Caitrin Allen
Caitrin graduated from the School of Discipleship in August 2022 as a 1st year student. She then came on staff in the office as our full time Receptionist and Registrar. Her job entails answering phones and emails, registering guests for retreats and summer camps, and assisting in finances as needed. She also serves as an advisor for students in the School of Discipleship program.
Caitrin’s Fall 2026 Update
My sixth summer on staff at Miracle Mountain Ranch has come to a close. This summer was a busy one. Our camps were a little smaller this year, but we still finished with just over 1,100 registrations. Praise God! I was blessed to get to meet with and mentor three teen summer staff girls this summer in addition to my work in the office doing all things registration. These discipleship meetings were some of my very favorite parts of each week, to get to hear the girls’ hearts and to encourage them as they ministered to the kids in camp. I saw the Lord working through them in many ways this summer. Our summer theme was “Christ the Cornerstone” and many ranchers made professions of faith. Please pray for them that God will continue to grow the truth that was planted in many hearts. My sister, Joyanna, spent most of the summer serving as an assistant counselor and I got to see her much more than usual this year! My youngest sister, Ruthie, came to camp and volunteered for a week and also spent a week with me to help me with VBS! I loved getting to see them and spending time with them this summer!
Our School of Discipleship students graduated in mid August. This class was one of my favorites since I’ve been on staff. Though I missed the first couple months of their school year while I was in Africa, God still provided opportunities for such deep connections with the students. It was such a blessing to see him working in their hearts, seeing them grow in love for him, for his truth, and for his people. They challenged and encouraged me in so many ways. There have been years that I’ve struggled to invest in students, knowing that most of the relationships will likely only last for a season. Whether for a weekend, a week or a year or two, people come and go. To love and to get to know them means it will be that much harder to say goodbye when they leave. Through my time away in Africa, God really challenged me to press into relationships, to genuinely love and to allow him to love others through me, not holding back selfishly because of what ifs or impending goodbyes, but to put in the effort for him. I’ve been learning to view life through the lens of seeing all of my time as his time. He has been teaching me to love others because he first loved me instead of serving for the approval of man or upholding a self-image. Though it still takes conscious effort, I’ve been blessed to see much growth in that area of my life over this past year.
At this time last year, I was in the middle of an exciting adventure, doing ministry in South Africa with no idea of how deeply I would be blessed to see God moving in the coming months. This year finds me in a lot less of an “exciting” spot. Part of me just wants to go, to recreate the experience, the blessing of serving abroad, to see God moving dramatically in cool places. However, though I’ve prayed and seriously considered going again, I feel that for the time being, it is good for me to remain where I’m at. I don’t need to travel a million miles away to reflect the love of Jesus to others or to know him more deeply. There are people 10 minutes (or 10 steps) from my door that need the light of Christ. In some ways, here where everything is familiar seems harder than doing something “big.” Last year I was called to go on the trip, it was a big step and God showed me so much more of who he was and taught me to rest and abide in his love and the joy of his salvation. Now I am excited for the opportunity to serve actively where I’m at and to faithfully intercede in prayer for those who have been called elsewhere. I’m looking forward to building relationships with the new class of students and encouraged by the increasing opportunities that I’ve been blessed with to mentor and pour into the teen girls in my youth group.
Our new students arrived at the beginning of September. This year we have 19 first-years and 5 second-years. I am once again co-advising with the Chundrlek family and we have two students; Esther (a 2nd year in the kitchen) and Noelle (1st year) This is a smaller class than last year’s 34, but I think it will provide good opportunities for connection and discipleship with a smaller group. In the office we are switching to a new database, after over 20 years of using our current one, it has become outdated enough that it is difficult to use, fix, or teach, so while it has served its purpose well it’s time for a change! A few more fun little updates, I’ve been at the ranch for long enough that I was given my own apartment to move into. I also inherited a cat recently, as my grandma was moved to a nursing home and could not keep her. I’m loving having a pet again and having some company in my new space! Keep the office staff in your prayers as we learn new software. Also pray for the students, that they will be intentional in seeking the Lord this year and becoming transformed by his love. Pray for the kids in my youth group, as there are many health, family, and spiritual situations that could benefit from much prayer. Pray for faithfulness and changed hearts, lives, and families. You can pray for me, for faithfulness, direction, gratitude, and dependence on the Lord. Please also pray for my brother as he serves in the military in Japan. I would love to connect with you personally and hear how God has been working in YOUR life!
God Bless,
Caitrin
I, as all staff members, am responsible to raise my income in mission support. It is through the faithfulness of supporters that the Lord provides for me to continue to serve here. Click the button below to donate online! Checks can be made out to Miracle Mountain Ranch with my name in the memo and sent to 101 Rodeo Drive, Spring Creek, PA 16436