WHAT A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE GROWN UP AT RAINBOW BIBLE RANCH
What an honor to be raised at Rainbow Bible Ranch. This place will always be important to me, because I have seen first hand the impact it has on so many lives….. spiritually, mentally and physically.
Rainbow Bible Ranch is a special place for many reasons. For over 40 years it has been a place where kids can come learn about Jesus. In an ever changing world full of lies and deception, RBR has held fast to biblical truth. Children have the opportunity to experience Jesus at a young impressionable age.
RBR provides an opportunity for kids to experience a real working ranch and to have days full of dirt and hard work. They go to bed tired, and full of accomplishment. They learn about agriculture and see first hand where our food comes from and those that work so hard everyday to take care of Gods earth. They experience legitimate risk in a supervised environment.
Kids need a place to be kids. No phones, tv’s, video games, social media, or looming negativity all around. Rainbow provides that. A night sleeping under the stars, where they can see a glimpse into the vastness of creation.
Kids need to have FUN. A friendly, but competitive game of capture the flag and probably the most encouraging game of softball you’ll ever be a part of. Jumping off the dock in to the swimming hole, and zipping down the hill on the zip line. RBR is fun!
Kids need to step out of their comfort zone in a safe place. The talent show and the creativity of a group skit allow them to do just that.
Kids need to experience that learning and education come from more then just a classroom. When they are handed the opportunity to fossil hunt, study plants and grasses, or do a study on a pond or creek they see that “education” has a pretty broad definition. The value of learning how to fish and how to shoot a gun safely is something that every child should have access to. And at Rainbow they do just that. RBR is packed full of learning opportunities.
Rainbow brings lifelong friends, lifelong memories and lifelong lessons.
If you, or someone you love has been impacted by Rainbow Bible Ranch you have every reason, and quite frankly a responsibility to support RBR and make sure that these opportunities are available for the next generation. YOU have the ability to make a difference in the life of a child for the KINGDOM. Please prayerfully consider what you can do to come along side the ministry of RBR. Mark your calendar to attend the annual
»»» Pie Auction Fundraiser «««
•Friday, 11/17 @ 6:30pm•
This is such a fun evening and SWEET way to support Rainbow.
If you can’t attend, you can securely donate at rainbowbibleranch.org or mail a check to
Rainbow Bible Ranch
14676 Lonetree Rd
Sturgis, SD 57785
Don’t miss an opportunity to make a difference.
TEN YEARS LATER - SURVIVING STORM ATLAS (ARTICLE IN CATTLE BUSINESS WEEKLY)
Storm Atlas: Loss of horses touches heart of Rainbow Bible Ranch
By Connie Sieh Groop, Cattle Business Weekly
“After Storm Atlas, we probably asked ourselves a hundred times, ‘What would we have done differently?’ And the answer is nothing,” said Larry Reinhold of Rainbow Bible Ranch located on the Lonetree Ranch at Sturgis, SD.
Knowing a storm was brewing, “We brought the cattle closer as we were in the midst of fall calving. The animals were in a good shelter. We brought a lot of horses closer, too. We put the younger ones by the windbreak and took as many precautions as we could.”
Still, when Oct. 3 arrived, “It reminded us of our mortality. Sometimes we think we can handle things on our own. We realize how human we are, we aren’t as big and strong as we think we are sometimes. We can’t handle it all on our own.”
With a blizzard predicted, the Reinhold family moved down to the Rainbow Bible Ranch Camp building with Larry’s dad. The facility included what they needed in case of power outages, a cistern for water, and propane for heat.
Unbelievable
At first light after the storm, they saw one of their herd bulls standing on the front patio. “We could see from the snowdrifts that he’d walked in. He was in a pasture a mile away so it was strange that he found his way to the camp.”
As they looked towards the shop, “We saw a gelding who should have been way north. He huddled by the haystack with some other horses who were dead or dying. We couldn’t fathom what was going on.”
As soon as he could, Larry started the tractor and moved snow to get feed out to the animals, never realizing how much devastation he’d find.
As she headed out, Rachel peeked over a fence and held up her fingers to her dad — nine of the young horses were dead. “I thought, oh my word,” Larry said. “Pushing snow, we found 16 dead. By the time we were done, 60 head of horses were dead. It wasn’t pretty. The storm did not result in any peaceful deaths.”
Larry explained their operation. “We run a lot of horses for our Bible camp. We only lost eleven head of cattle which is really a miracle. The Hereford cows stayed where they belonged. We like our cows, but we build a relationship with our horses. It’s not only our crew at the ranch but the 400 plus kids who visit us every summer.”
