Every month, students from William Jessup University assemble to volunteer at Christian Encounter Ranch in Grass Valley.

Christian Encounter Ministries (CEM) has been dedicated to the purpose of reclaiming damaged young people for more than thirty years. Since its inception in 1970, this organization has provided a safe haven for troubled youth to begin the process of restoration of their physical, emotional, academic and spiritual lives.

Located in the Sierra foothills north of Sacramento, Christian Encounter Ministries has an 82-acre ranch with facilities for twelve to eighteen residents between the ages of 16 and 25. In this rural setting, the students have an opportunity to separate from their dysfunctional, and sometimes violent home atmospheres for a period of time, normally about one year.

A typical volunteer Sunday for Jessup's students begins with joining the students at the ranch for fellowship at their church service first thing in the morning.

After morning worship, students share lunch preparation and a meal together. After they have cleaned up, they are able to spend time getting to know the youth who are there. Although afternoon events are different with each visit, there is usually time to gather up all of the students, volunteers, interns and staff and participate in something as fun as an Ultimate Frisbee competition.

To learn more about Christian Encounter Ranch visit www.christianencounter.org