How It All Began

If you are reading this, then I would like to welcome you to this beautiful ministry. I say beautiful because, to me, that is exactly what it is. However, the story didn’t start out that way. In fact, it was a long painful road getting here. I’d love to introduce myself and tell you a little about Anna Roan.

Hi, I’m Rachel Brown, the mother of Anna Roan. I’m also the mother of twin boys, Liam and Noah and wife to Andrew. The most amazing man I know. We live in Northwest Arkansas. I’ve called this place home my whole life.

But back to my story. I suppose I’ll start from the beginning. I found out I was pregnant in January 2022. In May we had an anatomy scan where we found out the best news. We were having a girl. Then, we found out the worst news. There was something wrong with her heart (among other things). Some weeks later, we found out our daughter; we named her Anna, had some genetic issues. We prayed and held out hope. But in July was given a terminal diagnosis for her.

The doctors told us it was a miracle she’d made it as far as she had. She was born on September 6, 2022. A beautiful girl with lots of hair. I don’t know the color of her eyes because she never opened them. But she was alive and her heart was beating. In fact, it beat for 112 minutes before she passed peacefully in my arms.

My sweet baby changed my life. And not in the sense where I felt victimized, bitter, or angry. But in the sense where I knew deep pain and loss and knew that I could use it for good. I knew that I could look someone in the eyes and say honestly I know what it’s like to hurt.

A year after her death, I began the journey of starting this ministry. Why? Because I want to share my two passions with others- horses and Jesus. I see how much people; myself included find healing from being with horses. I wanted that for others. I wanted them to learn community, feel loved and supported, and have the opportunity to go after something they felt passionate about. Without worrying about affording it. I also wanted a door to share the love of Christ.

Horses are expensive animals, but through this ministry, my hope is to get people connected with them without the high cost and upkeep.

Although, I’ll never get to see Anna grow up and ride a horse or see her walk down an aisle to accept Jesus. I hope to see many others who will. Of course, I will always miss having my daughter, but I’m so thankful for what the Lord taught me through losing Anna. And I’m thankful for you if you are reading this, for the support, for investing in young people, in community, and in ministry. God bless!

Rachel Brown, Founder of Anna Roan Ministries