Meet the Founders
A VISION BUILT ON FAITH AND FAMILY
The journey that led to N-X Ranch.
In 1979, Joe Nix Sr. and his wife, Lora, took a drive in search of property. Their journey led them to a 500+ acre piece of land near the base of Mount Blanca, which sat vacant and dilapidated. However, to Joe Sr., the land was full of promise and potential. After bringing in family members to visit the property, they came together to purchase it. Over the years, this land became a family gathering spot during the long summer breaks. During these summers, Joe Jr. would often bring boys from his school—many of whom came from single-parent homes—to the ranch.
In 1995, Joe Jr. wrote on the back cover of his Bible, “Remember our goal of turning the ranch into a place to help boys.” This vision took root, and N-X Ranch grew from a family summer getaway into a mission to equip fatherless boys to live and lead. Joe and Rosie Nix, alongside their children and countless volunteers, turned the ranch into a place where young men could discover the gifts and talents God had given them, grow into the men God wanted them to be, and learn that they were capable of becoming strong leaders. The first group of boys was welcomed to N-X Ranch in June of 2011, marking the beginning of a journey that continues to impact many lives.
Discover How You Can Make a Difference with N-X Ranch
N-X Ranch is not just a place; it’s a mission to help young men discover their purpose, grow in faith, and become leaders in their communities.
- Reach: We pursue the fatherless, bringing them into a safe and supportive community.
- Affirm: We build relationships with the fatherless, offering encouragement and accountability.
- Nurture: We support and help them discover their God-given talents and potential.
- Challenge: We hold the fatherless accountable, encouraging them to live in obedience to Jesus Christ and His Word.
- Heal: We restore the fatherless through relationships built on trust and forgiveness, pointing them to the Ultimate Healer.
In 2022, Joe Nix heard a clear call from the Lord to establish a program to support first responders and veterans coping with past traumas and challenges related to their service. After praying about it for nearly two years, Joe received confirmation and the positive go-ahead to move forward. This led to the establishment of the First Responders and Veterans Program, a new initiative at N-X Ranch launched in 2024. The program focuses on offering healing, resilience-building, and a safe space for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others. It provides an alternative path to recovery, addressing trauma, emotional stress, and reintegration challenges.
OUR FOUNDATION OF FAITH
The core beliefs of N-X Ranch.
The N-X Ranch Board of Directors and Staff affirm and declare their belief in the Christian faith as set forth in the following Statement of Faith. Please click each belief to learn more about our core values and the foundation upon which N-X Ranch is built.
We believe God has revealed Himself as one God existing eternally in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; distinguishable yet indivisible. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
We believe the Scripture, Old and New Testaments, are inspired by God in its entirety, and is the guide for all of life. (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13)
We believe Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary and is the Savior of humanity. (Luke 1:26-35; John 1:18; Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6)
We believe God created humanity in His image free from sin but humans rebelled through Adam’s sin and are born spiritually dead, with a sin nature and eternally separated from God. (Romans 5:12, Romans 5:18)
We believe Jesus Christ died on a cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all people. He was buried and then resurrected on the third day appearing to His disciples. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 4:25)
We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace through repentance and faith in the perfect work of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected, by which forgiveness of sins is granted. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:22; Romans 5:11)
We believe in the person of the Holy Spirit, His convicting and regenerating work, and abiding presence in the believer. The Holy Spirit indwells all believers and He has been sent to be the Comforter and Empowerer of the Christian church, to enable believers to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit and to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to the Scriptures. (John 16:13; Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12:6; Galatians 5:22)
We believe that all Christians are called to a life of godly character, devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and service to Him. (Ephesians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 7:1)
We believe in water baptism by immersion as a confession by the believer in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and an expression of faith and obedience to His command. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:37-41, Acts 19:1-6)
We believe in the breaking of bread, commonly called communion or the Lord’s Supper, where bread and the cup are the symbols of celebration and remembering of Jesus’ sacrifice. (1 Corinthians 11:28-32)
We believe in Eternal Life for the believer and Eternal Punishment for the unbeliever who has rejected the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as Savior. (John 5:24, John 3:16; Mark 9:43-50; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)
We believe that God hears and answers the prayer offered in faith, in accordance with His Word and will for the sick and afflicted. (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14-15)
