Modern Day Garden of Eden - Cargo Ranch, the land of servants.
While the Garden of Eden remains a symbol of unspoiled beauty, a similar sense of earthly paradise can be found in the heart of a ranch, specifically Cargo Ranch. In...
In the vast tapestry of Earth's landscapes, there exist places that seem to capture a slice of paradise, where nature's beauty meets human stewardship, and a harmonious existence unfolds. One such realm, often revered in religious and mythological narratives, is the Garden of Eden – a place of unparalleled perfection and abundance. While the Garden of Eden remains a symbol of unspoiled beauty, a similar sense of earthly paradise can be found in the heart of a ranch, specifically Cargo Ranch. Like the Garden of Eden, the ranch is a domain where the interplay of nature and human care weaves a tapestry of lush pastures, fertile fields, and harmonious living. In this blog, we take a closer look at Ranch in the heart of Shawnee Oklahoma, home to so many locals and home of a place where love is abundant and open arms are open to everyone. We look deeper at the story behind this beautiful organization and the different ways Cargo Ranch has positively impacted their community.
What is Cargo?
Located Just 3 miles north of a small town in "Shawnee " Oklahoma, lies 40 acres of intrinsic beauty and rich fertile soil that represents the careful and precise creation of God. Cargo Ranch is a Ministry Program that allows kids (7-18yrs) to be mentored and spiritually guided by members of heritage church that works to walk with the youth in their spiritual journey. Aiming to bring kids closer and more connected with God, Cargo utilizes art projects, cat fishing, and horseback riding to draw in the attraction of the youth around their community to draw them closer to spiritual maturity.
Founded by Robert and Carrie Carter, along with Jeff and Debbie Goss, they knew that these 40 acreages of beautiful, precious land, was not given to them for them to keep to themselves. But rather to share with the public and serve those who will be here long after this generation is long gone.
The Carter family knew the from the very moment they purchased the land that it wasn't to only be cherished and enjoyed by family and loved ones, but to be used as a platform to give glory and gratitude to the creator above and serve those here on earth, just as we are called to.
Galatians 6:10 ~ "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
" Being away from home due to college had proven to be a lot more challenging than initially expected, and truly I was never quite ready to go away from family and the life I was accustomed to in Texas and figure out who I was on my own here in Shawnee Oklahoma. I struggled a lot with feeling like I belonged and was in desperate need to be around the right people, the kind of people who could pour into me and love me as one of their own. Then one day I was invited to go to a barn dance just on the outskirts of Shawnee with some friends out on some acreage. Little did I know that the people I would meet that night and come in contact with would drastically have an impact on me and my life the next several years while attending Oklahoma Baptist.
The Carter/Goss Family is an amazing family that truly offers nothing but love and grace amongst everyone they come into contact with. I was blessed enough with the opportunity to know the Carter family personally, going to church with them on Sundays that was followed by delicious lunches prepared by the family themselves, and even having the opportunity to be a part of cargo from time to time. They treated me like family and no matter where we happen to see each other out in public or around campus, the love they showed me from day one never altered, not even a smudge. I never had the opportunity to share exactly how grateful I am for our relationship and how much I appreciate them to allow me to be apart such an inspiring organization and being able to witness firsthand how God can impact and change people using the community around us. They truly became a second family to me away from home, supporting me at football games, and just being thi through Cargo I was reminded of the importance of being humble servants to those around me and was taught precious lessons in breath taking moments through service on the ranch and conversations that led to lifelong relationships. I'd be forever grateful for Cargo and hold a special place in my heart for the Carter & Goss family."
- Amari Jessie/CEO of Rustic Roots
Cargo is a nonprofit organization, any earnings they make, or donations received goes right back into community by hosting local events or and performing projects to bring the city of Shawnee closer together and elevating the community as a whole. This also means that Cargo does not pay their people on staff, but rather is driven by volunteers who's eager to make a difference in the community and serve with a servant heart.
"We're always looking for volunteers to help out and serve. We host more than 300 students during season and only have about 15 on staff. Thats work crew, check ins, instructors, cooks and everyone else combined. We had a lot more volunteers in the past, but due to covid, graduation and the storm that hit the city of Shawnee just last spring, we've been in the need for more volunteer's especially with the spring approaching."
- Carrie Carter/ One of the founders of Cargo
Currently, the Ranch is to open back up to the public in the spring as they take the winters off to plan upcoming events and prepare for the work God is getting ready to do and witness the lives that are set to change. Always on the hunt for more volunteers, residence of/near Shawnee Oklahoma that are in search to serve and create new connections and establish new relationships with a loving and welcoming crowd, should reach out to Cargo directly (Information down below) and start to make a difference today!
For those who maybe can't be part of Cargo physically but wishes to still support from a far, can still donate on their site directly. Link will be down below.
Message from Shawnee
“Being involved with Cargo ranch has allowed me to build connections and relationships with the volunteers, the staff, and really has become a second home to me. And I have an incredible opportunity to make the same thing to these children.” - Carly Miller/Session Instructor at Cargo
“I really see Christ making a major impact on my life and here on the ranch through the mentors that volunteer here. “Susie Burkhead / Participant
“For Cargo to come along and point her to the direction I want her to be and walk with her, to me is absolutely valuable.” - Becky Burkhead / Parent
“I can't even put in words what Cargo has done for the community because it impacts every part of the community. It affects the Cargo Students, the volunteers, college students in the area, parents, it affects and positively impacts all. The love that is shared here is truly something special.” - Jermey MacDonald / Volunteer
“We are creating a place that is family to everyone who wants to come and be a part of us. This is a place where anyone is welcomed and a place where everyone belongs.” - Debbie Goss/Co-Founder
Cargo Ranch serves as a sanctuary of love and grace for not just the students they serve, but for the parents, volunteers, and the different people they come in contact with. Leading the youth towards spiritual growth and maturity while reinforcing lost yet critical values/lessons for young men and women to use as they prepare to be future leaders and difference makers for this country. Growing the next generation from the roots up, and truly making tomorrow a better place for all, we acknowledge the work Cargo has poured into their community and is grateful for people like the Carter/Goss Family who acts in change, not just be bystanders of it.
Want to find a second home and see how you can serve at Cargo?
Phone; (405) -585-8630
Website; Cargo Ranch | A Mentorship Program for Kids | Shawnee, OK