THE DUFFY’S

t h e R a n c h
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May 2011

Kingdom Ambassadors
Our life (so far) seems to be world do not read the Bible.
a series of ‘countdowns’. We overlook the fact that it is
We are always heading we who are the Bible that the
here or there; to Cambo- world is reading. It is our lives
dia, or Vietnam, or Las Ve- that should testify to the Gos-
gas, or Virginia, or Lake pel, and show the world the
Luzerne, NY, working with greater purpose we often
various people or minis- speak of but seldom live.
tries, trying to steward (as best as the Duffy’s overlooking Lake George, NY
A couple of chapters later,
possible) this unfathomable Gos-
Paul talks about being an ‘ambassador for
pel God has lavished upon us. The opportuni-
Christ’ (5:17-21). As uncomfortable as this Ready for…...…….fun?!
ties are overwhelming, as is the grace to ac-
sounds for many of us, he actually meant it.
complish them.
We are Kingdom representatives, given a
We are counting down, once again; stewardship of the Gospel to dispense to a
less than a week before we jump on a bus skeptical world. This is a Gospel not spread by
destined for Ottawa, Toronto, Windsor, St coercion but by attraction. Our lives read like
Catharines, and finally, Lake Luzerne for sum- a letter, written to those who don’t know
mer employment at the Double H Ranch. It is Christ, by Him Himself. What a testimony!
Info about HH:
a camp that has been providing free services Such is the Spirit-led life. It is a great responsi-
to thousands & thousands of chronically & bility, but it flows from joyful obedience, not a  Located in Lake Luzerne,
terminally ill children since opening it’s gates sense of burden, as we serve the One who NY in the Adirondack
in 1993. For many of the children who are wills to serve those who don’t know Him, Park
able to come to the Ranch, they state it as through us! The great mystery spoken of in
being the best week of their year. It is an the Scriptures is that we, yes WE, can know  Founded by Charles
honor and a privilege to be able to share in Him. Wood & Paul Newman
such a special experience with these kids,
Jenny & I have great expectations  Serves over 1500 chil-
who have so much to teach us about thank-
for Summer ‘11. Children, whom life has tried dren & family members
fulness, perseverance, and fun.
to defeat, are already waiting for the funnest
annually
In 2Corinthians 3 Paul talks about week of their year.
being ‘a letter from Christ’(v3) ‘known and
What letter will these kids read from our lives?  Opened it’s doors on
read by everyone’(v2). As Christians we have July 4/93.
this naïve assumption that most people in this - josh
 This will be our 3rd
summer at the Ranch
(‘08,‘09,’11)

Jenny sweepin in the barn the on-site Josh in HH attire ‘08

non-religious chapel
 Amongst all the chatter of the rapture and the impending unpleasant

The Nature of God: destruction or salvation

Check out our website: doom of all non-believers, there is the majority of Christianity, who
are just trying to live daily depending on the grace of a sufficient Sav-
www.joshandjenny.org
ior.
Painting all Christians in the tainted teaching of Harold Camping is
unfair and simply, not true. The Bible doesn’t focus on getting our of
here, it’s focus is on making an impact while we’re here. God sent Je-
sus to the earth, not to condemn it, but so that we might be saved
(John3:17). His return has not happened yet, not because He’s not
coming but because He is patient and loving. The Apostle Peter says:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand
slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to per-
ish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2Pet3:9 niv
The heart of God, and the message of the Gospel is not one of condem-
nation and destruction, but of grace, mercy, and salvation. It is ours
for the taking; He has made it all available to us.
I love humanitarians, but, in the same breath, I think their scope is
severely limited. In contrast, I see many Christians focusing only on
the spiritual side while neglecting the physical. We must have a bal-
Unfortunately, Sonnen will not be
able to join us at HH this summer, but
ance in ministry between meeting the physical needs of people while
she will be on vacation at a cottage in also meeting the spiritual needs we have too. Christianity is not just
Cardigan with Grandma!! Enjoy your about ‘going to heaven’. It’s about being saved; from hell, from our-
summer Sonnen, see you in Septem- selves, from a life of purposelessness, and from hopelessness. -josh
ber. We love you!!

Lessons Learned In The Nursery

As most of you may know I just fin- 6. Boots are more than just practical turn on ‘Elmo’s World.’
ished an 11 month gig working in the outdoor wear, but are to be shared
nursery at a daycare. I didn’t realize and worn indoors as well. 12. The first snow fall is a special
just how much fun I would have and and magical event.
how much I would discover about 7. 1 year olds are capable of using
children and myself while caring for glue to make crafts - under supervi- 13. Toddlers are capable of learning
these precious and dynamic tod- sion of course! ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.
dlers. I’d like to share with you a few
things I have learned:
8. Hand-feeding a friend and then 14. A missing soother during nap-
drinking from their cup is acceptable time is not good.
dinner etiquette
1. So much personality can be seen
in a baby. 15. As much as the child may love
9. What seems to be most enticing you, you will never even compare to
to little ones are those things you their Mommy or Daddy- as it should
2. If you’re going to put out Play Doh don’t want them to touch: cell
right before lunch time, you might as be!
phones, cameras, lap tops, new tat-
well be serving the kids an appe- toos and piercings, etc - Jenny
tizer.
10. There’s something about
3. Even a big ugly crow is a ‘birdie’. being around children that can
ease your worries.
4. Sand and dirt must not taste too
bad. Crayons too. 11. When it’s raining outside
and the kids are bouncing off
5. Wipes are a wonderful invention the walls, and nothing seems
and can be used for many things! to be working, it may be better
for everyone’s sanity to just