Horsegate Ministry

Black Forest, Colorado
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Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS 2010 from Lifeway

 Have your ever had a real live horse as part of your VBS curriculum? Now is your chance! I'm not talking about pony rides but about using the horse to share the theme and Bible scriptures to the children. It is a very good visual to bring the scriptures to life. Here is an example of how I would use my horses to share the Saddle Ridge Ranch Theme. If this interest you or you would like to know more please contact me. I'd love to talk with you.
 
VBS Main Scripture: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Horses need wisdom to survive in man’s world. They need to learn to obey and be wise to what is being asked of them. Horses should seek this from the trainer or owner. The trainer or owner should give generously by teaching the horse, not finding fault with the horse. This can be shown by asking my horse to come to me, step away from me, take one step forward, and one step back. The horse’s ears, eyes, heart, and mind should be tuned in to me.

God’s wisdom is what we should seek to survive not only in this world but beyond. We need to learn to obey and be wise as to what God ask of us. We should always be seeking wisdom from God. God will teach us this wisdom by giving generously to all who ask. He accepts us with our fault, not finding fault. If God ask us to be wise in coming when He calls; step away from those things which will hurt us; ask us to take a step forward with him, or one step back with him we should obey. Our ears, eyes, heart, and mind should be tuned to Him.

 

Day One: Who Am I? God Creates People

God created horses. Horses actually were created before man. What does a horse physically have that is similar to man. This is where children can learn the physical makeup of a horse (withers, knee, elbow, cannon, fetlock, etc). I have a game called Pin the Scripture on the Horse. Many scripture relate to the anatomy of the horse and it is fun to guess what scripture relates to what part of the horse.

 

Life Application I am God's greatest creation. I can praise Him. Psalm 139:14

Man is more important than animals (horse). But both man and horse are wonderfully created by God.

Man’s brain is the size of a catalope.  The horse's  brain is walnut size.

Man cannot outrun horse or can he? I can try to outrun mine but can I? Man has outrun horses before which can be found in 1 Kings 18:46 The power of the Lord came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

 Man and horse can both praise God.  Psalms 150:6

 

 

Here are many other ways that I use my horses to share the message of Jesus Christ.

 

Horse Classes - I have created four classes all scripture based. You can read more about these classes by clicking on each class.

WESN Lesson

SIN

Creation of A Relation

It Is Not Finished

 

These classes can be held anywhere but primarily I hold them at my house or at First Baptist Church of Black Forest.

 

Vacation Bible School – I can be a part of your program and share a message which fits your program theme. Some churches have had me for a day and others for the whole VBS time. I set up a round pen and teach from within the pen usually interacting with the kids. Some children will get to come in and help out for a special point I’m trying to make. I do not provide horse rides for VBS.

 

Church Camps – I will bring my horses and round pen with a message that relates to your program theme. These messages can go as short or as long as you need. I do not provide horse rides for these events. I do have games kids can play like paint the real live horse just like the American Indians.

 

Special Events – One city church invited me for a Western Heritage Day. In this particular case it was at night so I brought Focus, my wooden rocking horse, and gave a message. In other settings I was able to bring my real horses and provide games and share Bible horse scripture. Because of the number of kids at these events I do not provide horse rides.

 

Sunday School Class – I can be a guest speaker, inside or out, at your church, organization or event. I always try to relate to the lesson or theme being taught.

 

Block Party – I set up my round pen and use two horses to share. I can give a message or just let kids paint the horse or brush and groom them. The girls like to braid the mane and tails. One party I let the kids shoot arrows from the back of the horses. This requires release forms to be signed by a parent or legal guardian. There is some planning that needs to take place if kids are allowed to ride the horse.

 

Equestrian Events – A great way to start a Sunday morning is having Cowboy Church. It sure wakes the kids up if a horse is used.

 

Schools – Christian, Home and Public. I was invited to speak at two Christian schools for the preschool through 5 grades. I am certainly open to speaking to higher grades. Each class rotated past my round pen for 30 minute sessions. For public schools I realize the sensitive nature of talking about Jesus but I can certainly parallel the horse world with that of man. In addition to the basics of horsemanship and care of horses I can speak to honesty, confidence, initiative, and consistency to name a few. I am open to Home school groups at any location that will hold a truck, trailer, round pen and two horses. Or, I can be inside and share without the real horse.

 

MOPS

Music Events

Christmas

Special Guest

 

Can You Think of Others? – If you have other venues that you think might work give me a call or email me. I’m open to God’s leading and welcome challenges and opportunities. I can share with or without the horse. I have a message that speaks about the Tack of God taken from Ephesians 6:13 and the horse is not even there.