 St Alban’s Episcopal Church Bolivar, Missouri Thursday, February 17 LEAP Lewis Equine Assisted Program   LEAP LEAP is an innovative equine assisted program designed as a life skills enrichment center to hep individuals with special needs, PTSD, and youth at risk. You all know Kim Moudy who dreamed this into existence and made it possible when she literally “bought the farm” from the Rev. Larry and Ruth Lewis, hence the name. Kim has also recruited others you know – Mark Alderfer, who is the President of the Board of Directors, Ruth Lewis, Vice President and Dodie Parkhurst, who serves as their Treasurer. LEAP is an independent 501(c)3. So although St Alban’s is not an “official” sponsor of the program, we are certainly supportive of it – and of Kim. LEAP works with riders to strengthen their bodies and minds by developing physical, mental and emotional capabilities through interactions with PATH INTL Certified Therapeutic Riding instructors – like Kim herself, coaches, and specially trained horses. Lessons are tailored to each participant’s ability, including grooming and tacking the horse, riding exercise and mounted games. These activities create an enhanced sense of personal worth and self-confidence, awareness of self in relation to others, all while encouraging independence and responsibility. For questions – call Kim Moudy:(816) 306-6825 – or email: risticranch202@gmail.com (There will be brochures available this Sunday, if there are those of you individually – or your business, perhaps, that would like to volunteer or sponsor a rider or the program financially.)  My Rewards Are Great by John Anthony Davis I saw a child who couldn’t walk, sit on a horse and laugh and talk… I saw a child who could only crawl, mount a horse and sit up tall. I saw a child born into strife, take up and hold the reins of life. And that same child was heard to say,thank you God for showing me the way.  Kim says they will have official volunteer trainings in March with riders up in April. She is working on a lease between Rustic M Ranch, which she owns and where the program is located, and LEAP itself, so that they can seek grants and donations for land use improvements such as wheelchair-friendly gravel and a covered area. They already have 8 kids who will be in her youth at risk class and 7 for therapeutic riding program for disabled children and 4 for seniors caring for the horses! (and she hasn’t even begun advertising yet) This IS what the Church looks like – not the Episcopal Church, or St. Alban’s, but the whole living Body of Christ, pouring out the love of God in so many varied and wonderful ways, doing the work we care each called to do, using the gifts that God has given to each. |
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