| Meet the folks behind Morning Star Youth Ranch |
| Morning Star Youth Ranch came into being and continues to be sustained by a myriad of volunteers, donors and supporters! Divine intervention has brought people from all walks of life to network their talents, expertise and willing hearts to support the vision of Morning Star. In a nutshell, Morning Star Youth Ranch is evidence of everyday miracles that never cease to amaze those who are blessed to be involved! Please download our brochure for a summary of our program. |
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Photo of Sandi with ranch horse Anya
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Sandi Rose believes strongly in what Morning Star is about. She started doing volunteer work 35 years ago while employed by the Superior Court in Ventura. Sandi worked with abused and neglected children through the Social Services Agency and although it was difficult and sad many times it was also rewarding when a child smiled, laughed or was “just a child” for the time she spent with them.
"I see this vision with Morning Star Youth Ranch – a group of dedicated people with a core belief in all the wonderful things that can be accomplished by and with God for children and horses".
Sandi's husband Louis, is a building contractor who enthusiastically supports and lends his expertise to the ranch.
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Jerry Lawson was introduced to Morning Star Youth Ranch in 2009, when his wife began volunteering and his daughter started attending sessions at the ranch. He listened to the amazing stories that were beginning to unfold and decided that he needed to see it for himself.
While Jerry did not grow up with horses, he had always been drawn to their majestic beauty and power. When he began to witness the incredible transformation that was taking place in his own daughter, he knew that only God could create such a remarkable bond between this strong powerful animal and his deeply broken child. He has never doubted the healing power of that bond since then and wanted to become more involved, so, he offered his leadership skills, and his 30+ years of military influence to the board.
Jerry now has 4 horses in his “backyard” along with a menagerie of other animals. His personal horse is Tanner; a 9 year old Quarter/Shire cross, who looks a lot like Jerry’s red Border Collie, Payton. |
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Carole with her Arab mare, Seca |
Carole Hansen is our secretary and all around right arm. Carole was given the book Hope Rising for her birthday several years ago and was deeply touched by the stories of what was happening at a small ranch in central Oregon. Later, a group of friends who shared the vision of Morning Star, visited the place in Hope Rising called Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch for an information clinic. Inspired by Diane's vision and encouraged by God's timing, Morning Star Youth Ranch was becoming a reality.
Carole grew up with horses in her life and knows the special bond between horses and children. Carole has an Arabian mare named Seca and her husband Roger has a miniature horse named Snickers.
Carole says, "It has been so awesome to watch how God has been putting all the pieces of the puzzle together in every area of this venture. It's exciting to be hanging on for the ride!" |
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The idea for a program such as this began as a dream of our director, Diane Odell, who has worked with horses since her youth. She found hope through relating and caring for a horse, and a pathway back to connecting with people. Later, operating a boarding and training stable, she was able to see the tremendous healing power of a child - horse relationship.
A similar vision was brought into focus for Carl Linn when he rescued two horses on his 350 acre ranch. Providentially, Diane and Carl met and through amazing circumstances, Morning Star Youth Ranch was started. |
Our program director, Diane with her rescued horse, Selah |
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Matt Linn and his wife Amy first met Diane at a luncheon in 2006. Our friend Jani Meyers had invited us to meet her and hear about her vision to set up a youth ranch. We were immediately intrigued, and Jani asked me if my parents would be interested in meeting Diane and hearing about her vision also. I told her to give my Dad a call, and the rest is history.
Both Amy and I love kids and horses and help out whenever and wherever we can. I have a construction background so I am involved with building or repair projects on the ranch. From the beginning we were excited to have Morning Star here and our enthusiasm has only grown stronger.
God has done some amazing things here since we first met Diane and heard her story. He has grown us, stretched us and made us closer through the tough times. God is good! |
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In 2005 Carl Linn took in Libby – a seriously neglected horse in need of a safe and nurturing home. Originally he planned on finding her another home, but it soon became apparent that Libby was happy at the Linn ranch and was enjoying hanging out with the cows. Carl was concerned about caring for Libby properly and through his son Matt, he got in contact with Jani Meyers who immediately put him in touch with Diane.
For the last 20 years, even though Carl didn’t make his living on the ranch as his father and grandfather did, he knew in his heart there was a Divine plan for the land. He wanted the ranch to have purpose, with as he puts it, “eternal consequences.” When Diane and Jani began to share with Carl the vision and dream of using rescued horses to minister to the youth of San Luis County, Carl was hooked and excited. He knew this was what the ranch was meant for and he and his wife Arcy wanted to be a part of it. Arcy went to be with her precious Lord in January 2008.
Carl has a huge heart for kids and horses. Matt Linn and his wife Amy are just as excited and they all can’t wait for the sounds of children and horses to fill the ranch. Carl was blessed to marry again and share his life with Kathy. See their wedding picture on the News page. |
Carl Linn with his rescued horse, Libby
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