Dear Friends of Ironwood,

As the trees bud and the days grow longer, there’s a familiar buzz returning to Ironwood Springs—one filled with joyful anticipation, fresh energy, and God’s presence moving among us. Summer is almost here, and with it comes the heart of our ministry: welcoming campers, families, and guests into a Christ-centered experience of healing, adventure, and growth.

We’re especially excited this year to welcome our new summer and equine staff, many of whom have answered God’s call to serve and love others through this incredible ministry. Each person who joins our team becomes a part of something so much greater than themselves—a mission built on service, relationship, and the joy of seeing lives changed through the love of Jesus. Whether it’s a wrangler teaching someone to ride for the first time, a member of our summer staff praying with campers, or a kitchen team member offering a warm meal and a smile—each role is a vital piece of the beautiful puzzle God assembles each summer. It’s amazing what happens when people step into their gifts and offer them back to the Lord. And that leads me to something new and very exciting...

🎶 Introducing the Joyful Noise Music Enrichment Program

We’re thrilled to share a new offering available through our ConnectAbilities and Operation Welcome Home programs: A Joyful Noise Music Enrichment Program, led by gifted musician and teacher Marette Jorgenson. This activity will be woven into select camp experiences, providing a meaningful outlet for creativity, expression, and connection through the power of music. Music reaches people in ways words sometimes can’t. It bypasses barriers, soothes anxieties, stirs joy, and awakens something deep within the soul. For individuals with disabilities, music becomes a tool for communication and expression. For our military families, it can be a pathway to healing and renewed connection. And for everyone at Ironwood, it adds a joyful, enriching layer to the experience of camp.

🌟 Sensory Benefits of Music for Neurodivergent Individuals

Music offers wide-ranging sensory and developmental benefits, especially for neurodivergent children and adults (including those with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, or other cognitive differences):

• Auditory integration: Rhythmic, melodic patterns support sound processing and comfort in noisy environments.
• Tactile & proprioceptive stimulation: Playing percussion instruments offers grounding, physical feedback.
• Emotional regulation: Calm music soothes overstimulated systems; upbeat tunes energize and encourage movement.
• Motor coordination: Music-based movement helps with timing, sequencing, and balance.
• Social development: Shared musical activities promote connection, turn-taking, and communication.
• Routine and predictability: Musical cues and transitions provide structure that many campers rely on.
• Multi-sensory engagement: Music combines sound, sight, touch, and movement to support deeper learning.

🎵 Why It Matters at Ironwood Springs

At Ironwood, we believe every person is uniquely made in the image of God. Through music, we’re able to create a space where campers and families—whether neurotypical or not—feel seen, safe, and celebrated. For those facing physical or emotional challenges, music often unlocks a sense of peace and presence that words alone cannot reach.

As Psalm 95:1 reminds us, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation!” Through this new Music Enrichment Program, we hope to bring that joy to life in powerful, healing ways.

🎁 How You Can Support This Ministry

To help launch this program well, we’re inviting our community to come alongside us in support. We’ve created an Amazon Wish List with instruments and materials that will equip this program and bless campers for years to come. If you feel led, we’d love for you to check it out and consider donating an item or two:

👉 Click below to view the Music Enrichment Amazon Wish List

We’re also preparing a large, secure, wheeled storage container to house all of the instruments and materials—keeping them safe, organized, and ready for use while protecting them from curious hands when not in session. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference—and we’re truly grateful. Thank you for your continued prayers, service, and support. God is moving, and we’re filled with expectation for what He will do this summer through the hearts and hands of those who show up to love, serve, and share.

In Christ’s Love,

Matthew
Executive Director
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matthew is the Executive Director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, where he has joyfully served since 2022. A resident of Stewartville, Minnesota, Matthew lives with his wife and youngest son, and together, they are committed to making a positive impact in their community.

With over 20+ years of experience in education, Matthew’s career spans a variety of leadership roles in public schools, non-profit organizations, and a major sports organization where he led cutting-edge, impactful educational initiatives. His passion for making education accessible and meaningful has driven his work in the special education field, where he has designed inclusive learning spaces and created engaging programs for all development levels.

Matthew’s educational background includes a liberal arts degree from Simpson University, followed by graduate studies in Special Education and Theological Studies at National and Liberty University. His unique blend of skills allows him to bring a faith-driven, inclusive approach to his work at the Ranch.

As a parent of a child with autism, Matthew is particularly passionate about serving families with special needs. He strives to use his personal experiences and professional expertise to ensure that Ironwood Springs provides accessible, transformative experiences for everyone, regardless of their ability.

Matthew is excited to continue working alongside the Ironwood Springs community to glorify God and create meaningful experiences that educate, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of all who walk through the Ranch's doors.

MONTHLY BIBLE VERSE
"Be still, and know that I am God."
— Psalm 46:10

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, constantly moving from one task to the next. Yet, this verse from Psalm 46:10 invites us to pause, reflect, and rest in God's presence. When God tells us to "be still," He is not just asking us to stop physically, but to quiet our hearts and minds as well. It is in this stillness that we are able to fully acknowledge His sovereignty and experience His peace.

"Be still" calls us to trust in God's control over every situation, no matter how chaotic life may feel. In the midst of trials, stress, or uncertainty, we are reminded that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). When we take time to be still, we allow space for God to speak into our hearts, offering wisdom, guidance, and comfort. This verse encourages us to stop striving, to let go of the need to control everything, and to embrace the peace that comes from knowing that God is in charge. It’s an invitation to surrender our worries and trust that He is working in our lives for our good and His glory.

As we reflect on this verse throughout the month, let us make intentional moments of stillness to deepen our relationship with God. Whether through prayer, quiet reflection, or simply taking a breath and centering our thoughts on Him, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence and His plan for our lives.

May this month be a reminder to slow down, trust in God’s timing, and rest in His perfect peace.