Rainbow Reflector Spring 2001

Homestead Happenings 

By Larry Reinhold

What has your week been like? On Sunday we received a foot of wet snow and several days later we well were into the 80’s heading toward 90 degrees. We were thankful for the moisture. The calving is nearly done and we have two new foals (we are expecting over 20) as we are beginning this special time of the year. The girls have enjoyed raising a litter of bunnies that should be just the right size by camp and we have had a batch of baby chicks in the porch for a couple of weeks, which has proven to be a great experience for Danny!

I am continually impressed with the need of sharing responsibility with our children. It is part of “training up a child.” The farm and ranch setting has always been a great place to do that, but with a little creativity, it can be done no matter where one resides.

I have heard from numerous parents over the years as they have shared their appreciation to the ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch in teaching responsibility. We believe that we have a golden opportunity to build on the training at home and shed new light into the lives of young people. This will continue to be a priority with us as we share our lives with children and their families.

The Embodiment of “Meeting the Need”

It has been an exciting and busy time at Rainbow with the building of the new dining room and kitchen facility. So many have assisted in Meeting the Need. As I have pondered the project, I have been blessed by how God works through people. I would like to share with you an example.

About seven years ago we had a boy named Joe come to camp from Tracey, Iowa. I remember him well, because he loved to sing. Last year, his dad, Carroll Hocksbergen called to see if he could be of assistance to us during a week in May. We took him up on the offer and we were truly impressed by his servant heart. He was a joy to have as he accomplished so much, without adding more pressure of having another person around.

When March of 2001 rolled around and Carroll called again and said he would be able to help again in April, we were pleased. To our good pleasure on April 18th here came Carroll and his brother-in-law Ken Rozenboom. They went right to work. Early morning to late evening found them right in the middle of what needed to be done. Texturing. Taping. Painting. They did a good job on whatever they set their hand to do. On Sunday when the snowstorm kept everyone from getting to church, these two gentlemen came over to the house and had dinner with us and we had a great time of fellowship, testimony and singing. They were just like family. It was beneficial to hear their words of encouragement and I must say that I was challenged by their ideas on everything from farming to politics to promoting the Work of the Lord. What was especially nice is that these men realized their gifts and talents and used them to “Meet the Need.” That is especially welcome when the pressure is on. We extend a special thanks to Carroll and Ken for the week that they spent here.

In all truthfulness, we have been blessed by others as we have progressed in this undertaking. We are grateful.

One of the biggest blessings is that everything that is constructed is paid for. God has definitely provided in an abundant way. We have material to keep going for another couple of weeks but we do need to raise some funds for the siding on the building. Our hopes are to stucco it. If God would lay it on your heart to provide in this way, please do. Some things have cost more than projected and some things have come up that we didn’t expect. That is not surprising in any construction project, but overall things have gone well. The crew around here has put in many long hours to see this through and we do covet your prayers as we go into a very busy time of camp as well.

We do want all you that have participated in Meeting the Need to know that you are appreciated.

Finally, I want to let you know about our Legacy III participants. We should have seven or eight young people certify after completing over 90 hours of training this past year. These young people will partner with us this summer as we tell others of the Good News. It has been good to see their willingness and the effort they make to be a part of Legacy III. Several travel over one hundred miles to be a part of this.

We want to continue to work together for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our theme for the season is Ready to Ride with the King. We are excited about that privilege day in and day out. I hope you are saddled up and will join us. TGBTG