A Letter to Mission Presbytery: The Gift of John Knox Ranch

Dear Friends and Fellow Servants of Christ,

Listen up! Please put your phone down and pay attention! Take a break! I have something important to tell you!

I write to you today with an overflowing heart, reminding you about a unique treasure we have here at Mission Presbytery — John Knox Ranch (JKR) — a place apart, where the Holy Spirit is actively transforming young lives and strengthening our faith community.

Did you know there are many congregations which regularly send their youth to attend programs at JKR? Also, did you know that Henry Owen, the Executive Director of JKR, as well as Caitlin Donohue Supcoff, the Youth Advocate and Communications Director for Mission Presbytery, grew up attending JKR? Their lives were transformed by these experiences at JKR. 

These are just a few people we know whose lives have been transformed. There are many others here at Mission Presbytery and beyond the borders of our Presbytery.

It is exciting to hear of young lives changed, as they return home with fire in their eyes, renewed passion for their faith, and stories that will echo through their homes and congregations for years to come. We are blessed to have JKR as our spiritual resource within our vicinity.

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting JKR while the youth were there. The place was filled with youthful energy, and all the youth looked very happy to be there. 

What I Witnessed There

I remember walking into the dining hall and saw something increasingly rare in our world — young people genuinely present with one another, sharing homemade meals family-style. 

There was not a cellphone in sight (mine was the only one out in full view, of course, because I like taking pictures!). 

After meals, the youth and their leaders gathered for a sing-a-long and dancing led by passionate adults and youth from the stage. The singing was loud and inspiring. The joy was palpable. The worship was alive.

These young people weren't scrolling through screens. They were:

• Making new friends across congregations and communities

• Encountering the Holy Spirit through worship and song and dance

• Disconnecting from the world's noise and connecting deeply with God and one another

• Building spiritual foundations that will sustain them through their entire lives

• Discovering environmental responsibility and Christian community in nature

The Mission of John Knox Ranch

Since 1962, John Knox Ranch has been fostering Christian community experiences in nature on its 300 acres of beautiful land. 

JKR’s mission is simple but powerful: Fostering experiences of Christian community in the beauty of God's creation.

• On their website, they write eloquently to expound on their mission: 

“We believe God calls us to live in loving, accepting community in partnership with the natural world. JKR is a place where love, acceptance, grace, and FUN flow freely. All are welcome. We've preserved this special place for people to gather, to learn, have fun, and grow. Reconnect and recharge with us at John Knox Ranch!”

This is an invitation to all of us. For indeed, here at Mission Presbytery, we are all JKR.

For over 60 years, Mission Presbytery has been partners with JKR in promoting:

• Christian community, love, acceptance, and fun for all visitors

• Social skills and self-awareness development (I have so much more to share here but that would be for another day)

• Environmental responsibility and stewardship

• A place where cost is never a barrier - scholarships are available to ensure no child is turned away. This is very important to us, that you know that no child would be turned away. 

Imagine the Possibilities

Imagine your young people — or you yourself who are young at heart — returning home from John Knox Ranch:

• Spiritually renewed by uninterrupted time in God's presence

• Filled with joy that radiates into their daily lives

• Connected to a larger church family through friendships forged in faith

• Transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit

• Having experienced swimming, archery, arts and crafts, and nature play in a Christ-centered environment

A Year-Round Gift to Our Presbytery

Friends, I know I am preaching to the choir. I’m aware. However, I want to remind you that John Knox Ranch operates year-round. This is not just a summer camp — it's a continuous ministry offering:

Summer Opportunities

• Resident camp for grades 2-12

• Day camp for ages 4-9 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

• Family camps on weekends with age-appropriate activities

Year-Round Activities

• Cabin rentals for families and church groups (please plan to use this)

• Team-building retreats

• Church group gatherings (all of our congregations can use this option)

Welcoming All Our Community

One of the most beautiful aspects of John Knox Ranch is its commitment to accessibility and inclusion:

• Facilities include rustic screen cabins and duplex cabins with modern amenities

• Various dietary restrictions are accommodated through family-style homemade meals

• Financial assistance is available — parents can complete a scholarship request form through the registration portal

• Mobility accessibility options ensure everyone can enjoy the camp

• Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, ensuring the highest safety standards

Our Call to Action

I urge you to:

1. Recognize John Knox Ranch as a gift from God to Mission Presbytery and beyond

2. Actively encourage young people, families, and adults in your congregations to register for upcoming events

3. Lift this vital ministry in prayer — intercede for the staff, the leadership, the campers, and the transformative work happening on those grounds

4. Tell the stories of lives changed at John Knox Ranch

5. Remember: no child should be turned away due to cost — scholarships are available!

A Prayer for John Knox Ranch

I invite you to join me in praying that John Knox Ranch experiences wild success in its ongoing ministry. Pray that it continues to be well-known throughout our presbytery and beyond as a place where young people encounter the risen Christ, where families are strengthened in faith, where the Holy Spirit moves with power and freedom.

Imagine what happens when every congregation sends their youth to experience John Knox Ranch. Imagine a generation rooted in Christ, connected to Christian community, and equipped to live out their faith with courage and joy.

This is possible. This is our calling.

In Christ's service and with great hope,

Your Fellow Servant of the Lord,

Bobby Musengwa

Transitional General Presbyter

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." — Matthew 19:14

For more information about John Knox Ranch and to register for upcoming events, visit John Knox Ranch’s website: https://johnknoxranch.org. Registration is open year-round!