“Faith is the virtue of which, by clinging to the faithful of God, we lean upon Him so that we can obtain what he give to us.” ~William Ames

BBQ’ing with Purpose in Montana

Ten Years ago the Rowan family took a leap of faith by starting a BBQ business with the sole purpose to make what was needed to live while making as much time as possible for ministry. Each year we were able to work a little less and do a little more ministry. We got to the point of narrowing down our business to operating primarily in the summer months. The other nine months of the year, we devote our time to running our teen center, volunteering in the school, helping the local prison ministries, and serving in many other capacities in our community.

Life was running smooth until one day we watched a movie called ‘Camp’ and our lives were forever changed.

There was no question in our minds and hearts that Royal Family KIDS was part of God’s plan for our family. We did however, find ourselves wondering why God would bless us with a business that only had to be operated in the summer months—and then be asked to run a ‘summer’ camp?

After years of seeing Gods faithfulness we did not hesitate and moved forward into the unknown. We just trusted that God would provide a way. That first year we gave up several guaranteed money making events for our business and instead held camp in June—still not knowing what the outcome for the summer would be? We were prepared to pick up other events in the winter or to make some cuts with the household budget. I’m not sure why we were surprised but somehow by working less we actually made more that year than any other year. God gave us favor at our events and increased our sales at several of our venues. The second summer God’s faithfulness continued and we were given even more opportunities for our business at existing events. We are now heading into our third summer and a new step of faith has presented itself. This year we will do two weeks of camp back to back so we can provide camp to a new area of Montana. We will be giving up a few more good days of BBQ’ing, but we know God will provide.

Joseph and Amy Rowan, Directors of two RFK camps in Three Forks, Montana

Like many other states, Montana has seen a dramatic rise in the number of their children entering foster care. This is largely due to illegal drug use (namely, meth) and the severe neglect and physical abuse that occurs because of it.

Montana CFS statistics show there were 851 Montana children placed in foster care whose cases involved drugs in the home in 2010, while there were 1,445 as of September 2015.

According to the Billings Gazette, there are a number of factors to the rise of the foster care population. Increased drug use, more scrutiny during child welfare calls, and far fewer foster parents who sign up as a “calling” (which means fewer adoptions in the long-term).

MONTANA, this is your time! We need people of faith across the state to join us in reaching these kids. With God’s help, you CAN do it, and we can show you how. The time is now — the need is spread across Montana and the only way these kids can heal deep relational wounds are through healthy adult relationships.

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JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR MONTANA

1) Please pray for the 2,345 children in Montana (839 between 6-12) currently in foster care: that they will come to know that God loves them and has a positive plan for their future;

2) Pray for our current Directors and Volunteers in Montana, that God will protect them and encourage them;

3) And pray for the future Leaders of Royal Family KIDS in Montana — that when they feel God stirring their hearts to join us they will do so today!