Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Big Oak Boys' Ranch

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 50th anniversary of Big Oak Boys' Ranch in Gadsden, Alabama.

John Croyle founded Big Oak Boys' Ranch after working at a summer camp and meeting a little boy from New Orleans, Louisiana. The child's mother was a prostitute, and he was the banker and timekeeper for his mother. John ministered to this child about Christianity, and the following summer, the child shared with John how Jesus had changed his life. John knew his calling was to help children.

The Big Oak Boys' Ranch is known as a Christian home for children needing a chance, and it has certainly fulfilled its mission since opening in 1974. The Ranch has met the needs of over 2,000 children-- giving them a Christian home and a chance to fulfill God's plan for their lives.

The Ranch started off as a single farmhouse serving five boys to seven ministry teams advancing the mission nation-wide. The Ranch follows these four promises: We love you, we will never lie to you, we will stick with you until you are grown and there are boundaries. The children find love, support, security and discipline within the promises.

A celebration will be held on Sunday, July 28th at the Big Oak Boys' Ranch to mark the 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this milestone for the Big Oak Boys' Ranch and thanking John for his tireless dedication to these children.

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