not the approval would be granted. And so, we prayed and asked our friends to pray too. The director was prepared to go to the monthly school board meeting and present his case. Two days before the scheduled meeting, the director was contacted by the Carroll County Public School Board letting us know our petition had been approved. Joy Ranch residents could be homeschooled! 

Homeschool material then had to be purchased, but homeschool material is expensive. A letter was mailed to donors letting them know of the need. Within two weeks, all material was purchased and stores that said it would take two months to deliver the material had it at the Ranch in two days! At each step of the Joy Ranch’s homeschool journey, God provided. 

We now have kids who are learning to read, spell, and do math. I will never forget when one of our girls who fought doing math for years told me, “Ms. Erin, I understand math now! And it’s algebra! I can do it!” 

There are days that homeschooling has its struggles, but that’s true of anything. We are learning along with our kids that there are a number of ways to learn and do school, and through it, we have the pleasure of occasionally hearing, “I did it!” 

“Christ wants not nibblers of the possible, but grabbers of the impossible, by faith in the omnipotence, fidelity, and wisdom of the Almighty Saviour Who gave the command. Is there a wall in our path? By our God we will leap over it! Are there lions and scorpions in our way? We will trample them under our feet! Does a mountain bar our progress? Saying, ‘Be thou cast into the sea,’ we will march on. Soldiers of Jesus! Never surrender!” ~ C.T. Studd (19th century missionary)