Just thought I would share my thoughts on Matthew 5 in a bit of poetry :)
South Dakota Magazine - December 2020
A great gift idea... South Dakota Magazine does such a fine job for our state. South Dakota Magazine
And yes ... I read much faster when there are nice pictures.
PRE-DAWN SKY IS FANTASTIC
The pre-dawn sky is fantastic this morning. The crescent moon above the eastern horizon, Mars, Venus along with the constellations such as Ursa Major and Orion, are all so vivid in the crisp night air. I was reminded of the creation account in the Old Testament book of Genesis. God made the greater light for the day and the lesser lights for the darkness.
What a sermon! Everywhere I looked in the heavens above, I saw countless “lesser lights”. Planets, the moon, hundreds to thousands of stars that my eyes could pick out. All set in the background of darkness. As I walked cautiously the path from our house to the office at Rainbow, I was taken by the darkness, but I could not help but praise God aloud for the lights above. God continued to speak to my heart. Our society seems quite dark to many of us during this present time. However, even though the lights above were million of miles away, they were impossible for me to count and they were impossible to ignore. I am reminded of Elijah the prophet when he was in the wilderness and felt so very alone. God reminded him that he was not the only one left representing righteousness.
Let us who are followers of God continue to shine so brightly! Though seemingly small, we cannot be ignored due to stark contrast of light in the darkness. May we also be comforted and confident that the sunrise is just hours away.
These past months have presented unique challenges and have encouraged seeking unique opportunities. Your prayers and support are huge in the ministry of RBR. Some may consider your roll as behind the scenes. However, let me assure you prayer and encouragement are pieces in the frontline of the endeavor. Please continue being actively involved in this fashion. I will let you in on a prayer request that I have been praying since the beginning of the year. I have shared it with my family and some of our Legacy Study group. I have been praying for a gift or several to equal $500,000.00. That may sound crazy to some, but I believe we must proceed in outreach and doing it well.
As I close this letter, I just received a message from a dear friend that he is in the hospital with Covid. Let us hold fast to the assurance that God cares. “And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season… we shall reap if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
RBR PIE AUCTION FUNDRAISER. .. "A REAL BLESSING"
We auctioned off around 110 pies… yes “wonderful and beautiful and delicious” pie. Yes I enjoy homemade pie.
"PIE AUCTION PORTRAITS"
VETERANS DAY 2020
Veterans Day November 11... Thanks to all that have served.
Oscar Reinhold, born in 1887, and his sister Alphine.
My Sunday School Teacher
I had the privilege of seeing one of my Sunday School teachers from years past. Mrs. (Pat) Foley was my teacher when I was in second grade and I believe when I was in fourth and fifth grade as well. She was an excellent Bible Teacher. And I am grateful.
Dads and Moms... Make sure that your children get good foundational biblical principle as they are growing up. My parents not only taught us at home (and in Church)... but made sure we received plenty in our local Church as well. People such as Mrs. Christensen, Miss Ila Reinhold, Mrs. Heer, Miss Peterson, (Judy Levin), Mrs, Wilding, Mr. Harry Keeney, Mr. Gene James, Ed and Bonnie Crossman, Pastor Stokka... I am so thankful for these folks.
What others had to say…
“Guess who was my Sunday School teacher at the Rapid City Evangelical Free Church? Your Dad, Mr. Tige Reinhold! I remember Mrs. Foley, too. What a dear!”
“Great Bible teachers and Sunday school leaders are essential to exposing children to truth and hope”
"A MAN WORTH FOLLOWING"
When my brothers and I were quite young and the lights would go out in our bedroom at night, we would play an imaginary game that we called "The Everything Man". The players could only include three since it was just Lyle, Lee and myself.
***
"Let's Play the Everything Man!"
"OK... I will be Tige." Of course our Dad would play a major role.
"I will be the Everything Man!" The Everything Man was just that ... He was sort of like the Amazoncom... however, we were on a first name basis with the Everything Man. He was quite agriculturally based... since we could order cows or hay or nearly everything and anything that we needed or wanted.
"OK... I will be Harry!" , one of us would proclaim. Harry was a dear family friend that we all admired. Seldom was anyone else ever named. Harry was just right character to round out our after dark play acting.
