Homestead Happenings
By Larry B. Reinhold
From the Autumn Rainbow Reflector
A visitor was traveling through some scenic countryside when he came upon a farmer that was working on a piece of machinery near some outstanding crops. The visitor commented to the farmer, “God has sure blessed you with some beautiful and productive land.”
The farmer nodded his head in agreement, and then stated in a casual manner, “Yes, and it really has come a long way since God asked me to be a partner in the operation.”
We may smile at this, and some may even question if the farmer was taking too much credit; however, the truth remains: God has given each of us opportunity in tasks and responsibilities during our journey on this earth.
After forty years as the director of Rainbow Bible Ranch, I can attest to the privilege of partnering with God in ministry. And along with that privilege, I count it an honor to have partnered with so many people from all walks of life to accomplish a worthy goal. That is, simply taking what has been entrusted to us and cultivating it in a worthy manner to impact people and all of God’s creation in a way that is pleasing and honoring to the Almighty.
I think of so many that have poured into this ministry— some with their sweat equity. Our staff over the years has primarily been made up of young people. They have given of themselves in so many ways.
I cannot even begin to recall all that have contributed of their resources. So many have realized the directive of God to give financially. This is vital as RBR continues to reach children and their families. Rainbow Bible Ranch continues to offer camp at about “half the cost” and the rest is made up by contributions and donations from people across the country. The events that we conduct throughout the year after camp are offered on a donation basis only.
I cannot help but be overwhelmed as I think of family and close friends that have poured themselves into the ministry. Sacrificial is the word that describes their actions.
And the Prayer Warriors! Oh my, I realize that I cannot comprehend the many that pray in earnest for the work that goes on here at the Ranch. For those of us that are on the frontline, there are countless others praying in earnest for God’s sustenance, power, grace and love to pour out in abundance. They are praying that Satan will not have victory in even the smallest of battles.
I have been challenged as we celebrate the Fortieth Anniversary of Rainbow Bible Ranch. We cannot slow down. We cannot give in. We cannot take for granted. We cannot ignore. We must adhere to biblical principle. We must be about our Father’s business. We must, with vigor, carry out the Great Commission. We cannot rest on our achievements. They only must prove as building blocks in partnering with God to carry out His will and be evidence of His Glory and Honor.
As I write this, I look out my office window at snow as far I can see. We are not even at the middle of October and we just had our first winter storm. I started this article the other day and then took a five-day hiatus. My opening line then was, “As we recall the anniversary of Storm Atlas in 2013…”
The preparations of this most recent storm took on a nearly feverish pitch as many of us recalled the outcome of that monumental storm that some termed the Cattlemen’s Blizzard that took place the early days of October 2013. You may recall, that there were nearly 50,000 head of livestock lost in that storm. We lost nearly 100 head of horses. With memories of that storm so etched in our hearts and minds, we knew we must be prepared for what may come. The area that we live in can be very unforgiving.
In closing I will share a conversation that I had with Robin. Fortunately, we fared well in this most recent storm. Other than… “It could be a long winter”. Robin and I recalled the amount of work accomplished and the efforts taken by our family and staff to prepare for the worst. The results of our labor were nearly amazing. Robin simply stated, “What if we would take this same approach in our determination to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What if we poured into our tasks the same energy, realizing that we may not have much time left?”
Good point!
God had asked us to partner with Him in this ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch. Some of us serve in administration and staff. Are we not all called to give sacrificially to efforts of sharing the Gospel? Are we not all able to contribute as God leads us to give from what He has so abundantly blessed us? And may we all pray in due diligence, realizing that we may not have much time left? What is at stake if we don’t do our part?
