As Chris and Renda Welch reflect on their time at Miracle Farm, they can only give glory to God who has used them to impact the lives of over 250 young men who have been faithfully welcomed into their home.
When the Welches felt the call to become houseparents at Miracle Farm, the timing just didn’t seem right. They had full time jobs in Fort Worth – yet they knew the Lord was calling them to a ministry where they could love and support others. They heard about Miracle Farm and the couple believed they would be a great fit for the houseparent program, so they traveled to Brenham, obediently listening for what the Lord would place on their hearts. They observed Family Weekend during their visit and loved the way the program came alongside the entire family to facilitate healing. Chris and Renda knew Miracle Farm was the place for them, and God took care of the details!
For 20 years, their lives looked like waking up at 6:00 AM to get the boys up and ready to be at the barn by 6:15 to take care of the horses, then home for a Bible study before breakfast, then just a bit of downtime before the young men came home from school ready for lunch, time together as a household, homework, and dinner
LEAVING A
before bed. Chris and Renda wore many hats at Miracle Farm. Whatever chores the boys were doing, Chris was right there with them. Renda was always there to lend a listening ear and provide advice. If a boy had a doctor’s appointment, it was their responsibility to take him there.
When boys first arrive at their home, often they are carrying baggage and needing to hit restart on their circumstances. Chris and Renda can connect with the boys using their gifts and backgrounds, but ultimately the love they have for others through Christ is what makes the biggest impact. The job can be stressful, but they know relying on the Lord to give them the right balance of firm love and empathy is what helps the boys be most successful. Renda says:
Sometimes I have good things to say and good ideas, but continually we say ‘we don’t change boy’s lives here, we produce the environment where God can change their lives’ and once you change that perspective it takes the pressure off from us. I think it makes us better houseparents too, because we’re just creating an environment for God to do His work. And that we can do.
Over the years, Chris and Renda have found joy in witnessing how relationships can lead to breakthrough moments. They celebrate everything from the short rewards to major “light bulb” epiphanies. While their schedule might look similar day-to-day, each morning presents a new opportunity to grow closer to the boys in their home.
Renda fondly recalls the installation of game night in their home. At first, the boys were reluctant, claiming
that they had too much homework or were too tired. Undeterred, Renda would persist and ask for just one round of a game. Soon enough, the amount of homework they had on Mondays would mysteriously dwindle and the whole household would be in joyous uproar. The couple were always in search of ways to relate with the boys, find a connection, and show them that they remember what it was like to be a kid. Renda claims the reason for the success of game night:
“We are all on the same playing field during our Yahtzee games.”
To be houseparents, Chris and Renda highlight the importance of having thick skin. The boys come from a variety of challenging backgrounds, creating an opportunity for houseparents to offer compassionate and balanced support. A heart for teens is essential, but it shouldn’t bleed; houseparents set the tone for vulnerability by creating an environment where everyone can work on themselves and grow. If a young man is having a hard day or seems angry, recognizing that their frustrations are often directed at their circumstances, rather than their caregivers, is crucial in maintaining stability in the household. Chris emphasizes the need to get on their level. If the boy were really tall, he would stand on a chair so he could look him in the eye, or he would get down on the floor if needed. At the end of the day, Miracle Farm aims to be a haven where resilience is nurtured, growth is fostered, and every young man receives the support needed to thrive and grow closer to God.
After 20 years of faithful service, it is time for the Welches to leave Miracle Farm and pursue the next steps God has placed on their hearts. They are excited to move into their dream home in Oklahoma and be closer to family. However, memories they have of spending time with the young men on the Farm and in their home will last a lifetime, for both them and the boys.
Written by Maegan Zwerneman
Photos by Michelle Yeatts
