2nd Annual Cowboy Up for Christmas

The second annual Cowboy Up for Christmas was a huge success!  Over 250 people gathered at the Annville Ministries gymnasium on Monday evening at 6 p.m.  There were enough presents for everyone and some were even able to take presents home to family members who could not attend! 

The evening started with prayer, a hearty home-cooked meal, and fellowship and then moved on to the reading of the Christmas story and a devotion.  Over 100 children sat on the bleachers during the reading of the Christmas story.  Perhaps the most touching part was when they sang "Jesus Loves Me".  When preacher Calvin VanderKooi raised his hands to praise God, a tiny little girl on the front row in a pink dress raised her hands to praise God as she sang the familiar tune.  After devotion, girls and boys formed circles on the gym floor according to their ages and were given presents. Smiles filled the gym as the presents were unopened.  When the last present was opened, a drawing was held for door prizes.  Some of the door prizes included shoes, gift cards, clothing vouchers to the McKee or Annville Trade stores, a Higgy's pizza gift certificate, gas card, and Walmart gift cards. 

At the end of the night, all went home feeling full and blessed.  The biggest blessing was that all 250 people attending heard the great news that Jesus had been born and died on a cross so they might have eternal life. 

Triple R Ranch truly appreciates everyone who took time out of their busy schedules this season to make Cowboy Up for Christmas possible.  Whether you contributed food, time, gifts, money, or prayers, you made Christmas brighter and shared Jesus with a lot of kids this Christmas.  It is truly humbling to see so many people give selflessly to families in need.  This is why I feel so blessed to live in this community.