The ministry was founded in 1970 south of Grass Valley as a family environment with an emphasis on spirituality. It combines Bible study, one-on-one classroom instruction and college intern support.A strong work ethic is developed from afternoon chores like removing star thistle and blackberry bushes, caring for livestock and keeping irrigation ditches clear.Each summer, students travel to the mountains for two-weeks of backpacking. There are lots of life lessons that can be taught along the way, said Steven Monck, a deputy sheriff in Glenn County who spent 1982 through 1984 on the ranch. Prior to his time there, he was a hostile, not-so-nice guy who was spending time with the wrong crowd, Monck said.His daughter recently graduated from the school, and this year he plans to ride 100 miles with his daughter’s boyfriend, a pastor.
