It is not our purpose to keep them indefinitely on the Ranch, but rather to make them dependable in a new life. Bible classes will be held each evening, and a home atmosphere will be encouraged. Union Rescue Mission News, July, 1951
Comprehensive re-training is required, and that re-training can be best accomplished in a Christian alternative community, one set apart from the mainstream so that it can fully incorporate Christian values and priorities, yet close enough to the mainstream so that it is not isolated and cannot impact the community outside its gates.
Green Oak Ranch Vision Statement, September, 1992
On September 28, 1992, the Union Rescue Mission Board of Directors approved a ministry model God laid on the heart of a former Board member who previously served as Chairman of the Mission’s Green Oak Ranch Committee. Carl Fielstra, an attorney who relinquished Board duties to assume staff responsibilities, proposed recasting the Ranch as a Christ-centered residential “healing community,” incorporating revenue generating centers to offset operating costs associated with caring for the area’s poor and disenfranchised.
The new Green Oak Ranch operating plan called for a place of safety that demographically compares with the outside community. Day-to-day issues common in the societal mainstream are posed in a community-like laboratory where supportive friends and mentors can assist. Christian life style principles are the operative standard in an economy that values men, women and children as God’s unique creations masterfully shaped and equipped for good works. (See, Ephesians 2:10)
Mistakes of the past, along with defective control mechanisms and destructive thought patterns, are surrendered in favor of authentic new identity in Christ. As the new identity is evidenced in an appropriately balanced Christ-centered life style, residents incrementally assume productive, economically independent roles in the outside community.
Green Oak Ranch revenue centers, e. g., Green Oak Ranch Camp and Retreat Center, are used to offset restoration program costs, and teach residents the dynamics of “earning your way.” The revenue centers also afford real life opportunity for program personnel to practice life style skills with fellow residents as well as the outside community. The inside-outside interface also promotes understanding among recovery and non-recovery constituencies.
The Green Oak Ranch model moves in two directions. Those outside, including seniors seasoned with years of life-experience, are encouraged to use their wisdom in mentoring relationships with individuals desperately needing affirmation and Christian role models. Those within are encouraged to demonstrate God’s amazing ability to transform even our deepest wounds and greatest failures into areas of maximum ministry effectiveness.
Green Oak Ranch is striking evidence that God’s redemptive work continues, and that the poor and disenfranchised have significant place and purpose in the process.
Arie de Jong dedicated the Ranch site to Christian, faith-based ministry
On January 30, 1998, after observing the Green Oak Ranch recovery model, San Diego County businessman, entrepreneur and benefactor, Arie de Jong —whose family is best known as owners and operators of Hollandia Dairy (San Marcos)— acquired Green Oak Ranch from Union Rescue Mission. Mr. de Jong’s personal commitment to the Ranch ministry was clearly demonstrated in his purchase of the site and concurrent dedication of the facilities to recovery ministry purposes.