By Ron Riley, Executive Director

As we close out 2025, I find myself filled with gratitude—and awe—as I reflect on the ways God has moved through the faithful prayers and generosity of our community. At the beginning of this year, we asked you to join us in praying boldly over several strategic needs. We knew what we were asking was big. But we also knew who we were asking.

God has been faithful.

Many of these prayers are still ongoing, but it felt important to pause and say, plainly and joyfully: the Lord has been at work among us.

We prayed that every child would stay long enough to experience healing and the love of Jesus.

For children who have lived in survival mode, stability changes everything. Today, our kids are staying an average of two years or more. That consistency has allowed them to move out of “fight or flight” and into real growth—emotionally, academically, and spiritually. We’re seeing progress in care goals, deeper engagement in school, and hearts opening to the truth that they are loved by God. Healing takes time, and God has been gracious in giving it.

We prayed for effective counseling partnerships to help bring healing.

God answered by opening doors to a Christ-centered counseling group from Tulsa that now serves each of our placed children weekly. This has been a tremendous gift. Wise, biblical counsel—paired with weekly care—has already made a meaningful difference in our kids’ lives. God knew exactly what they needed, and He provided at just the right time.

We prayed for our seniors as they entered their final year of school.

This group has started strong. They are learning, growing, and beginning to take ownership of what comes next. Please continue praying with us—for wisdom in their decisions, perseverance through the finish line, and confidence rooted in who God says they are. We trust that the One who began this good work will be faithful to complete it.

We prayed that God would send the right people to fill open positions.

And He did—abundantly.
After more than 13 years, God brought us our first Director of Development, Darrin Brower, who is helping strengthen connections with supporters like you. Matthew and Jasmine Gray joined us as Houseparents in January, and Christopher and Jennifer Toney are stepping into that role mid-February. Wayne Hansen also joined our maintenance team in the early fall. These aren’t just new hires—they are people called to this mission. Each one is an answer to prayer.

We prayed for provision—for all our financial needs.

Thanks to God’s hand and your faithfulness, we are halfway through the fiscal year and right where we need to be. This includes the funding required to welcome new houseparents, which continues to move us closer to our goal of serving 48 kids this year. Your generosity has truly been a lifeline.

We prayed for growth and guidance for our staff—spiritually, mentally, and physically.

What we’ve seen this year has been beautiful. There is greater unity, stronger encouragement, and a deepening culture of appreciation. Turnover has remained low, and the quality of life among our staff has increased. God is forming a healthy, Christ-centered team—and that directly impacts the children we serve.

We prayed for unity of vision among leadership.

God answered with clarity and wisdom. Our leadership team and board are aligned, prayerful, and moving forward together with a plan for increased enrollments and a sustainable future for Cookson Hills. Unity is not something we take lightly—it is a gift from the Lord.

Your prayers matter. Your giving matters. And your partnership is bearing fruit.

I hope you’ll see your support not simply as a donation, but as participation in a story God is still writing—a story of healing, hope, and transformation through Jesus Christ.

Thank you for continuing to pray with us. God is not finished yet.

See our updated prayer list