Caitrin Allen

Caitrin graduated from the School of Discipleship in August 2022 as a 1st year student. She then came on staff in the Guest Services department as our registrar and main receptionist where she registers guests for events and summer camp throughout the year as well as doing other office work and assisting occasionally in finances. She also serves as an advisor for students in the School of Discipleship program.

Caitrin’s 2025 Recap Newsletter

I realized that it has been an entire year since I’ve written a newsletter for the Ranch. This past year has been so full; with so many adventures and instances of God’s faithfulness. I’ve gone to new places, made new friends, and learned new things. In a lot of ways I would describe 2025 as a year of renewal, of God restoring the joy of salvation and calling me to return to a deeper love for him as I learn to walk more closely dependent on him each day.

Late winter and spring passed quickly, with retreats nearly every weekend. I attended a conference for a few days in March and went to WV for Easter. The summer was fruitful, with over 1200 ranchers coming to camp throughout. Many of the children from my youth group, Forged in Christ, were able to come to camp last summer. As the receptionist and registrar for the Ranch it is easy to get caught up in the practical, getting lost in numbers and spreadsheets and schedules to adhere to. Seeing piles of registration papers and innumerous phone calls and emails while forgetting the true value of what they represent. Seeing children whom I know and love come to camp helped me to remember that each child is more than a number, each is an individual with a story, and my joy at knowing that they were coming to a Christian place, hearing the Gospel and/or getting opportunity to grow and be strengthened in their walk with God while having a fun week of camp should be the same for all children that are able to come. Each child is a precious image bearer and an opportunity to show Jesus’ love. I always love the summer camp season, despite (or maybe in part because of) the craziness that comes along with it! This summer there was also the added aspect of preparing to leave for several months for a mission trip with the World Race to South Africa and Eswatini. Packing, wrapping up and handing off responsibilities with the Ranch and with Forged, preparing a student to take my place and the apprehension of going somewhere new with people I’d never met all added an aspect of surrealness to this summer. I also ran crafts for VBS in town this summer and kept busy throughout June with VBS things and going to my sisters’ dance recital. One of my sisters also came and volunteered for a few weeks. It was sweet to get to spend time with her while she was here! I attended several weddings this past summer and I also got to plan a bridal shower for one of my closest friends who got married this past fall!

In August the SOD class graduated, and we said goodbye to the students of 2024-25! The end of August arrived more quickly than I imagined and before I knew it the time had come to head for Georgia for training camp to prepare for mission work in Africa. I shoved more things than I realized were possible into a backpack, said “goodbye for now” to all things and all people familiar and the months I had been looking forward to all year were here! The next 3 months were so impactful in so many ways! I’ve written several blog posts with more details that you can read here; https://caitrinallen.theworldrace.org/author/caitrinallen. Before I left for this trip I was told by a friend who has been on the World Race before that it would be “life changing” and indeed it was.

I returned to the Ranch at the very end of November after spending Thanksgiving with my family. Things were much the same as I left them except for an all-new student class, as their school year began in September while I was still in Africa. I’ve picked back up most of my former responsibilities with the Ranch and with Forged. I do have a student, Shelby, in Guest Services this year and have enjoyed getting to know her and working with her in the office. Once again, I am co-advising with the Chundrlek family. We have 3 students this year, Amelia (Barn 2nd year) and Jordyn & Kayla (both barn 1st years). I am looking forward to getting to know them better and seeing how God continues to work in their hearts during their time here. I was able to spend Christmas with my family and see my brother for the first time in 8 months!

I am planning to go to Mexico with the Ranch again this year over Spring Break. This year, instead of going down on the bus I am planning to fly to and from El Paso with my father so that we can still be there for the entire ministry part of the trip but I will not have to be away from the office or Forged for quite as long. I am raising support for this trip which can be sent to Miracle Mountain Ranch at 101 Rodeo Dr, Spring Creek, PA 16436. I will be gone from March 30th until April 9th for this trip.

Thank you for your continued prayer and/or financial support! I would love to hear from you and personally catch up with each of you! Please reach out whether by text, email, or letter (I always enjoy getting mail!)

In Christ,
Caitrin Allen