A PRIVILEGE

Do you recognize these kids... We had the privilege of watching them become adults. What a blessing.

***

Over the years... 43 years to be exact. RBR is gearing up. We have some hills to climb however before camp starts. Please pray for God's strength, wisdom and provision.

THE CHURCHWELL FAMILY... LONG-TIME FRIENDS

PHOTO BY RACHEL DEJONG

Robin and I were more than thrilled to be in this photo with the Richard and Judy Churchwell Family. Richard and Judy were celebrating their 60th anniversary. Wow... what a blessing. However, there is so much to this story. We met the Churchwell family in 1980. That is when they brought their daughter Jody out to be a camper at one of our first camps of of RVR. Yes, one of 27 campers in 1980. As time went on, Jody's brother, Dan and sister Sarah also were campers at Rainbow for years. What is an extra blessing is that both Jody and Sarah served on staff, as well. They were top of the line. In around 1983 Richard was also on the board of directors for many years. To say that the Churchwell family has been influential in the story of Rainbow Bible Ranch would be an understatement. We love this family. To God be the glory. For the kids for the Kingdom

Easter Sunday 2023

With calving chores and all... we did not make it off the ranch today. We are grateful for the nice weather. This is not the first Easter that had found us at home. Spring on the ranch sometimes does not allow for us to leave. However, we celebrate the wonderful power of the resurrection and fellowship of God's mercy and grace.

***

We did enjoy a delicious meal. Robin made sure of that. Easter ham, broccoli in cheese sauce, "Really good potatoes"... that is my name for them, and a wonderful salad. Robin also made popovers... and they turned out perfect. When they come out of the oven, you pierce them to let out the steam. They are golden brown on the outside and hollow (empty) on the inside. Thus signifying the empty tomb... perfect for Easter. Lemon cake with even a tangier lemon sauce with good black coffee to follow up. Excellent.

***

Cows and calves are looking pretty good after a crazy week of weather. Today Caleb and Danny noticed a cow way off by herself. It was one of Caleb's cows. She had calved, but the calf was unexplainably dead. Caleb rode out on his big saddle horse, Rooster, and brought the cow in and proceeded to graft another calf on her. Just part of Easter Sunday on the Lonetree.

***

Chores are nearly done... Robin is in the kitchen making popcorn... A Sunday Evening Tradition... Oh yes there will be some other food as well... But there will always be popcorn made the old fashioned way on the stove top in a kettle... and at the last pop... poured into a big bowl topped with melted butter and just the right amount of salt... sometimes she will add honey as well. As Andy Griffith used to say... "Mmm-mmm Good".

***

One last thought... if you have not read I Corinthians 15 lately... you should... We as Christ Followers are most blessed.

AND MONDAY'S COMING...

Maunday Thursday...

Good Friday...

Silent Saturday...

Resurrection Sunday...

***

What are you going to do with Monday?

***

... And the days following?

***

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. I John 4:7-11

***

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has [d]life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.I John 5:9-13

"HATS OFF..."

Hats off to this outfit... Geidel Construction put us on their schedule and showed up in a timely fashion. We are repairing some structural damage in the dining room and replacing some floor in the main hall that is quite cracked up. Their work will be completed next week. Leonard and his hard working crew did a great job of dust control as well. That will save us time in the future.

***

It is quite easy for contractors to move us down the list. We have several that have done that to us. I am sure that all have their reasons/excuses. However, Geidel's demonstrate that projects can get done. We have projects that were to be addressed last fall and we are still waiting.

***

Everyone is busy... I hear that line often as well. I do not ask to be moved up the "to do list". However, I don't appreciate being moved down the list either. We don't ask for deals or reduced pricing... we just expect a job well done.

***

And when we experience a job well done... We will let others know. On the contrary, if work is not done in a timely fashion and with quality workmanship... we will not talk badly, but we will not promote either.

***

Thank you Leonard and Chris and crew of Geidel Construction.

