By Larry Reinhold

This past spring I wrote an article on the front page of the Rainbow Reflector entitled “The Higher Call”. Little did we know that the events that would transpire in the months ahead would force us to be a part of “The Call Higher”.

As was stated on the front page of this Reflector, the prognosis for Mom was not too encouraging. Vicky Reinhold, or as many call her “Grandma”, has been given advanced notice of The Call Higher.

We have prayed and cried out to God that He would cleanse her of this dreaded disease, and are still trusting Him for the outcome. It does not look good, but our little Danny still prays in his special way, “That God would take all the cancer out of Grandma”.

Rachel and Molly Reinhold have formed a little club with some of their friends who are regular attendees at the Friday Nite services that are held here at Rainbow. It is fitting to include their take on this real life drama that is being played out in front of them. Following are some reports for their newsletter that they produce.

Rachel Reinhold

Molly Reinhold

Rachel Reinhold

Grandma is one good grandma! I could go on and on, but I have more to tell you. Here is a verse for you, Psalms 147:11 “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him and hope in His mercy.” I won’t go on, but I challenge you to read that chapter yourself. What I was saying about Grandma: she is one of those who fears God. So that is why God is being so good to her.

We have been afforded real life commentary on what the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians. Paul stated, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. That verse in chapter one has always had a sort of poetic ring to it. However, it is way more than that. At this time, Paul was imprisoned. He had faced more than his “share of trials”. Execution may be just around the corner. Just two verses later, Paul writes, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

I have watched my Mother long for heaven over the years. It would be her gain. It has also been her drive, realizing that only wat is done for Christ will endure for eternity. Her love for her Savior has been evident. But now she stands on the threshold. She has no fear of dying. She has a desire as Paul to be able to continue to help those that have come into her path of life on this earth. Her heart has been poured out into those of her family and this ministry that was born out of tears. Even today as I write this, she continues all of our personal correspondence, even though she struggles constantly with her breathing and daily realizes that she has less strength. She has gone through her cupboards and arranged them to be easier for Dad after she is gone.

We will miss Mom. We do need her. We will not even attempt to fill her shoes. For as in art, my mom is an original and we can learn from her, but she deserves the respect that she will not be replaced.

Mom has been a vital part of this ministry, let alone the family. She worked hard this summer, doing her duties in the kitchen, registering campers, writing and on the list could go. In the weeks following camp we furthered our discussion of how we could ease her roll. We had already started the process in the months previous and we felt that we should continue to do so. We have had to move into that mode as now the tasks look even bigger. We know what the future is. Lord willing, there will be some 450 young people ready to attend camp. The road between here and there appears somewhat bumpy. We don’t know all the answers but are willing to adjust to the leading of the Lord. This process has been started. It will take huge amounts of prayer and support.

Rainbow will be going into its 25th year. Lonetree has weathered the years for over 90 years. And God has brought the Reinhold family through the tests of time. To God be the glory, Great things He has done.

We have been struck by the awesome support and love that has been poured out. The food, the cards, the visits and the encouragement have been overwhelming. We have had some wonderful Friday Nite Fellowships that have been good for all. The power of God is being shed abroad on the wings of love.

Please continue to pray. Pray for Dad. I cannot imagine the toll that an ordeal as this has upon the life partner after so many years.

Let us share our burdens. We serve a great God.