Since 1974, Big Oak Ranch — a “Christian home for children needing a chance” — has been serving children who have had a hard time with life and need a stable family. Its goal is to share Christ, and its hope is that the children will find God’s purpose for their lives.
Kingdom Racing’s goal is to “deliver God’s Word through motorsports.” One aspect of this ministry is its Miles of Smiles program. Miles of Smiles gives selected individuals and groups tailored VIP experiences at motorsports events across the country.
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On March 28, these two ministries joined forces to show one of Big Oak Ranch’s families something special — and for one individual, it was potentially life-changing.
On a typical Saturday, the six girls in Mike and Suzanne Miller’s Big Oak Ranch family might be doing chores, walking trails or canoeing. However, on that Saturday, they got to spend the day with a tailor-made behind-the-scenes tour of an IndyCar race at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds. Ranging from 13 to 18 years old, this group included one who not only enjoys motorsports but is planning a career within it.
The tour was led by Kingdom Racing’s Tim and Christy Carrie, Jimmy Goodson and Kevin Morgan. Along the way they met with several IndyCar professionals — Firestone representative Mark Williamson, Rahal Racing spotter Trevor Mitchener, sportscaster Allen Bestwick, Indy NXT driver Myles Rowe and others.
For this group, Miles of Smiles provided examples of women and Christians in the field. They spoke about the need to be surrounded by others who can help them succeed.
Racing community leader Beth Boles shared personal racing and family experiences, and marketing and social media expert Jenny Johnson spoke.
Some women from the team of Sting Ray Robb, who is an outspoken Christian and IndyCar driver, provided inspiration by sharing obstacles they have had to overcome. The group included his “momager,” Kimmie Serrano; grandmother, Suzy Davis and wife, Molly Robb. Serrano shared with the girls how she owned several businesses while also managing Sting Ray’s call to racing.
“It’s been a pretty amazing journey for me and I’m truly blessed. I always, always, always surround myself with people who can help us be successful. That was in the walk along the way and has gotten us here today.
“But you get to a level where it’s beyond your skill set, and you have to surround yourself with experts,” Serrano said, indicating Johnson.
One of the girls from Big Oak Ranch, 18-year-old Sophia S., not only got a peek behind the scenes, but she also made connections to people who could support her after graduation.
“It was an amazing, incredible day, and it meant a lot to be there. I learned there are a lot of opportunities in racing besides driving, and there are people willing to guide you. Ultimately, it is God’s plan for my life. I had so much fun!” Sophia said.
Sophia’s family is one of 26 Big Oak Ranch families with up to eight children each, including the houseparents’ biological children.
“[The houseparents] give up their jobs, give up their homes, pack a U-Haul van and show up here to love on kids that are from all walks of life — different backgrounds and different last names — and create what God designed family to look like,” said Jae Thomas, a director of Big Oak Girls’ Ranch.
‘Organized chaos’
From the age of 6 years old through 18 and beyond, they learn everything from life skills to how to live as a family unit.
“We call it organized chaos. We have very structured homes. We don’t let our calendar control us and you can imagine, if there’s eight children in the home, then that’s eight eye appointments, dentist appointments, wellness checks and all of the things,” Thomas said.
Although extracurricular activities and therapy are important, coming together as a family is a priority.
“We’re sitting down at our kitchen tables as many times as we can because we believe that’s where ultimate therapy and conversation and relationship and family is built. Sometimes that does pull us away. If there’s a soccer game, the family may go support that child. They may be eating dinner at the ball game. Yeah, that’s just another big piece of family too,” he said.
Other priorities include modeling a strong work ethic and being part of a community. The dads take care of the property and both moms and dads take turns shuttling children and teaching by example with cooking, cleaning, laundry and other chores. The families help each other through tasks like car pooling.
“Mike and I both tell people that houseparenting is one of the hardest things we have ever done. It required us to give up what we knew and were comfortable with to step into the unknown,” Suzanne Miller said.
“It was the best decision we could have made. We have had the privilege of being called mom and dad by 34 girls and of course our two sons. The best part is being able to share the gospel daily and see how that changes the future for our kids. Our kids may come from hard places and difficult or horrible circumstances, but they can experience hope for their future.
“Sometimes your season with a child is shorter than you would like for a multitude of reasons, but we take heart in knowing that seeds were planted.”
To learn more about Big Oak Ranch, go to https://bigoak.org/. To learn more about Kingdom Racing, visit https://kingdomracing.net/.
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