This has been a humbling year. Things didn’t go as planned. But as I sit here on New Year’s Eve reminiscing, all I really feel is gratitude. Gratitude for the people who came into my life, who gave sacrificially, who volunteered their time and talents and horses. It reminds me that these disappointments were opportunities for us to learn and grow and for God to show up in other ways.
Why some of our events didn’t succeed the way we hoped still isn’t entirely clear. By many standards, they might be considered failures. Our spring event, Ponies, Pastries, and Pies, had extremely low attendance. And yet—through a few very generous donors—we still met our fundraising goal. It was also the most beautiful spring day. I was grateful for the smiling faces that came, even as I longed to see more children enjoying the ponies.
Our summer event, Lunch and Learn: An Introduction to Horse Ownership, had only one person sign up, and we ultimately had to cancel it. It was disappointing, but I told myself that surely our large fall event, Horses for Hope, would be different. Once again, however, challenges arose. Finding a venue was difficult, and when we finally secured one, the weather worked against us. It rained for the entire week leading up to the event, and temperatures dropped significantly. Attendance was low yet again, and we ended up making less than we spent.
Still, I was so grateful for everyone who showed up despite the less-than-perfect weather. Watching kids paint a horse, ride, and play with ponies is almost magical. I met a young man named Theo, who is blind, and his optimism was incredible. He truly made an impression on me.
And yet, I was disheartened—because the entire point of fundraisers is to raise money, and we needed money.
I hoped we could make up some of the loss with an online silent auction, but we sold only two items. It hardly felt worth the effort. I found myself asking God, How do we continue? What are we supposed to do? Nothing we’ve done feels successful.
But God showed up—again.
Within just a few weeks, we received three unexpected gifts: a check for $2,500, another for $500, and another for $250. In a year filled with uncertainty, disappointment, and questions, God reminded me that He is still faithful. Because of His provision, we are able to continue the work of Anna Roan Ministries.
There was a moment when I wasn’t sure I even wanted to continue. The work is hard, and fundraising is difficult. But lately, I have received so much confirmation—through people, through provision, and through prayer—that this work is purposeful, impactful, and important.
Recently, we received applications from two sisters who lost their brother to cancer earlier this year. They love horses, and I am so grateful to share that we were able to accept both of them into our program. I’ve also received heartfelt thank-you notes from other participants, and I’m humbled that Anna Roan Ministries gets to play a small role in making the world feel a little brighter for someone.
Though the burden has felt heavy at times and fundraising is hard, Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
This year, I am choosing to yoke myself to Jesus.
I don’t have to raise money for Anna Roan Ministries. I have to trust the God who called me and equipped me for the work He prepared in advance. I get to serve Him—joyfully and humbly—through this ministry.
In our first year, we started with almost nothing. I trusted God and went with the flow, not knowing where the road would lead. This year, I tried to make a plan—to replicate what worked before. But sometimes the best-laid plans aren’t His plans, and I burned myself out trying to do too much.
I say I trust God, but when the rubber meets the road, that’s when it becomes clear: was I trusting God to help my plans—or was I truly surrendering to His?
This second year has been successful in every way it needed to be, even when it didn’t always feel that way. We served some wonderful families, partnered with amazing places, and did our best to honor God and point others to His Son. I pray we take what we’ve learned and trust God with yet another year.
May we, like Theo—the sweet boy who rides blind without fear—move ahead with the same optimism, courage, and joy.
Written by: Rachel Brown, Founder of Anna Roan Ministries
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