Why do you feel called to work at Hope Reins?
God brought me to Hope Reins of Raleigh through Esther. Before coming to the ministry, Esther was “Star” at a different barn – where my daughter rides. We loved Star, and she was my daughter's favorite horse to ride. I'm so thankful to Esther and to God for providing the path to Hope Reins – because we literally followed her here. Now, I am forever changed by this ministry that combines both my special education background and my love for horses.
What is the area of the ministry that you support?
I am involved at Hope Reins in a variety of ways – primarily organizing the feeding schedule for the horses. I've really had the opportunity to get to know many of the volunteers as I shadow them through the feeding process. I also help out as a greeter and “play pal” during the sessions.
What is your favorite thing about Hope Reins of Raleigh?
I love the feeling of peace and calm that washes over me when I walk through the gates at the farm. The horses and the people God has placed here are a true blessing to me.
Christy Burkey – Marketing Coordinator
Why do you feel called to work at Hope Reins?
Well, first and foremost, Kim (the founder) is my sister
– and if I didn't come on board – she'd disown me. Most
importantly though, aside from my love of her and
horses, God has plopped this huge opportunity right in
front of me – it's the kind not many people ever get -
combining family and faith – while learning to give
freely to others – especially children. This ministry
teaches me daily to faithfully walk with Jesus with no
expectations other than having the confidence that I'm
where He needs me to be right now!
What is the area of ministry that you support?
God has blessed me with the ability to communicate,
promote and market - and I truly believe He prepared me
to serve Hope Reins in this capacity. Whether through
our website, radio, television, special events or fund
raiser, we'll work to ensure we reach out to every last
person in Raleigh who hasn't heard of Hope Reins and our
mission. Most importantly, though, is the goal of
generating donations and support to sustain the ministry
as a 'heavenly haven' to as many kids that want to swing
through the doors and benefit from God's love!
What is your favorite thing about Hope Reins of
Raleigh?
Watching my niece Isabel light up every time she learns
or accomplishes a new task with one of the horses –
picking out hooves, shoveling manure or filling buckets
up with feed – amazing girl! She's only 6, but a mirror
image of myself and Kim when we were young and
infatuated with these beautiful animals.
Desirae Burton – Family Referral Coordinator
Why do you feel called to work at Hope Reins?
I am called to Hope Reins as one who herself experienced
abuse as a child. I feel I share so much with many of
the kids who visit Hope Reins, as I know first hand how
vital “hope” is to the “hopeless.” I understand how
these little ones need to be a given a voice – and I’ve
asked the Lord to help me use my days to help them be
comforted and loved. It is such a blessing to work
at Hope Reins and make a difference for these children.
What is the area of ministry that you support?
I interview new referrals (children and their families)
and then schedule them for sessions. In addition,
I help train new volunteers who are interested in
serving the children and families at the ranch. I
also coordinate prayer efforts for Hope Reins by
building our prayer team, organizing prayer walks and
sending out prayer requests. I am also a Listener, whose
role it is to comfort and just ‘sit’ with the parents or
guardians arriving with children. On the weekends, I
give tours. This gives me a chance to share Hope
Reins with others as well as the special stories about
our horses, kids and how God ministers daily to them at
Hope Reins.
What is your favorite thing about Hope Reins of
Raleigh?
My favorite thing about Hope Reins is seeing the
children’s smiling faces and the tears of joy and
thankfulness on their parents’ faces, too!
PJ Conger – Community Project Coordinator
Why do you feel called to work at Hope Reins?
There is no where in Raleigh where I feel the Holy
Spirit more often than at Hope Reins. At first I
thought I was helping Hope Reins, but Hope Reins has
helped me a lot more than I would have ever dreamed! I
had volunteered at several organizations since moving to
Raleigh, but Hope Reins was the first one that
combined my love of Christ, my willingness to serve, the
importance of relationships and families - and my
favorite animals – horses!
What is the area of ministry that you support?
Wherever they need me! Right now I am called to
provide support for the Volunteer Coordinator, as well
as working in communications and marketing, local
community service projects, gardening and in the
computerization processes of data at the Ministry.
What is your favorite thing about Hope Reins of
Raleigh?
All the amazing people I get to meet who come simply to
serve. When I do service projects or the weekend
barn chores, I get to meet people from churches,
businesses, clubs and organizations who come of their
own will on their own time to serve at Hope Reins.
Watching the transformation on people's
faces when they witness first hand the joy of our
beautiful "Angels in Horsehair," and listening to
people's stories of healing or simply just working side
by side for a common goal shows me every day how God
works in and through all of us. Of course, I also love
the fact that I can love and pamper our wonderful
servants - our horses!
Why do you feel called to work at Hope Reins?
