22 Jul 2015 LIFE Pics: Renewal Ranch Rally

More than 1,100 people attended the recent Renewal Ranch Rally for Recovery, which was described as moving, uplifting and amazing.

The event, held at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds, drew local dignitaries and court officials. State Sen. Jason Rapert presented a proclamation from the Senate and read a letter from Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Matt Mosler, former morning show host on KARK Channel 4, served as emcee. 

Renewal Ranch Executive Director James Loy expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support for the Rally and for the more than $30,000 raised for faith-based recovery ministries. “The event would not have been possible without key event sponsors Joe and Charlene Walthall, Straightline Energy Services, Custom Glass of Conway, Mobley Contractors, Central Baptist Church and the 164 patron table sponsors,” he said.    

People came to the Rally from Faulkner County cities as well as Wynne, Searcy, Batesville, Little Rock, Melbourne, Fayetteville and Russellville. Participants also traveled from Alabama, Oklahoma and other states, demonstrating the far-reaching effects of addiction and also the broad impact of Renewal Ranch in helping those struggling with addiction.

The Rally heightened awareness of the problem of addiction and also provided hope that freedom is possible. More than 40 RR graduates and their families marched across the stage. Some graduates have been drug free more than three years. One graduate spoke of being reunited with his family after going more than four years without seeing them.  

Renewal Ranch has a success rate of close to 70 percent among its nearly 100 graduates over the past four years.

Leaders of other faith-based ministries, including STAND, Last Chance, Mosaic Celebrate Recovery, The Harbor, Butterfly Ranch, Deliver Hope, Breaking Chains and Hope and Compassion, attended the event as guests of Renewal Ranch.     

“We took another huge step toward our dream of providing every child a sober parent and every parent a sober child,” said RR Board Chairman Dr. Larry Pillow. “We have a vision in the future for a ‘Million Dollar Rally’ with 10,000 people attending to help us help others.”

Addiction impacts over half the citizens of Arkansas, resulting in fractured families, overcrowded jails, heavy court dockets, untold emotional misery and heavy economic loss. Rally organizers believe it is time for followers of Christ to take a stand against addiction and support Christ-centered recovery.

For more information about Renewal Ranch, email [email protected] or visit therenewalranch.org.