***
The conversation would continue in this fashion...
"Ring... Ring"... (We were on a party line)
"Hello Everything Man... this is Tige. I would like to order two loads of cows, Three loads of alfalfa hay... perhaps we should fill the fuel tanks as well."
The Everything Man would always respond, "Can do... When do you want this delivered?" We never had to wait for the Everything Man to come through.
"And Oh... Mr. Everything Man... bring a truck load of pop." You see in real life during the day time, our dad would imagine with us that the hayloft in the barn would be a great place to store pop. A dream for boys under the age of ten that seldom enjoyed a bottle of pop except on special occasions.
***
Then Harry would make his order. The game would continue on until one of us three boys no longer answered the phone or took delivery, but had drifted off to sleep. No one would ever be awakened since we were in bed... were to be quiet and we were suppose to be going to sleep.
***
That was many years ago and my story has a final page for that chapter of the book. You see... Today, we will be going to the funeral of our friend, Harry Keeney. A Godly man... A good man... A family man... One to not only imitate as a child but an example to many throughout his life. All the characters that played "The Everything Man" so many years ago are now in heaven but me. Yes, there are tears in my eyes as I finish this story. I know I have been blessed by the lives of many over the years. Thank you Lord for bringing so many fine folks into my life. Thank you Lord for our friend Harry.
GOOD SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
I had the privilege of seeing one of my Sunday School teachers from years past. Mrs. (Pat) Foley was my teacher when I was in second grade and I believe when I was in fourth and fifth grade as well. She was an excellent Bible Teacher. And I am grateful.
Dads and Moms... Make sure that your children get good foundational biblical principle as they are growing up. My parents not only taught us at home (and in Church)... but made sure we received plenty in our local Church as well. People such as Mrs. Christensen, Miss Ila Reinhold, Mrs. Heer, Miss Peterson, (Judy Levin), Mrs, Wilding, Mr. Harry Keeney, Mr. Gene James, Ed and Bonnie Crossman, Pastor Stokka... I am so thankful for these folks.
"YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY AT RBR"
Robin and I grilled up a bunch of burgers for the Young Adult Saturday Nite Bible Study group at RBR. Nice group of young people I even get to eat with them.
And That is a Promise...
"I am just not sure how we will get everything done."
Just moments ago, I was walking with Caleb away from the arena. We were talking of various projects that need addressed for the ongoing ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch. Yes most cost money, time and extra labor. They range from an upgraded water system to some major building improvements. We have several projects that are awaiting contractors to show up. And then there are the dreams and goals to enhance RBR and the ministry God desires to accomplish in and through us. And the year has not really been "normal"...
"I am just not sure how we will get everything done."
.... and then I looked over my shoulder to the north.
A rainbow...
"I needed that," I said out load.
God has this... God will provide... God's people will come through.
"And that is a promise."
A Long time friend...
Another dear long time friend was part of the Men's Day 2020 Activities. Terry Nordine and I became friends even before high school days. His family fed cattle in Northwest Iowa and my dad would buy cattle for a number of farmer feeders in that area. He would cover the sale barns at Rapid City, Sturgis, St. Onge and Belle Fourche and fill orders with good northern plains cattle. The Nordine family would attend church with our family on their visits as well. I remember well our rides on horseback as kids with big dreams. Terry found his way west and worked with us at RBR as a wrangler in the early eighties. He also met his wife, Hope, at RBR. It is such a joy to call Terry a long time friend.
By the way... when our son Caleb saw this photo... his comment... "Does he ever play Santa Claus?
Thanks Danny
Thanks Danny
So many in attendance appreciate the testimonies of men that are walking similar life paths. Danny Reinhold shared with the nearly 150 men how God has worked in his life and is continuing to do so. He told of how God had been teaching him patience. He shared Roman 1:16 along with Romans 8:31.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth Romans 1:16
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Reunion of Sorts...
Men's Day proves to be a reunion for many and yesterday was no different. However, yesterday was especially neat as five guys that attended Montana Institute of the Bible (a few years ago) were in attendance. Two from South Dakota, one from Montana, one from Arizona and one from Alaska. Tony Gumley, Bruce Hein, Ken Anderson and Phil Hahn... you are welcome in our circle anytime. Godspeed gentlemen.
