BRAZIL – An anonymous year-end donor has completed funding for the interdenominational peace chapel at the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses, and victims of crime.
ISYR officials said Tuesday the unnamed co-sponsor waived naming rights and instead asked that the small house of worship be named in honor of Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, ISYR’s 2021 Sheriff of the Year.
Noel serves on the volunteer board of directors of the Youth Ranch, where other sheriffs, business, and labor leaders have twice elected him as vice president. Noel is credited for his dedicated efforts in heightening awareness, identifying partnerships, and raising money for the statewide nonprofit.
“Another co-sponsor had stepped forward previously with some of the much-needed funds for the all-voluntary peace chapel at our not-for-profit training retreat being developed and operated in Clay County,” said Scott Minier, ISYR executive director.
“Phil Ping, volunteer senior chaplain of ISYR, this past spring donated half the cost of the chapel’s construction. At the same time, Pastor Ping also generously gifted expensive appliances and materials for a new commercial kitchen needed for this year’s many summer and fall visitors to the Youth Ranch,” Minier said.
Ping, former owner of Ping Tree Services in Indianapolis, engages in missionary work worldwide. He often helps fund schools, hospitals, and safe drinking water systems in developing nations, Minier said. “There, as is the case in the Youth Ranch chapel, Chaplain Ping merely asks the projects carry the tagline, ‘Manna from Heaven,’ a reference to food that miraculously appeared to feed the Israelites on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.” Minier said in keeping with Ping’s wishes, Noel Chapel’s signage will also read, “Manna from Heaven.”
Construction on Noel Chapel will begin in early 2022. Blueprints have been prepared and donated by Elevatus Architecture of Fort Wayne. When completed, the small 50-seat country church will offer materials and songbooks of various denominations, Minier said. Noel Chapel will also be available for baptisms, weddings, and renewals of vows by public safety officials and other Youth Ranch supporters.
“Like everything here at our Youth Ranch, participation by students will be voluntary. Faith is often a big part of our youth visitors’ lives. In other cases, it is exactly what the young leaders want and need,” Minier added.
For more information or to donate, call 317-460-4242, email ScottMinier@yahoo.com or write to Chaplain’s Office, Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834.
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