UPDATE - APRIL 1, 2023

I find myself enjoying the sunshine and blue sky over the white landscape. Yesterday provided us with much needed moisture. It was a little bit rough on the baby calves, but challenges are to be expected. I really am aiming to get this note of gratitude out on Monday since we have a doozy of a storm in the forecast next week. We will do all we can to prepare.
Many of you know the “partnership” of life on the Lonetree Ranch and the ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch. It is this setting, along with the purpose and goals of ministry, that make RBR so unique in the camping ministry. It is real life in action. The RBR staff certainly is given different insights that many are not privileged to. This does not make us better than other ministries by any means; however, the life lessons and experiences add to the distinctiveness.
We so enjoy “sharing life” with those who God brings our way. The camp numbers are looking very good. I have no doubt that we will once again be filled to capacity. We are still working on our theme and Growth Guide. We pray that God will once again inspire Robin to write that special song that will be sung countless times during the summer and well into years ahead. Staffing is coming together. There are challenges that come along with meeting the needs of all involved in this mix.
We are in the process of remodeling the dining room at Rainbow. A portion of the floor will be replaced and new flooring will put down over the entire area. We are also replacing much of the drywall due to some cracking in the settling of the floor. Pray that we are able to get this and several other projects completed by camp season.
Our Legacy III Bible Study just finished a study of the Apostle John’s three letters. So very pertinent are the writings in these small but powerful books. I will be speaking in Belle Fourche this Sunday and in Nisland in a couple of weeks. We will also have a presentation in Hill City in April.
We have had several memorials come to RBR in honor of the life and memory of loved ones. This is amazing to us. To be included in this time of memory by family and friends is remarkable. Our prayer is that many lives will continue to be touched for the Glory of God.
We will always ask for your prayers. God’s work done in God’s way is our desire. And we will ask that you prayerfully consider giving to the ministry of RBR as the Lord God directs you. We must not ever be found lacking when so much is at stake. God will bless.

2023 Hunter's Harvest Buffet

Wow... What an evening!... Full House at RBR's Annual Hunter's Harvest Buffet. And the food was plentiful and fantastic... and I am not just saying that. An amazing presentation of delectable game dishes. Lucas Stolhammer did a great job of speaking ... sharing thoughtful stories and making clever analogies. We love our game feed because so many prepare outstanding recipes that are amazing. Plenty of good salads and desserts, too.

***

Oh, and by the way.. Over $3000.00 was raised for "Outdoor" projects for RBR kids. An interesting note on the silent auction. That has sort of "just happened" over the years. The game feed is not a fundraiser. But so many folks just want to help out and a few years back, people would bring items for the silent auction... "just to help out".


SOME OF THE DISHES PREPARED LAST EVENING

BBQ ELK MEATBALLS Maddie Meyer

SMOKED SALMON - Jim Meyer

MARINATED ELK BACKSTRAP - Jim Wiese

BLACK BEAR FIESTA - Mindi Rueb

SMOKED RAINBOW TROUT - Julia Reinhold

MIGHTY MO PADDLEFISH - Seth Sperling

GOLDEN PHEASANT - Larry Reinhold

VENISON MEDALLIONS - Danny Reinhold

SMOKED BACKSTRAP - Zack DeLong

CANADA GOOSE & ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE CHILI - Hunter H Hameister

Advertisement for Hunter’s Harvest Buffet

This is Caleb Reinhold from Rainbow Bible Ranch and I wanted to tell you about our Annual Hunter's Harvest Buffet. This wild game feed will be held on March 10th at 6:30PM. This potluck style event will feature many of your favorite wild game dishes and yes prizes will be awarded. Lucas Stolhammer from Newcastle will be our guest speaker. I hope you can join us. The game feed at RBR is one of my favorite events.

Caleb Reinhold Invites...

This is Caleb Reinhold from Rainbow Bible Ranch and I wanted to tell you about our Annual Hunter's Harvest Buffet. This wild game feed will be held on March 10th at 6:30PM. This potluck style event will feature many of your favorite wild game dishes and yes prizes will be awarded. Lucas Stolhammer from Newcastle will be our guest speaker. I hope you can join us. The game feed at RBR is one of my favorite events.

