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Our 351 Sons
In 1965, a few years after taking in Jerry Monson, a 13-year old foster boy from an unfortunate family situation into their home, John and Jan founded the non-profit Rawhide Boys Ranch. The following year they enlisted Bart Starr, of Green Bay Packer fame, and his wife, Cherry, to partner with them. With their support, Rawhide became one of the most successful residential programs in the nation for teenage boys placed by juvenile courts.
John and Jan personally had 351 teenagers live with them, about ten at a time, for one to three years each, in addition to their two sons. So the book was named appropriately, Our 351 Sons.
Their vision in life has always been serving others and sharing their love for the Lord. Their life verse selected prior to their marriage has
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
John and Jan personally had 351 teenagers live with them, about ten at a time, for one to three years each, in addition to their two sons. So the book was named appropriately, Our 351 Sons.
Their vision in life has always been serving others and sharing their love for the Lord. Their life verse selected prior to their marriage has
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 11, 2021
I loved this book! It was so inspiring to read the story of John and Jan Gillespie and how they started Rawhide Boys Ranch and changed the lives of so many young men who were in need of love and direction. For me in particular, the book was fascinating because I knew so many of the people and the places referenced in the story since I live in the town where Gillespie grew up. This book shows that you should never give up on children — with the right guidance they can turn their lives around and become productive members of society and be stellar employees, business owners, spouses and parents, even if they never witnessed such a thing in their own homes growing up.
March 29, 2020
Book 15: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our 351 Sons. By John and Jan Gillespie.
If you’re interested in learning about some of Rawhide Youth Services’ at-risk youth and their journeys in the residential program, the founders’ close partnerships with Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr and other Fox Valley celebrities and companies, or the challenges the organization overcame to be what it is today, then I recommend this book to you.
If you’re interested in learning about some of Rawhide a Youth Services’ at-risk youth and their journeys in the residential program, the founders’ close partnerships with Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr and other Fox Valley celebrities and companies, or the challenges the organization overcame to be what it is today, then I recommend this book to you.
Our 351 Sons. By John and Jan Gillespie.
If you’re interested in learning about some of Rawhide Youth Services’ at-risk youth and their journeys in the residential program, the founders’ close partnerships with Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr and other Fox Valley celebrities and companies, or the challenges the organization overcame to be what it is today, then I recommend this book to you.
If you’re interested in learning about some of Rawhide a Youth Services’ at-risk youth and their journeys in the residential program, the founders’ close partnerships with Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr and other Fox Valley celebrities and companies, or the challenges the organization overcame to be what it is today, then I recommend this book to you.
January 29, 2023
Rawhide book is so good!
I didn’t realize it turned into something so big with more houses, stables , football field etc. & the money struggles at the beginning. Reading about their consistent discipline & devotion & love for the boys & how God worked every plan for them was amazing!
I forgot about the Starr’s losing a son. That was big news for a long time.
I didn’t realize it turned into something so big with more houses, stables , football field etc. & the money struggles at the beginning. Reading about their consistent discipline & devotion & love for the boys & how God worked every plan for them was amazing!
I forgot about the Starr’s losing a son. That was big news for a long time.
October 11, 2023
If you know anything at all about Rawhide or are from the area….this is an amazing read. So many Wow moments. Heart warming. We all need to live a little more like the Gillespies ❤️
January 5, 2019
Wonderful book written by a wonderful dedicated couple.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews