[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIG OAK BOYS' RANCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 2024

  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.

                          ____________________