JOIN US FOR HUNTER'S HARVEST BUFFET

Contemplation... Preparation... Determination... Activation

***

When one enters the field as as a sportsman, I believe one must consider himself a steward entrusted with the God's Creation. Thoughtful... Yes, full of thought, as to the consequences of our action or lack thereof.

***

Hunter's Harvest Buffet - March 10, 2023 - 6:30PM

Potluck Style... Prizes awarded for best wild game dish

Consider bringing a salad/dessert as well

Speaker - Lucas Stolhammer - Newcastle, Wyoming

Silent Auction held to benefit outdoor activities for RBR kids. Consider how you you may contribute.

Denny Allison's, Early Board Member of RBR, Wife Betty Passed Away

Our hearts ache for Betty Allison’s family at her passing, however we are rejoicing at the reality that our longtime friend is now in the presence of her Savior. Thankful for a life well lived.

An article I wrote in March 2021

During the summer of 1979, shortly after the death of my two brothers, my dad, Tige Reinhold made a visit to Jenner Equipment in Rapid City. Dad was talking to Elmer Jenner about obtaining the use of a skidsteer loader so that we could begin working on the process of building the lodge for Rainbow Bible Ranch. Mr. Jenner was more than generous in assisting the forward progress of RBR. On one of Dad's visits, he met a rancher from Rockerville, a small town in the Black Hills. Dad told Denny Allison of the dream of RBR and together they not only shared of the joy in they had in Jesus, but Denny became very excited about having part in those formative years. The Allisons even went as far as beginning the process of cutting poles on their ranch, and then proceeded to have them treated for use for the new arena. I must say that Denny left a mark on me as he nearly became family and after my brother's death, that meant alot to me. Denny and Betty Allison were so much a part of the early ministry of RBR.
***
Today these special people stopped in for a visit. They now make their home near Lewistown, MT, where I attended college. They continue to love and serve Jesus. We thoroughly enjoyed our fellowship. As we were getting ready for them to leave and after a couple of hugs and goodbyes... I must admit that a tear nearly escaped down my cheek. Denny told me just before he left, "I am 85 years old and if the Lord gives me more years, I will take them. But if He calls me home... I will be with Jesus. Can't outdo that."
***
I just know that we have been blessed by the Allison Family. Thanks for stopping in dear friends.

HUNTING IS MORE THAN...

This photo is of my brother Lee Allen Reinhold. Most of you have not met him. I am blessed with great brothers. Yes, I nearly stated, "I 'was' blessed with great brothers, but they live on in Glory as well as my memories. Lyle and Lee were not just blood... they were dear friends. Comrades.

***

We loved to work together and we loved to hunt and fish together. Activities, that not only built memories but also character and ethics. All of which were based upon a biblical foundation endowed to us by our parents.

***

The story with this photo involved us three boys and our pastor's son. We had our own "Big Buck Contest". We all pitched together to purchase a very nice hunting knife that would go to the winner. My brother, Lee, took the challenge very seriously. We were not surprised. He had exhibited his hunting prowess on numerous occasions. A long story short... Lee won the contest. A very nice whitetail buck was the result of Lee's diligence. And yes, Lee got the knife. He claimed his deer with a .30-06 that belonged to Dad and was his main hunting rifle. We have always liked the "nought six" for hunting deer or pronghorn antelope. However, this is where the story begins to take a turn. As us boys grew older and more active in the field with rifle or fishing pole, we wondered why our Dad slowly stepped back from being the main one to "pull the trigger". We honestly thought there was something "a little bit wrong with him". But now I understand somewhat better the chapters of one's life, as well.

***

A couple of years after this event, my two comrades died. Lyle and Lee left this journey on earth and I was the only brother left. I became the heir of the trophy knife. I eventually became the owner of the .30-06. But my most treasured inheritance from my sportsmen family are the memories and the life lessons along the way. Those that enter the field and fish the waters with dignity and heart felt ethics and understanding walk away with more satisfaction than just "killing something". That also defines the pleasure of those gathered by the fireplace or around the supper table with rewards of a successful hunt. The experiences and the memories reach right to the heart.

