Rick and Laura Dellise are a unique couple with a unique vision from the Lord. They both have a call to minister to teen girls, those that society has thrown away. They have carried this seed in their hearts for 20 years and it seems that God has brought them together for this wonderful mission. That is how “Promised Land Youth Ranch” is becoming a reality. Their vision is to build and manage one or more youth ranches for troubled teenage girls in Wisconsin; a place to teach strong Biblical values that help teens build self-esteem and confidence, while developing Christian values and leadership skills. By being in a family environment they will be able to learn how important it is to work peaceably with others and develop skills to help them move on to college and employment positions.
We all know the neglect of children is rampant in our state and the Lord wants us to be His hands to reach out and rescue as many as possible. There are many kinds of neglect and abuse. Statistics show that 96% of reported violence is perpetrated by males and most victims are females. Female victims of teen sexual abuse in grades 9-12 are more likely than others to experience eating disorders, suicidal behavior, pregnancy and risky sexual behaviors. And abused children are 50% more likely to commit suicide than those who have never encountered this kind of trauma.
Rick and Laura knew they needed certain credentials for their vision to become a reality. Rick became a licensed pastor and they are a 501(c)3 non profit organization. They are licensed by American Foundation of Counseling Services for Foster Care and in 2013 obtained training and hold a license for Level 3 Treatment Foster Care. That has made it possible for them to open their home to troubled teenage girls. So one at a time, in 2013, Rick and Laura became foster parents for two teenage girls. In both cases, the girls started out guarded and hostile. In a short time both came to know Jesus as Savior and one of the girls helped with Sunday School at their church. Rick and Laura loved them as family and all of them were disappointed when the girls were moved to facilities closer to their homes. They both wrote great things about the time they spent with Rick and Laura. Both also said they loved having them as their foster oarents and really wanted to remain with them. Now, since their home is available again, their third teen girl has just arrived. She has been with them on two previous short term visits. Since the trial visits worked out well, she is going to live with them long term.
Rick and Laura are not just looking to be foster parents for one teen at a time, but their vision is to have a ranch setting that provides a safe family environment, filled with love and God’s grace for troubled hurting teenage girls.
Psalms 147:3, “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.”
They believe that with love, discipline, hard work, a strong family environment and most of all having faith in Jesus Christ, as Savior in every area, the girls can build self-worth, heal emotional and mental pain and develop a strong work ethic while learning to work with others and build leadership skills.
As Rick and Laura began to share their vision with individuals, churches and organizations, others are volunteering to be a part of this great mission. Now they have a Board of Directors, to help with the decisions including a treasurer so donations can be accounted for. A builder has offered to be their Architect and General Contractor and to oversee the building projects or remodeling projects. Another volunteer is helping to set up networking connections with other like-minded people and organizations. Another, with experience in organizing large fundraisers, is working on one for them in 2015. Still others have said they want to minister with them in mentoring and teaching roles or where ever needed.
They need a lot of prayer support… those who will believe the Lord with them. God’s will and timing are a high priority and they desire to have the best facility and faith filled staff available. The next need is financial support. They do not want government funding, but are believing God for a debt free, non-compromising facility. At this time, they are looking for property and praying for the funds to purchase it.
Many great works of God started with a call and a dream. Rick and Laura know that they are just instruments in the hands of a great, kind and loving Savior.
If you feel a tug on your heart to get involved, pray and ask the Lord what He would have you to do. The Lord can use something small and seemingly insignificant to lead to another giant step in this project. Their website is: PromisedLandYouthRanch.org
Contact: Rick & Laura Dellise, 920-615-0039 or 920-716-0677
Email: promisedlandyouthranch@yahoo.com