The family and crew develop a special bond with the horses. One daughter described it best by saying, “You could pour your heart out to them and they would listen.” Losing so many animals in the storm hit the kids hard. It was difficult to witness the extent of emotional damage caused by the storm.
As the Reinhold family continued to search, they didn’t know where the saddle horses were that were used at the camp. “We hoped they were holed up in some draw and didn’t give up hope.”
Rachel and Molly rode out in the breaks looking for the horses. The snow had partially melted by then. They could see what happened to the 30 really good saddle horses. Some lay at the bottom of a deep draw and others strung out across the flat for three-quarters of a mile.
Belief in God
Even dealing with all the loss, the Reinholds believe, “Life is vulnerable, life is short and we are finite. Our family firmly believes God is our sustaining power. That’s how we can keep going. Many people expressed concern and interest. It touched us with the outpouring of care from all over the country. The saddle horse group was brought together in three or four months with the help of some supporters.”
There were rumors that Rainbow Bible Ranch would not have camp that summer. “When our kids heard the rumors that camp would close, they said, ‘Are you kidding? We’re not going to let some little blizzard stop us.’ That is faith --- they expressed it; God has this. We had camp that year, which was really a miracle that we could put together so many good horses. No matter what, we kept going. This is a perfect example of the sustaining power of God in our lives.”
Building back
Larry said they could have had several hundred head of horses after the storm. Sadly, some were not in good condition for the camp. They were fortunate that, “We had a donation of seven good old ranch horses. A couple from Montana brought over a red sorrel gelding. We could tell it had been near and dear to their hearts, but its owners could see our need. Another young guy who had come to our camp brought us his roping horse.”
The Reinholds went to the Black Hills Stock Show sale that following February. It was a good sale and they bought 13 horses and only had one that didn’t work out. Some needed riding to get ready for the kids, but they were good.
From his experience, Larry finds it takes seven years to make a really good camp horse. Some may think they have better riding and training techniques but, “I’ve trained with wet saddle blankets and find it takes time to get a good horse to use on the ranch or for other people’s kids to ride.”
Larry knows the storm put a lot of stress on cow herds with more open cows than normal. One family that had had bought bulls from the Reinholds brought a couple of nice Hereford heifers. They still have some of her calves in the herd.
From Larry’s perspective, families stayed on the ranch no matter what. And because of what happened during Storm Atlas, they are closer than ever. The ranch will always hold a special place in their hearts. They lost living, breathing creations of God. “I think there will always be a softer heart towards livestock and each other.”
The storm and aftermath could harden the heart or make it more tender. Larry thinks it made hearts more tender. “There isn't an old guy who wouldn't tear up sharing their story. The brevity of life provides a whole different perspective.”
QUITE A STORY HERE...
Our first Friday Nite Event at Rainbow Bible Ranch. When we started RBR, our main focus was to have a youth camp. However, we realized that our facilities were quite underused. We decided in 1980 to start holding activities on Friday Evening... "Friday Nites at Rainbow". Our first gathering we had two people attend. Our good friend Todd Merchen and a man named Don. My dad had been witnessing to him for some time and when he heard the story of my brothers' death... My dad had an open door and Don had an open heart to which God was moving. That nite Don came to Christ realizing his lost soul and salvation could only be found through Jesus. My folks, Tige and Vicky prayed with him. My dad stayed in touch for a number of years, but now I have not seen Don for decades either. We have recalled numerous times that half of the crowd that evening came to Christ.
***
Now after 44 years, our Friday nites have changed venue somewhat. Throughout the 80's, 90's and into the next century, we would average around 100 in attendance every Friday Nite. Countless thousands have been blessed by "going to Rainbow".
***
We miss many opportunities set before us by God Himself, when we only focus on our plans. I will say that much infrastructure that we hold sacred and talent and gifts that we selfishly reserve to only ourselves are wasted. Seek God's purpose for your life. I can tell you that 45 years ago not a single person in the Reinhold family had a clue to what was in store and you know what... "We have been most blessed".
OCTOBER 24, 2023
The sun has set on another day here at the ranch. I am looking across Reinhold Lake toward the peak. Above is a near cloudless sky and a moon that is working its way to being a full moon. The old timer would refer to it as the “Hunter’s Moon”. We have enjoyed a beautiful fall season. Harvest is under way in many areas and shipping calves is a daily occurrence across the northern plains and mountains. Honestly, the change of seasons that we experience has never been a problem for me. The extreme diversity that comes in this region proves often to be quite the experience. However, I am not as quite as ready for winter this year, due to the fact that our spring and summer season proved to be quite challenging. In other words, I will miss the growing season.
