The ranch was founded by Father Rick Thomas who was moved on Christmas Day of 1972 to bring food to the poor people of Cd. Juárez. His inspiration came from Scripture, Luke 14:13, "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind." Thomas reported that he and a couple dozen others brought enough food for about 160 people, but in the end they served more than 300 people where they frequently scavenged at the local dump for a living with ample for take-home bags, and still more for children at two orphanages. More of this is discussed in the Miracles section. Thomas's ongoing commitment started with food and clothing distribution and grew from there. Eventually, Juarez moved the dump, and a mission sprung up in its place including school, daycare and clinic.