Reflections...
"Caleb...so appreciate your willingness. You ride a lot of horses and cover a lot of ground".
***
"And Molly Anne... It has been so fun having you join us again wearing a red shirt. Thanks for being a prayer warrior."
***
WALK BY FAITH - RBR 2021
“You are very Blessed to have your family want to help with this ministry-”
Nearly overwhelming…
It is 1:00 in the morning and the temperature is still 82 degrees. The wind is blowing at stiff pace from the south adding to the nearly smothering conditions. I am unable to sleep as the results of the drought and heat are certainly on my mind. Lots of questions and only one answer. And that is “Walk by Faith”. That has been our theme during the 2021 camping season at Rainbow Bible Ranch. Fitting to say the least in so many areas. And certainly, it is not so much about my faith, but rather Who my faith is in.
With the daunting heat of the summer and yes, our region had the highest temperatures of anywhere in the nation yesterday, we have spent much time watering livestock, plants and trees. I have had little spare time due to the extra chores, but I have had time to think about life lessons that may be learned in this difficult situation.
As you may know, we have planted many trees around the ranch over the last years. It is easy to notice that the young trees have not fared well. Those with a limited root system require much more attention than the well-established trees. The hot winds and shortage of moisture not only wilt the leaves, but also burn and dry up the foliage and ultimately branches and entire trees even to the point of dying.
We live in a society today that is not unlike the severe drought and heat that is taking place across our region. Our young people may be the most vulnerable. And chief among my concerns is the need for discipleship in young Christ Followers. The Bible is clear about evangelism and discipleship. We read of the Apostle Paul’s account in I Corinthians 3 of how some plant and others water and it is God who gives the increase. During the difficult times such as we live now, I am mindful of the fact that some do plant and some do water. It is a team effort, and it goes without saying, that both are important.
As the many kids that attend camp, we see numerous decisions to come to Christ. The seeds that have been planted are taking root. And those roots that are yet so shallow need to be nurtured and watered to be sustained during difficult times. Perhaps while a child was at camp, values and principles were reiterated that he or she was learning in their home and community. Perhaps Rainbow started a child on the path of a good habit such as reading God’s Word. We at RBR love the fact that we can come along side parents and family in showing the importance of respect and obedience to parents.
Certainly, we believe that a stay at RBR and Christian camping in general is of value. But it is only part of the equation to enable an individual to grow strong in godly principle. Let us be more than vigilant as each of do our part in planting seeds and nurturing the growing individual.
What others had to say…
“Love your heart Larry. You planted some, watered and nurtured some also for God’s kingdom. Will be praying for growth of those seeds and efforts of your crew to be multiplied friend.”
“You sure have a way with words. I appreciate your voice on Facebook so much!”
“So well said. Praying for all the young Christian souls who have made a decision to follow Him and that they may be encouraged daily and may seek His Word to stay strong and keep growing in these trying times.”
“Larry, you’ve said it so well....all new believers need to be discipled and shepherded as they walk the new path they have chosen in Christ. I’m so thankful for the hundreds, maybe thousands of kids RBR has influenced for Christ in the past 40 plus years. Who knew what glory to God would come from the tragic deaths of your brothers and their friend. Praying for encouragement for you and the whole clan as you live through the current circumstances of drought and other challenges that come with ranch life.”
Reflection...
Thank You Trigger... you have been my choice in the arena for well over a decade. "You make me look good... and all the hundreds of little kids that have joined us for a ride adore you and me because of you."
***
Triggernamics... The family and ranch crew know so very well how you personify that word. You never let use down.
***
I know... we are both showing our age. Maybe next year I will be riding a different horse on Fridays. I don't even like the thought of it dear friend....
***
I just wanted to thank you for another summer.
“I saw you were riding him again this summer. He’s as iconic as the red shirts!”
“If you’ve had even one great one you are blessed!”
Reflection... 2021
Thanks Rachel... It is a pleasure to work with you.
“WALK BY FAITH”
Reflection... SUMMER 2021
Danny riding "Badger".
***
Thank you Danny for your service this past summer.
“Good horse! Great man! Well done Danny! “For the Kingdom””
We call it "The Last Supper"...
All the campers have gone home and now it is time to slow down and reflect on summer while enjoying a good steak and plenty of other good food. Still a whirlwind of activity as we clean and wrap up for the year... we stop around 10:00 PM and fellowship... Lots of laughter coming from within the tired bodies. Testimonies shared of God's working in and through us.
***
An amazing staff that realizes it is not about pouring out oneself, but rather the outpouring of God through us. "To God be the Glory... Great Things He Continues to do."
“God bless you all! Dear Friends, your ministry is awesome!!!!!!!!!!”
“You guys do an amazing work for the Lord!”
“Appreciate your camp. See you next year. God bless.”
“God Bless this staff! Thank you for answering the call and guiding so many young’uns to Christ.”
“We so appreciate every single one of them. Thankful they are willing to answer the call.”
“The blessings God has used you and your staff to pour out on those touched by camp astound me every year. Thank you. You’ve answered the call and God continues to work and to bless.”
“Thanks from a grateful grandma ”
“Amazing group of beautiful people!!!”
“Well done good and faithful servants.”
“We Thank our Lord for this wonderful ministry!! May He continue to bless you for years ahead!!”
“God Bless you all & thank you for your wonderful ministry!”
“God’s blessings to you Al”
“Thank you all for serving the Lord and sharing His Good News to others.”
“Great to realize that God continues to use your ministry for His Glory.”
STURGIS... SOUTH DAKOTA
This is our address....
Notice our style of crowds...
***
We like it this way
STURGIS... SOUTH DAKOTA
Yes... Our address
No Harley Hogs... Just nice friendly dogs
We are most blessed by our Julia Lee. And today is her birthday. We had the privilege of riding together along with 26 other girls on our Legacy II overnight ride. No days off during the camping season... but Julia handles the task as she nearly always does... with a smile. Julia... Happy Birthday... We sure do love you. Mom and Dad.
***
HEBREWS 11"1-16
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY…
“...Always Loved starting those “early morning rides”... ... just before evidence of the sun’s coming up...appears in the east!! Air SO fresh...anytime, any season...that the lungs could hardly wait for the Next Breath to come in... Aaahhh’ the Memories...they’re SO SWEET...!! The Sweet Aroma of the horse under...is NEVER BETTER RECEIVED...or...Appreciated!! ”
“IT WAS A LITTLE WARM IN THAT KITCHEN… BUT OH SO WORTH IT”