I have not written for some time, due to some of those challenges that proved to be very time consuming. Let me explain. Last spring we began a major remodel of the dining room at RBR. We looked to be on target until one of the suppliers of material right out lied on delivery date. My crew worked very hard to overcome the delay. Many late nights and long days were put in. We were not able to utilize the dining room until after camp was over. We were able to complete the project in September and it looks amazing. We are grateful.
Then on Mother’s Day, due to some much needed rain after a long dry spell, the north wall of our house’s basement caved in. Our nearly hundred year old home finally succumbed to the pressure of the heavy gumbo soil that we live in. Our basement needed help and we hoped to undertake that as a project in the future, but the future project became a now project. We proceeded to lift the house, dig out the old basement, construct a new basement, put the house back upon its new foundation and then proceeded with a complete renovation of the house. My grandparents built this house in the 1920’s. My dad grew up in this house… my parents raised my siblings and me in this house, and Robin and I have lived in this house since we were married and have raised our family in this home. Needless to say, much of our time was taken in this project as well.
Oh, and then don’t forget camp! We had another most blessed season with around four hundred kids in attendance. Our staff needs were nearly filled, but we could have used another person or two. Everyone had to work really hard to accomplish all that needed to be done. A blessing however, is that even though we were somewhat shorthanded, the staff that we had proved to be outstanding. They were truly amazing in all their effort. The Lord blessed us with a very fruitful summer, as many lives were impacted for the present and for eternity.
Our theme was “TRUTH”. Oh my, the message was and is so timely. Society is whirling out of control in the evil that satan revels in. We should not be surprised as it certainly seems that we are in the end times. The urgency and need is so obvious. At this thought, I must say, “Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. You are the ‘twelfth man’ as they would say on the football field.”
I would never discount the presence of God and the working of the Holy Spirit in all the activity and the people that are part of the RBR family. We are most blessed as we go about doing “Our Father’s business”.
Oh, and did I mention that we also had a wedding a couple of weeks ago here at the ranch? Yes, Rachel our daughter became engaged to Seth Sperling from SE South Dakota. They were married on the ranch with many friends in attendance. Yes, that took some of our time as well, but we are filled with joy as they start this new chapter in their book. Seth and Rachel will work with us as there is quite a need.
In closing, I do apologize for not keeping in touch better. I do want to thank you for your ongoing faithfulness and ask that we proceed together for the kingdom. Keep in mind our Annual Pie Auction to be held on November 17.
In Christ,
Larry B. Reinhold
HOWEVER
It is nearly overwhelming... House... moving... remodel at RBR... health issues of staff... shorthanded in a couple of areas... However, I thought I would post pics of some of the positive views. The panorama from "Lakeside" (our temporary home) is amazing. We are grateful that the guys moved our piano out for us... and "Tige's Rose" is blessing us in full bloom.
***
Not going to kid you... today was a challenge... Long day... way into the evening... But, we are grateful to God for His provision.
"MY CREW"
I have the privilege of calling these great young people... "My Crew".
***
They just keep going... Not a quitter in the bunch..
BANQUET NITE PICS BY ROBIN
A great nite to get group pics... Thanks Robin!
***
Our Banquet Nite also includes our talent program. A blessing indeed... Oh by the way... Supper was fantastic... A little change up as we had pork roast (home raised) along with real mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, our homemade wheat rolls which have been a tradition for years at RBR... Both Grandma Vicky and now Grandma Robin and yes Grandma Chris-Lana has made her share as well. And homemade banana cake for dessert.
***
Hats off to my team leaders this session... Mesa, Maddie, Serenity, Julia, Cody and Adrik.
IN FULL SWING
We are in full swing with 54 guests enjoying the ranch. Only down thing was that the flies really were bothersome to the horses on the rides out on the range. But all went off without a hitch.
***
Our theme is "TRUTH"... The kids are quite perceptive to the numerous lies that are being promoted in our society today. In the evening we played the ever popular "Capture the Flag... RBR style". And then with the weather being so pleasant... the kids camped outside.
