Milestones Two long-term staff celebrate 15 years Before coming to the Ranch, most of our students have seen more than their share of change and turmoil. Those constant changes often make it hard for them to trust others. When you have been disappointed time and again, it is harder and harder to emotionally connect with anyone. Though some changes are necessary, all of us need some sense of consistency in life. At the Ranch, having long-term staff helps. This fall, two of our staff passed significant milestones. Brian McDonnell and Pat Brown have been serving faithfully now for 15 years, and that is a cause for rejoicing!     Pat and Beth Brown began as houseparents at Laurel Ridge and served for almost five years before Miss Beth's health made it impossible to continue. Since that time, Mr. Pat, who has a Master's degree in education, has served in many roles-- teaching, construction, maintenance, working with volunteers, and developing our greenhouse and aquaponics programs from scratch.        Susan and I have known Brian McDonnell since he was a student at Georgia Tech over twenty years ago. He and his wife Saralyn joined the Ranch in 1998, with Brian managing the property and Saralyn doing accounting. When they had their first child, Saralyn became a stay-at-home mom and Brian took on her duties. Now as Chief Operating Officer, Brian supervises the daily operations at the Ranch, making it possible for me to serve with BGEA this year.     Ultimately, the only One who never changes is Jesus, and we urge all of our students to trust in Him. He will never leave or forsake them. But as we try to convince students of Jesus' unchanging love, it is helpful to have constant people in their lives who give them reason to believe the good news. Pat Brown and Brian McDonnell are two such people. Please join us in giving thanks to God for them as we celebrate 15 years together!