Nathan and Kelsey Snyder
Nathan and Kelsey are both graduates from the School of Discipleship. Nathan’s primary role is working in Operations, he also assists in blacksmithing, vaulting, and promotion. Kelsey stays home, raising their five children: Judah, Hadassah, Jane, David, and Lydia.
Snippets From The Snyders
November 2025
About Us:
November is upon us and I cannot believe how quickly this year is coming to a close. This past year has been a full and blessed year. This summer all five of the kids got to take swim lessons at a local pool, and all five greatly improved in their swimming abilities and in their confidence. Judah and Adi have been plugging away at school. We are figuring out our new routine with having two in school this year. I was feeling a little overwhelmed by trying to figure it all out, but after talking to a few people they gave me a few ideas that have really worked well for our family. Jane and David each have a few school things that they work on during the week, but otherwise they love playing with each other and like to help me with keeping Lydia occupied for part of the morning. We have been able to take multiple field trips so far this year. We have been able to go to the children’s museum a few times, watched the Tall Ships of Erie come in, had Homeschool day here at the Ranch, hiked the Kinzua Skybridge, and a few more. The kids have also started Awana this fall and they are enjoying making new friends and working on their memory work each week.
Mid-October our family was gifted for Christmas, a trip to Sea World by Jim and Denise (Nathan’s parents). We felt incredibly blessed to be able to take such a vacation. The first leg of our trip took us to Urbana, OH where we spent the night with Becky and Casey Surls. Becky and I were roommates while I was a student at the Ranch in 2015, so it is always fun to catch up with them. Our trip started by visiting the Creation Museum. The kids loved being able to watch the Planetarium show, see the many dinosaurs, and play on their playground. The next day we visited the Ark. We loved watching all their faces the closer we got as they realized just how big it really was. We then headed towards Townsend, TN where we got to spend the night with Chip and Sandy Hungerford who used to be on staff here at the Ranch. It was such a sweet time of fellowship, and Nathan and I may of won The Marble Game just a few times. We then had our long day of traveling towards Jacksonville, FL. Jim and Denise, went with us, so the kids would switch back and forth between the two vehicles which helped break up some of the monotony. Our next day was spent at the beach. The weather could not have been more beautiful. It was sunny and 85! There was a rip tide warning so they enjoyed getting their feet wet and playing in the sand. There was a small park next to the beach and we saw an alligator sun bathing. The kids were so excited to be able to see a gator that was in the wild and not at the zoo. That evening we headed down to Orlando. The kids knew we were going to Florida for vacation, but they did not know where we were taking them for their big surprise yet! We woke up the next morning and gave them their matching shirts. Judah read to them that we were headed to Sea World that day and the excitement began! We were there two different days. They went to almost all the shows both days and smiles were on faces most of the time. Judah’s favorite part was eating lunch at a restaurant that seats you in front of a floor to ceiling tank that has sharks! They had Sandtiger, Blacktip, Hammerhead, and a Smalltooth Saw sharks! Hadassah’s favorite part was seeing the whales splash and the dolphins. Jane’s favorite part was the water ride, the Infinity Falls. David’s favorite part was watching the Sea Lion shows. Nathan and I enjoyed the whole experience, but really loved watching the kids get to experience everything and take it all in. On our way home, we made one last quick stop at the beach. The waves were much calmer and the rip tide warning was gone so they got to enjoy being in the water more and got to hunt for shells. Our last stop was at Abi’s house, Nathan’s older sister. She has continued to bless our family with bicycles and with two new additions, we are now able to go riding as a family. She took us to a local mountain bike track for kids and they had a blast riding on a pump track. The last 8 hours of travel went by smoothly and we were thankful to finally be home.
Nathan: I have been staying busy with our usual work. We were blessed to have a late summer and early fall that were dry; as this allowed us to get a lot of dirt projects done. A few of the new houses that were put in a few years ago finally got yards graded and grass seed planted. The big project that we accomplished was out at the Fort. We have slowly been trying to reclaim a 3-4 acre triangular area and it is now squared up. It shaded quite a bit of the field so it will be nice to have a few more acres and for the hay to dry quicker. By doing all of this, it also changed our shooting range from a 50 yard pistol range to one where you are able to sight in rifles up to 100 yards. Due to the lack of rain our hay crop was down this year, but as always, the Lord provided and it should be enough to get us through till next season. The upcoming projects for the winter are putting in an engine for a skid-steer, helping with a house remodel for one of the staff, and fixing a few of the staff roofs.
Our Students:
We have a total of 38 students! This year we have two students: Karen Kroeker and Alexandra Bale. Karen is a 2nd year in the barn and Alexandra is a 1st year who has also chosen the barn as her major for the year. Please pray for these girls as they seek to grow in the Lord.
Karen: Diligence in perseverance in what God is continuing to reveal to her through His word, projects, classes, and conversations.
Alexandra: that she would apply herself fully to be able to get as much from the program as possible.
Praises and Prayer Requests:
- A fun family vacation
- The opportunity to homeschool
- 1,208 Ranchers who came to summer camp
- A large student year
- Trying to get our old van fixed to get it sold
- Upcoming holiday travels
- Hay in the barn
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for our family as we serve here at Miracle Mountain Ranch.
The Snyders
Nathan, Kelsey, Judah, Hadassah, Jane, David, and Lydia
Support:
All gifts are tax deductible and can be made out to MMRM, designated for Nathan Snyder, and sent to the Ranch at:
101 Rodeo Drive, Spring Creek, PA 16436.
Gifts can also be made online through the Ranch’s website by clicking the button below.
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