Teddy and Noelle Purdie

Noelle is a 2010 graduate and Teddy a 2011 graduate of the School of Discipleship. They were married in April 2018. Teddy has been on staff since September of 2014 and works in the Program Department as the Activities Director. His job includes maintaining current programming activities, handling the Boys Wilderness Camps, paintball, assisting with retreats and events, leading student work crews, and researching and implementing new ideas. Noelle has been on staff since September of 2011 and is our Guest Services Manager and Bookkeeper. Her responsibilities include organizing volunteers, overseeing the cleaning and upkeep of the facilities, and general work in the accounting department. Teddy and Noelle have three children, Hannah (4) and Ruby (2) and Justin Edward who was born March 4, 2023.

The Purdie’s Post

December 2023

Happy December and Merry Christmas!! We have had a very full and busy summer and fall. This past summer we saw around 1200 kids attend our various summer camps and 81 of those accepted Christ as Savior while attending camp! Teddy stayed very busy with Wilderness camps and keeping things running and functioning all summer. I kept things going at home while also continuing to help out in the accounting office a couple mornings a week.

This fall started with a new group of students in the School of Discipleship. We have 18 first years and 9 students that stayed on for a second year position. Tucker (2nd year) and Luke (1st year) joined our family this year. We have been enjoying getting to know these young men and look forward to seeing the work that God is doing in and through them. Tucker is working in our operations department and Luke is in the horse barn.

Our fall retreats included: an alumni retreat, a horse lover’s retreat, 2 Ladies’ retreats, a couple of Christian school groups, our Harvest Party and a hunter’s retreat. All were very well attended and we got to spend time with some family and good friends as well.

We were sad to say goodbye to our friends and Co-workers, Chip and Sandy Hungerford back in August as they retired. Chip was our Accountant and Bookkeeper and they had been here on staff for around 35 years. Chip was my boss in the office and I really enjoyed working with and for him. In his absence, myself along with another staff wife/mom, have been (trying) to fill his shoes. In our summer letter, I asked for prayer for wisdom as I take on some responsibilities in the bookkeeping office as well as taking care of my family’s needs, putting them before my work.

While I really enjoy the responsibilities that I have in the office, I am finding it hard to split time and still find joy in everything. Thank you for praying for wisdom. Now, please pray that God would bring an accountant/bookkeeper to fill the need so that I can step away for this season and focus fully on my family.

In this non-summer camp season, Teddy has been closing things up from camp, making sure the ranch is up to date on all permits and things for his area and various building/maintenance projects.

Our kids are always learning new things and keeping us laughing. Hannah has been doing Pre-K work and is loving it and soaking it all in! She enjoys Cubbies at our church’s AWANA program, memorizing and remembering so many verses and lessons. Praise God for faithful leaders who love our kids.

Ruby is a ham and does not want to be left out. She is memorizing verses alongside Hannah and is so ready to be in Cubbies as well. She is now fully potty trained and it was much easier than I was envisioning. She has been learning her ABCs, and shapes and colors and even writing a couple of letters. I’m praying that the desire to learn continues throughout their lives.

The girls both really love having students over to our home and we are thankful for so many wonderful young people who are so generous with their time and attention.

Justin just turned 9 months and has been crawling everywhere and standing up at anything and more recently walking along stuff. His favorite places to go in our house… the bathroom and the hallway/mud room. 🙂 Lots of gross things to eat in those places. Haha, he is just so laid back and happy.

It is such a joy to watch our children grow and learn, we are so thankful that God chose us to be their parents.

If you are ever in the area or need a place to go for a few days, let us know, we’d love to have you for a visit!

Please feel free to write us at: 101 Rodeo Dr Spring Creek, PA 16436 or e-mail at: [email protected] If you would rather receive our newsletter via e-mail, please let us know by e-mailing us at the above address.

Love,
Teddy, Noelle, Hannah, Ruby & Justin Edward

Help Wanted

Praises

• For the many salvations over the summer season and the clear Gospel that was shared
• Continued spiritual growth among the staff and students
• Healthy and growing kids!

Prayer Requests

• For a new accountant/bookkeeper for The Ranch
• For the students to lead by example and grace as they head home on Christmas break
• For a refreshing time as a family this Christmas season