Amidst the festivities of our annual fundraiser, the Derby Ball, there were many significant moments. For some, the moments buzzing with excitement and anticipation were treasured. The beautiful dresses and extravagant hats were truly a sight to behold. The professional pictures turned out great, showcasing couples and groups decked out and ready to celebrate. For others, the excitement of the Derby race and Sovereignty’s win was one of the big highlights or listening to the kids' experiences at ranch.
However, a moment that affects us all is the retirement announcement of our Founding Director Susan Zody. Her passion for these kids from hard places has created a space for them just west of Kokomo. Her commitment to them and to offer unique, powerful lessons and moments of escape has sustained the hard job of creating a new ministry. Her dedication to the Lord and to make him known among the youth of Howard County and beyond has carried her through all the necessary steps of starting a nonprofit organization from scratch.
Her work among the youth in government subsidized areas for decades planted a seed. Years ago, as she transported kids to a ranch almost an hour away for lessons on leadership, responsibility, communication, and God, a dream started to grow.
Why did these kids have to travel so far for a one week experience with her at the ranch? Why can’t they have access to one more often and closer?
Those questions turned, eventually, into Narrow Gate Horse Ranch.
Susan Zody worked at a level of dedication without compensation that only a mother could do. This work that the Lord has brought through her into fruition has been as needy as a newborn, as you might imagine. But, the Lord sustains.
Those who he calls,
he also equips.
Having spent a lot of time with Susie talking about the ministry we do at Narrow Gate, I know she has always struggled with feeling equipped. She is so gifted at seeing talents and skills in others, but often cannot see her own.
I asked Tricia Harlow, newly named Interim Executive Director at Narrow Gate, how she would describe Susan Zody.
“She’s a go-getter. She loves the Lord and listens to the Lord. She loves big.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Susan was equipped by God to establish this ministry. I don’t know another person who is gifted with the passion and dedication it takes to initiate something like this.
As Tricia takes the baton to lead Narrow Gate into its next season of growth and ministry, we are excited
to work alongside her just as we have with Susan. We know God has and is equipping her for the continuation of Narrow Gate.
I asked Tricia why she said yes to taking on this new mission.
“My heart is for at-risk kids. It always has been. I’ve always loved the underdog. I see the need and want to see if I can help. I love working with our community... I’m excited to be a part of building God’s Kingdom [in this way].”
It is with gratitude that we watch Susan pass the baton of leadership to Tricia. Susan is uniquely gifted by God to take absolutely nothing and follow God right to a fully-running, debt-free ranch ministry. It is with hopeful expectation that we look to what God will do with Tricia and her giftings to help expand and establish our programs to the benefit of our community and his kingdom.
He is faithful to complete that which he starts.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
The NGHR team is excited, hopeful, and grateful.
-Emily Pier