***

You may wonder what has become of the trophy knives... the rifles... the stuff of life that has come to me. Well, I have given them to the next generation. They claimed them, and the stories that came with them, with gratitude. They continue the legacy of the hunt. As for me... I have stepped back... sort of like my Dad. And I smile... and sometimes shed a tear of thankfulness. And as for the memories... I hold them near and dear to my heart. And yes any time that I am able to share them with someone else of like mind... I certainly will. I have been blessed.

SCRIPTURE... PERTINENT FOR ALWAYS

In light of a disturbing trend that has become all too present...Some good Scripture passage that are exhorting to myself.... and perhaps you as well. LBR

1 Thessalonians 5:11 — Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Ephesians 4:29 — Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Hebrews 10:24-25 — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 — Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Philippians 2:3-4 — Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Romans 14:19 — Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

UPDATE - FEBRUARY 28, 2023

I cannot express enough gratitude to those of you who pray and support the ongoing ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch. May we all remember the team effort that God has ordained and worked through in the last 43 years of RBR.

         We are counting down the days towards camp. It is amazing to me to see how many people have already signed up for Summer 2023. We are over 75% capacity with around 14 or 15 kids on a waiting list. I must say that I do not do well in saying “no, you can't come”.  We are full.  However, with that said we are so grateful to God for the blessing that has come our way in providing campers for our program. We do have a concern, and that would be that we have sufficient staff to go along with the needs that come our way with so many campers. We are glad to say that a number of our 2022 staff are returning. That is so helpful. Passing the baton in leadership and capability has been an essential part of Rainbow Bible Ranch from the very beginning.

          What can I say? The winter of 2022-23 has been somewhat trying. However, it still is a fact that we need good snowfall and moisture to sustain us in and through the summer months. We have had so much drought over the years and that has taken its toll. Our stock dams as well as our big dam, Reinhold Lake, are still dry. Please pray that it will fill up.

I want to give you an update on some of the activities and events of the past two months. Our stay at the Black Hills Stock Show was so very successful. We again assisted with the Stock Show Reunion Service and then we were on stage in the Rodeo Zone for a service as well. A number of Rainbow kids attended and helped us with the music. That was so fun! I also had the opportunity on stage to share of the ministry and how God has orchestrated that over the years. What a blessing it was to share in this setting. We were blessed a second year in a row by the Stock Show Western Artists, as a percentage of the proceeds from their “Chair-ity” event will go to the outreach of RBR. In addition to those events, we saw and visited with hundreds of people.

The Steak n Cake as well as the Valentine Banquet went well.  Robin was not able to attend the Valentine Banquet this year as she went to visit Molly and Jacob and our new little grandson in Virgnia. Hunter Blaine joined this family on February 3. He is doing well. We are thankful.

In about a week we will have our Hunter’s Harvest Buffet. This wild game feed is truly outstanding in so many ways. Lucas Stolhammer, a long time RBR friend, will be speaking. Pray that people will be attentive to the moving of the Holy Spirit in their hearts.

There are a lot of projects ahead! Keep up with us on Facebook or our website. You can just give a call sometime as well. We would love to visit with you.

Sincerely,

Larry Reinhold

"EAGLE GIFT"

Occasionally RBR receives a contribution in honor of someone that has gone "over and above". Someone in turn will express their gratitude as a contribution to RBR since often these folks that go "over and above" will only accept gratitude for their services. We recently received a donation (Eagle Gifts are what we call them) to express gratitude to Northwest Veterinary and Supply in Parkston, SD and also the South Dakota Pork Producers Council and Glen Muller. I have no doubt that these folks will respond in humility for this recognition, but I think all have acted honorably .

***

RBR is grateful to all who are part of the team... Godspeed to the many faithful.

***

Photo by Robin Lee Reinhold