I feel so led to be here at Hope Reins. The Lord had really been laying something like this ministry on my heart for some time and I remember Kim came running to me at church one day, full of excitement, explaining what God was doing in her life with Hope Reins. This just happened to be exactly what I wanted to dig into. My horse has really been the one who I would go to and recover from a hard day, or overwhelming circumstances. I would vent to him because he is safe and I know he loves me. As I got older I realized that's what God wants from me, too. That's where Hope Reins came into play; putting broken horses together with kids who are going through hard times...PERFECT!
What is the area of ministry that you support?
I support and work in many parts of this ministry but my
main focus is working with our "Angels in Horsehair.”
Myself, along with "Team Exercise,” work and train the
horses on a regular basis. While I love working with
these beautiful animals, my favorite place to be is in
the arena having sessions; to see how mightily God works
is just incredible.
What is your favorite thing about Hope Reins of
Raleigh?
I love to see how "present" our God is at Hope Reins. My
soul is just overjoyed when our prayers are answered and
He moves in lives. Not only in the lives of the kids but
also in the leaders. He is just so powerful and
gracious...and He truly does hear.
Barbara Foulkrod – Hospitality Coordinator
Why do you feel called to work at Hope Reins?
I love my family – and the opportunity to work in this
ministry with my daughter, Anna, is an amazing
experience. I have seen the power of God's healing love
in my own life – and it is one of my greatest desires to
help others experience this at Hope Reins!
What is the area of ministry that you support?
I coordinate Saturday tours and greeters during
sessions. I also help with overall prayer and
transporting the horses.
What is your favorite thing about Hope Reins of
Raleigh?
Hard to say one favorite thing! The honor to see the
Lord working in my life, the life of my daughter, and
the lives of these kids is such a privilege. Probably
the best part about Hope Reins is the relationships
developing through the Lord, the author of all. There
are amazing friendships between the volunteers and the
kids that couldn't be scripted by anyone else other than
Him!
Mary Lawrence – Partner Coordinator
Why do you feel called to work at Hope Reins?
I started riding when I was 8 and knew I had found my
passion - and I have always wanted to find a way to work
with "at risk" youth. As soon as I started volunteering
as a feeder, I knew I had found the place I was meant to
be. Christ calls us to be "his hands and feet" and
Hope Reins is just the place to do that!
What is the area of ministry that you support?
I support and work in many different areas at Hope
Reins, however, my main focus is the coordination of our
Partners. I identify and connect with area
churches, organizations, corporations and individuals
that want to support Hope Reins through volunteer
awareness, funding and referrals. I also provide
support in fundraising efforts and sessions.
What is your favorite thing about Hope Reins of
Raleigh?
My favorite thing about Hope Reins is that we are
providing a place where children that are suffering
emotionally can feel safe, let their walls down, have
fun, and let go of their pain for just a few moments!
Why do you feel called to work at Hope Reins?
They say that hindsight is 20/20. For me, working at Hope Reins has been akin to putting on a pair of glasses and finally seeing how all the seemingly disjointed parts of my life are coming together to focus in on one unifying purpose. I was 4 years old when I started riding and the subsequent 12 years I spent in lessons and showing instilled in me a lifelong passion for horses. I always sensed that they had a unique ability to connect with the human spirit, but it wasn't until much later that I realized how broken people and broken horses could help each other find healing. Several years ago the Lord helped me face some difficult parts of my past, and He showed me how He had used horses to let me know that He was with me every step of the way. I feel called to work here because in the mission of Hope Reins I find fulfillment in knowing that I am where God has made me to be , and that in being here I can share the hope of His grace and healing with people who are hurting like I was.
What is the area of ministry that you support?
I oversee all aspects of our program, including our generous volunteers, our precious horses and the privilege we have in serving children and teens during sessions.
What is your favorite thing about Hope Reins of Raleigh?
My favorite thing about Hope Reins, if I had to choose just one (which is hard), is the abundance of genuine, healing relationships I have found here. At Hope Reins I have found sisters and mothers, brothers, comrades and true friends. My other favorite thing (because it's nearly impossible to choose just one) is our wonderful and precious horses, who remind me daily of God's grace, forgiveness and tender heart of kindness toward us.
Rebecca Watson – Leader Coordinator
Why do you feel called to work at Hope Reins?
Hope Reins of Raleigh was an answer to prayer for
me. It allows me the privilege to serve in a
ministry with my passion for Christ and my lifelong love
for horses.
What is the area of ministry that you support?
I oversee the volunteer application process for leaders
and build relationships with those that express a desire
to work with the horses and kids.
What is your favorite thing about Hope Reins of
Raleigh?
It is an absolute joy to see the beautiful exchange that
happens between horse and child when they realize
they have just become friends. If God can use a
horse, then He can use anyone of us to be a blessing to
others!