***
"A Good Day... "
ANNUAL "SUPPER ON THE TOWN"
We sure enjoyed our evening in Sturgis. Our annual #supperonthetown also included bowling at Sturgis Strikers
***
Each year the nite before camp starts, we head to town for supper. We have visited a number of restaurants over the past years. This has actually been a teaching and learning venture for nearly 20 years. We pick an eating establishment and then thoughtfully critique the eating experience. Not just food... but service atmosphere etc..
***
Yes supper was tasty but the service left something to be desired.... However the highlight of the evening came after dining... with a was a couple of games of bowling where our crew thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you Max... the crew sure had fun. We would certainly recommend the bowling alley in Sturgis to anyone.
***
Tomorrow... Little Ranchers Camp... Be praying for all of our little friends that will be arriving at the ranch for day one of the 2023 RBR season.
l-r Adrik, Derek, Caleb, Kyle, Danny, Issac, Jesse, Maddie, Julia, Robin, Larry, Mesa, Kiersten, Hannah, Serenity, Rachel,
TO ADJUST "OUR GOOD INTENTIONS"
The Strawberry Moon... Some call it the Rose Moon... Whatever... the moon is out in brilliance this nite as we have moved from our old house to Lakeside overlooking Reinhold Lake. This is the house that my mom and dad lived in for about 25 years.
***
For me, the panoramic view has spawned memories and a recollection that I have wanted to share in the last week, especially in light of the tragic incidents that have taken place in our region.
***
It was nearing dusk and I was in my early twenties when I became the focus of the television camera. I was oblivious to my unplanned fame as I walked down the shoreline of this reservoir that we simply called the "big dam". I did not have time to prepare a statement or even straighten my hair or tidy my clothes, when all at once I came face to face with the lady and her microphone. I turned to catch a glimpse of the camera not focused on her, but rather aiming straight at me. I must say I was dumbfounded, as I watched her drop the mic to about waist level and ask quietly if I wanted to say anything. I can still recall staring her in the eye probably more in disbelief and astonishment than anger or fright.
***
You see... just hours before, a life changing event happened to me along with my family. What had taken place would change lives of thousands. I had not only just witnessed the death of my two brothers and a good friend. Not only had I witnessed it, I was in the midst of the drama that took place. I was in the boat... I was in the water... when they drowned. I was there with family and friends enjoying the late spring afternoon when everything that we held dear seemingly fell apart. I heard the words of my mother as I lay on shore gasping for breath when she said through tears, "Larry, they're gone"!
***
In no time there were people on scene. First responders, the concerned and the curious... and the news media. Over the next days to weeks, we were "in the news" a lot. All well meaning for the most part. But I will never forget that first time. Unlike a politician or celebrity, I was not looking to be front and center for a photo op. Some may have said I was in shock, but no... I was just processing. My life was going to be so different. I could have nearly died, as well. My brothers and friend did die. When I was in that water fighting, my past life did not flash before my eyes but rather "what about the future". That was playing on my mind and weighing heavy on my heart.
***
This all happened over four decades ago. Long before social medial... long before the internet... I had a little space. However, that is not the way it is today. Certainly, we all need support, sympathy and understanding. But I will go on record and say that each of us as we go through tragic life event, we also need space and time. We need to free from the piercing eyes of the onlookers. My word... an event cannot even take place any longer without the sensationalism one day and old news the next. When we need the thoughtfulness of others in our lives, too often those others are already occupied with news from around the world. Too often, the need for support may need to come months even years down the road, but we have moved on and have forgotten the one day at a time scenario.
***
Was I resentful of the news media? Did the overwhelming attention of the masses smother me? Am I bitter. Honestly, I think that God has brought me more in tune to the needs of others that are hurting. I think, perhaps I am more sensitive to folks that have been through dire circumstances. I believe with all my heart that most of us need to adjust "our good intentions" to better suit those that are going through the valley and the shadows.
***
The glow of the moon across the water tonight is such a good reminder. The moon has no light of its own. And yet its reflection as the result of a reflection (of the sun) carries a powerful but silent message. Be a light in the darkness and one does best when that light comes from the Almighty.
THIS OLD HOUSE
It is 1:30 AM and I am having a difficult time sleeping. Tomorrow, we will move out of "This Old House"... at least for a season. For nearly a century it has been home to the Reinholds... Generations.... and it has been the setting for many joys and yes sometimes trials as well. But it has always been home... and not just to our family. Emanuel and Hazel Reinhold built this house in the 1920's. My Dad, Tige, grew up in this house. He and his wife, Vicky, along with their three sons moved in around 1962. I grew up in this house. And Robin and I have lived in this old house for as long as we have been married. And our children grew up in this house.
