Rachel Ralph, Founder, shared about Hope Rising Farm Charitable Trust New Zealand.
Hope Rising Farm Charitable Trust is based on a small farm near Ngāruawāhia. It aims to strengthen self-confidence and self-esteem, giving participants a sense of pride, empowerment and achievement. Our activities build Self-esteem, Confidence, Teamwork, Leadership, Problem-Solving, Managing Emotions, Interpersonal Skills, Resilience, and practical hands-on skills.
Vulnerable children, youth and women from all walks of life come through our life-changing programmes, including students from schools, social welfare services and also individuals. Our small farm is perfect for connecting with the great outdoors with stunning views across the Waikato basin, bush, bird life and ever-changing skies.
Programmes are formed around one or two participants partnered with a mentor and a pony, for a two-hour session over 10 weeks during term time. No prior horse experience is required, and activities vary depending upon the skills required for each individual, but all sessions include hands-on age-appropriate farm tasks and the all-important horse time. Our debrief helps identify what is transferable to real life in the home, friendships, and schools.
Lots of our students have been through significant trauma and are suffering from anxiety, depression and social fears. Many participants find us after they have tried most other conventional ways of help.
We welcome conversations with supporters and participants of a spiritual nature, and we love to see participants begin to understand that Jesus has a plan and purpose for their lives and that He knows them intimately.
Our four part-time paid staff, our many awesome volunteers, and our Board of Trustees are passionate about the difference that we make in the lives of our participants.
We are primarily supported by funding organisations and individual supporters.
We welcome inquiries! www.hoperisingfarm.org.nz admin@hoperisingfarm.org.nz Ph 07 242 0782
Prayer points:
- Praise – for God’s goodness and faithfulness and provision.
- God’s direction is that we would keep on target with the vision that God has shown us.
- Students – current and new bookings for 2025.
- Financial – breakthrough in the heavenlies, for God’s abundant provision. Monthly expenses are around $10,000.
- Funders – that God would provide supernaturally so that we don’t have to apply for funding. This would be a testimony of God’s favour to everyone who supports us.
- Mentors – New and Current. The lifeblood of our work. For Jesus loving mentors with skills, passion for what we do, and a heart for our students. We need male mentors.
- Board – for wisdom, continued unity and hearing God’s voice.
- Staff – we have 3 awesome new staff. Pray that God will continue to bond us as a team to fulfil the vision he has given us.
- Horses – we need 2 suitable riding horses.
- Facilities – God’s leading in how to best use our super new facilities. Open and shut doors on our ideas to generate income.