As the chaplain called them to the front for their sermon, the children streamed from everywhere. I watched as Danny went down the aisle, clutching the hand of an older sister. The children’s sermon began when from the back ran a cute little girl with tight braids. She was wearing a pretty pink dress with ruffles. She got to the front and the chaplain reached down and swooped her up into his arms where she was totally content for the duration of his story that was not only for children but good for us big people to hear as well. I was charmed by her trust and his love.

Later when it was time to receive the morning offering, I listened to the gentleman on the platform share with the congregation the importance of giving of the blessings that God has entrusted to us. He shared of needs and how people could relieve those needs by giving. He then called for the ushers to come and collect tithes and offerings. They were about halfway down the aisle when a little boy sitting two rows in front of us scooted between the pews and out into the aisle and without hesitation jumped into the muscular arms of the usher. His mother walked to the end of the aisle, somewhat embarrassed, and reached for him. The little boy with a very content smile, snuggled against the shoulder of the man. The usher finished his duty and then brought back the little boy, who gladly went to his mother.

Soon it was my turn to make my way to the platform, as the main reason I was visiting the Chapel in the first place was to give a presentation about Rainbow Bible Ranch. I knew I would share some about what we did at camp, but I also wanted the folks there to know as well (as continue to remind myself) of why we did camp. I was given some very good examples that morning. As that little girl in the pink ruffles ran and threw herself into the chaplain’s arms, I was reminded of the “faith of a child” that is necessary for one to develop a relationship with Christ. We know from reading God’s Word that we have a responsibility to the little ones. Watching the chaplain that morning with the little ones gathered around him and one in his arms brought a real life example of a goal of RBR.

And then the little boy. We are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted us with, and often we need reminded where those possessions come from. Once in awhile we need a gentle reminder that God loves a cheerful giver. However, many of us use our worldly wealth to “buy off God” in hopes He doesn’t ask for more. The truth is, He has. As God called Samuel in the Old Testament and Eli instructed him of Whom the call was from,

we are taught that God wants our whole person. That little boy, whether he knew it or not, gave himself to the collector of gifts, not just some coins to appease the bookkeeper.

In 2003, we will again be calling to children to give of themselves to the unmatched calling of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the highest calling. This is the noblest of pathways. It only works to the fullest when we cast ourselves completely into the arms of the loving Savior who gave His life for you and me.

Prayer is essential to the ministry of RBR. To be sure, we have been blessed by many.
“Partners unto the Harvest by Prayer”.

Prayer Partners for Legacy take a very active part and maintain an ongoing ministry. Over the years we have sought out individuals that will “adopt” one of our Legacy II participants and commit to pray for them and will also establish a line of communication through letters, cards, email, etc. for the express purpose of encouragement.

We would like to expand this outreach to include not only Legacy II participants, but all other Legacy participants and summer staff, as well. The total number of Prayer Partners for Legacy (PeoPLe) would be around 100 individuals. Please consider this ministry and let us know if you would help in this way. We will be contacting some folks that have been involved before; however, we need many more. This is a great way to involve yourself in the life of a young person. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested. You may call the camp at (605) 923-6056.