Miracle Moments
Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24
Children arrive at Big Oak Ranch in need. They need love. They need guidance. They need the stability of family. Each of the homes at Big Oak is led by a Christian couple. These houseparents invest in the lives of the children in their home so they can heal from past hurts and grow into their purpose. Without question, it’s a calling. Houseparents serve in a full-time role, providing a healthy, Christ-centered environment with the support of a like-minded community. They lead children to the Gospel by providing the love and support of family, and the impact lasts for generations. Here is Zach and BJ McLean’s houseparenting story.
We arrived at Big Oak seeking and longing for something more. The former chaos we found in the world made us long for a like-minded community of people we could serve alongside. It made us long to usher in goodness where there was brokenness, to be a part of something greater than ourselves. We sought and were unable to find…until Big Oak.
Now we live within a community, within a family, that shares the same understanding and longing for this life. A family of people who stand beside us, as we were never made to do it alone. Even in the midst of the toughest seasons, there is unexplainable peace. In this place, in this ministry, in this band of believers working with us, we find strength. Together, we get to do pressing but rewarding work. Each home on the Ranch represents not just a family that lives in each home, but OUR family that lives in each home. And together, we live this life of service, this life of helping children navigate their own trials. Yes, our faith is challenged, and our patience tested. But within this testing, we experience the Love of the Father in ways we never imagined.
-Zach & BJ McLean
Big Oak Boys’ Ranch Houseparents
