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1946-1962 1952-53 1958

1946 the Heck family completed their Willard Heck was largely responsible for the pro- 1958, Mr. Heck and Tulsa businessman
college training and was led to go duction of the CBM colored film, ―Crossroads‖ Tom Hull founded New Life Ranch at
west to establish a work in Oklahoma what was then Kellem‘s Ranch in Col-
Premier showing of the CBM motion picture
Mr. and Mrs. E. N. Stites assisted ―Crossroads‖ was at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go on cord, OK, near Siloam Springs, AR.
the Hecks August 22,1952 New Life Ranch was founded as a
The film was used in many areas to promote the separate entity from CBM
Gospel. In Florida this 1/4 page advertisement was
run in the Lakeland Ledger

Oklahoma Branch of
Mr. and Mrs. E.N. Stites Mr. and Mrs. Willard Heck Oklahoma school ministry (1962)
CBM

Early History

Started under the umbrella of
CBM in 1946
A
fter being associated with the Elkton, Virginia, branch for
two years, Mr. and Mrs. Willard Heck left the work so
that Mr. Heck could pursue further training in college for
the Lord‘s service. Prior to this Mr. Heck pastored a
church in Rushford, New York, where he was ordained to the min- near Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Kneeling in prayer at the entrance
to the property, they declared that thousand acres ―a valley set
istry. After completing his studies in 1946, through a suggestion apart for the glory of God.‖ Rev. E.N. Stites, a retired preacher
from the national office, he was led to go west and establish a from Kansas, served as foreman of New Life Ranch at its incep-
work in Oklahoma. Prior to that time the ministry of Children‘s tion. New Life was founded as a separate entity from CBM, serv-
Bible Mission had been largely confined to the southeastern states. ing not only as a permanent site for CBM camps, but other Chris-
Mr. and Mrs. Heck and their two young sons settled in Tulsa, tian camping programs as well.
Oklahoma, where their third son was born. A school ministry was Mr. Heck continued his school ministry into the early 1960s, at
begun in which Mr. Heck taught Bible lessons during assembly which time in-school religious programs were deemed unconstitu-
periods in all grade levels, eventually reaching 6,500 students tional. He then left CBM to begin full-time ministry with New
monthly. Teachers listened to the children recite their memory Life Ranch, which is still in operation today, providing not only
verses and presented awards. Camp was provided for students in summer camp opportunities, but leadership development for high
grades 4-12, who qualified. school and college students, outdoor education, family camps, re-
Mr. Heck was vitally interested in the high school age group and treats, and community ministries. Mr. Heck went to be with the
had an effective ministry. He was also largely responsible for the Lord in 2001.
production of the CBM color film, Crossroads.
1958, Mr. Heck and Tulsa businessman Tom Hull founded New
Life Ranch, at what was Kellem‘s Ranch in Colcord, Oklahoma,

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