Extend Your Conference Experience with a Visit to Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch

While you’re making plans to attend this year’s conference in the Branson area, consider setting aside a few hours for an experience that has touched the hearts of many Christian Farmers members over the years.

Just 45 minutes from Branson, in the scenic Ozarks near Lampe, Missouri, is Lives Under Construction (L.U.C.) Boys Ranch—a Christ-centered residential ministry that has been transforming the lives of at-risk boys since 1982. Founded by Ken and Sheila Ortman, the Ranch was established on the belief that every young man is created by God with purpose and deserves the opportunity for a new beginning. Through a structured family environment, Biblical discipleship, counseling, education, and vocational training, the Ranch helps boys develop character, responsibility, and hope for the future.

For members of Christian Farmers, the Ranch holds special significance. Over the years, many conference attendees and volunteers have invested countless hours helping with construction projects that continue to bless the ministry today. Volunteers played a major role in building the greenhouses and were instrumental in constructing the woodshop, where boys have learned valuable woodworking skills. For many years, the walking sticks that became so popular with Christian Farmers members were crafted there by the boys learning those skills.

The impact of those efforts continues today. Some of the young men who once came to the Ranch for help are now serving on staff, investing in the next generation of boys who arrive looking for hope and direction. It is a living testimony to what God can accomplish through faithful people willing to serve.

Several familiar names from the Christian Farmers family continue to have close ties with the Ranch. Dean and Martha Baker, Rodney Jans, and Joe Bachman have all been actively involved over the years, with Joe Bachman continuing to serve on the Ranch’s Board of Directors. Many members will also remember mission projects where Ranch boys joined Christian Farmers volunteers in serving others, including work trips to Mexico.

If you’re arriving in the Branson area a day or two early—or planning to stay after the conference—you are warmly invited to visit the Ranch. Guests are welcome to schedule a tour and, with advance notice, may even enjoy a noon or evening meal while learning more about the ministry. Much has changed over the years, and visitors often enjoy seeing the many improvements and hearing stories of lives that have been transformed through God’s grace.

If you would like to arrange a visit, simply contact the Ranch in advance so they can prepare for your arrival.

Sheila Ortman extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Christian Farmers organization:

“Thank you so much for all your organization has done to help troubled boys. Your generosity and willingness to serve have made a lasting difference in countless lives. We would love to welcome you back to see what God continues to do here.”

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful early-bird activity, an opportunity to reconnect with a ministry your organization has supported for decades, or simply a chance to witness lives being changed, a visit to Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch is well worth adding to your conference plans.