Yes... this pic is from a few years ago. And yes... I was in some pain and nearly exhausted. But it is a vivid memory. I was telling someone the other day how much we enjoy our Little Ranchers (6 & 7 year olds) at Rainbow Bible Ranch.
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"They have energy and they just love you" This pic is of me giving an "underdog" to some of those kids. I have sort of delegated that responsibility to staff that are younger than I am now. In this instance... I was the man to do the underdogs with bunches of little kids at the swing set.
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One more underdog... one more time around the arena... one more marshmallow over the camp fire... just another minute of one's time.... It is really quite easy to make a difference in the life of child of that age. Time... a little sweat... caring... a smile... As of now we have 54 kids signed up for Little Ranchers at RBR in June. What an opportunity!
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Oh yes, back to the "rest of the story" with this pic. It was nearly supper time and I was ready. I told the kids that they had nearly played me out. One little boy, that I really hit it off with, began to call out, "We wore Larry out... We wore Larry out!" He had the biggest smile on his face. It was an honor to give my time in that way, especially as you are walking to the dining room and there are kids scrambling to grab your hand as they walk beside you.
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Oh yes, I remember who that little boy was that was so pleased with the accomplishment of the day. Many years later, he and his wife reside on ranch in Meade County, SD. They are raising a fine family and by the way he pastors a congregation the town of New Underwood, SD. Yes, Jake Julson, you have been a good friend for many years... For the Kingdom