BANQUET NITE PICS BY ROBIN

A great nite to get group pics... Thanks Robin!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"A Good Day... "

ANNUAL "SUPPER ON THE TOWN"

We sure enjoyed our evening in Sturgis. Our annual #supperonthetown also included bowling at Sturgis Strikers

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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..

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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"!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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Thanks for praying and caring...

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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”.

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What power would be available if we pronounced this in full realization at the beginning of each day?
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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.

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What victory!

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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.”

Julia's Graduation - Lonetree School Class of 2023

A PRIVILEGE

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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...

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What are you going to do with Monday?

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... And the days following?

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.