***
But time and this old gumbo (clay) soil has taken its toll. Our basement has always shifted to and fro to some extent with the freezing and thawing... wet and dry over the years. Tough country in more ways than one. And we had hoped to remodel one day and improve the basement and foundation. Well now the time has come as a couple of weeks ago, the north wall in the basement caved in after some heavy rainfall.
***
Now we have to address the issues. However, our summers with camp are not the easiest times to get big projects like this done. We are extremely tied up with the camping schedule and all the kids that come to enjoy the ranch and learn more about the Bible and Jesus. Simply stated, "We would have scheduled this "project" some other time". But that is not to be.
***
So what is the project. We are moving out and preparing to lift the house and proceed to move it to the east. When that is completed we will excavate the old basement and then proceed to pour a new foundation and basement . Then we will move the house back. Sounds easy enough.. Right? Well, we are encouraged that we have the contractors in place to do such a project. It should happen over the next month or so. Then when the house is back in place, a complete remodel will take place. Yes to fix the wear and tear of nearly 100 years on the Great Plains of Dakota and the living of multiple generations that have called this old structure home.
***
Worries... not really. God has this. Weary... yes we are at that. May is always a challenging month with preparation for camp and the many ranch activities that must be done. And then there is the summer season. This will be our 44th season of camp at RBR and we know how busy that keeps us... We do not want our busyness to take away from any child's experience at camp. We somewhat say "tongue in cheek" that we operate on spiritual adrenaline. We realize our extra strength comes from the Lord. But at times we are physically exhausted as well.
***
We know that we cannot complete this project on our own. We need to relay on God and the capability of others as well. We request your prayers that we will stay focused and fervent. We need to trust God to meet the needs and the extra expenses along the way. And we must live in faith and trust that God will provide in all areas.
***
Camp starts next week. And we have so many tasks yet to complete. We will take one day at a time. There are some other situations that are part of life that are adding to the challenges as well. I ask for your prayer in those areas, too.
***
I have added some pics to this album that go back to the 1920's. I find them fascinating. My Grandpa cut the logs and had them milled for the framing of this Craftsman model house. It was built for a thousand dollars back then. We still have the same hand saw that the carpenter used to build with. He used it for framing and then set the teeth differently for the finish work. Amazing. I loved growing up in this house... I always thought it was big. As I became an adult, I realized that it wasn't so big, but was certainly adequate for the family. We enjoy the coziness and closeness. And yes now moving forward we look forward to having it not only repaired but updated as well. Tomorrow we move... some of us will go to the house by Reinhold Lake... some are moving into a camper and one of the cabins. As for now, I should get a little shut eye in the last hours in this old house... and trust God that one day we will move in again for the next however many years...
***
Thanks for praying and caring...
***
From the book of Ephesians chapter three, Paul writes,
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
May - Pics from the past month
Please Pray
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.”
Too often we only pronounce this above passage from the book of Jude at the “end of the service”.
***
What power would be available if we pronounced this in full realization at the beginning of each day?
***
We are grateful to God that he is merciful and assists us in the many times that we stumble. I just love this verse and the fact that in Christ… we don’t have to stumble.
***
What victory!
***
And we can be presented faultless full of joy before The Almighty. Now that is victorious living. Jesus Christ is “All in All”. Wow! Just read that last line again.
I have started this letter three or four times. The first included an update of the ongoing drought and the uncertainty that went with that. We honestly had many unanswered questions.
And then Thursday it started to rain. A beautiful rain. Over four days around four inches. Wow… Ponds and dams were rising. Even our Big Dam received quite a good amount. Grass was going to grow. Summer season looked so much better
We enjoyed Mother’s Day. Rain moving out. Everything looked so much better. And then just after we had gone to bed… we heard a crash. Going to look in the basement, we discovered a large portion of the north wall had totally caved in.
What now? We knew our Monday was going to be busy. One of us was needing to take some cattle to Sheridan. We had a shipment coming to the camp via semi. And we knew that the remodel job at RBR’s Dining Room was pushing on us so that we would have everything ready by summer. We would be looking forward to Molly coming to visit and the excitement of Julia’a graduation was certainly present.
We have much to be grateful for…. Camp looks to be nearly booked up for the summer. We have a good staff. But I will be honest, the load looks pretty heavy now.
Please pray. We need to press on together more and more each day.
There is so much more that I could share… and wanted too.
I will just end this letter as I started…
Jude writes, ““Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.”
