THANKSGIVING 2014

By Larry B. Reinhold For Rainbow Bible Ranch There are so many things that I would love to show you and tell you about. Needless to say, the last year has been quite a ride. I would say that it started with the devastating October Blizzard that has been dubbed "Atlas". But we know that it "started" long before time was even measured. Certainly God has masterminded the events of nature and the effects thereof. I have been intrigued by our language when a natural disaster takes place and we term it an "Act of God". And I know that even the wind will obey Him(Luke 8:25). But the outcome of so many events of life are altered, because we as humankind deny the Lordship of The Almighty, and in our disobedience we may miss the joys that God would have us to posses as our own. What would be amazing, is if our daily actions would also be deemed an "Act of God". For if the wind obeys, shall we not as well?' This summer, as is customary of me, I was enjoying a walk around our home place where Rainbow is located. I thoroughly enjoy where God has allowed me to live in answer to His call. One morning as I was walking through some of the 2300 trees that were planted this year, I noticed that some were beginning to look a little dry. I prayed right then and there. I said, "God help our trees to survive." I was stopped in my tracks when a still small voice said within me, "Don’t just pray that they will survive, pray that they will thrive." You know, I got all excited and did just that. When we gathered for our meal, I called a "Redshirt Meeting". This is codeword that means staff meeting. It generally takes place in the breezeway or in the kitchen. As my amazing crew gathered, I could hardly contain myself. I told them what took place just an hour or so before and looked at them and said, "No longer will we be content to pray to ‘just survive’, but let us this day forth pray to thrive." That is our desire for each day and for each one that is part of the ministry and outreach of Rainbow Bible Ranch. This is God’s Ministry and these are God’s people reaching out to His creation. Many times over the last year(s), people have asked me how we are doing. Especially in light of the events of the last year, my answer is, "We are up and running ... but maybe there is a little limp still showing." But it cannot be denied, that a full fledged miracle has taken place for our family and the ministry that is yours and mine know as Rainbow Bible Ranch. To God be the glory. The last year has been a flurry of amazing activity. With the loss of so many of our good Camp Horses in last year's blizzard, we are recovering very nicely. When you realize that we have struggled to keep up with promotion of camp for the 2014 season, you will be pleased to hear that we had a great camp season. It was not quite a record, but we certainly were in the top five for attendance. We had young people step up shoulder to shoulder to be on staff. What a great crew. And they grew as well. We saw many projects "thrive" as we set out in faith to continue the will of God in our lives. God does supply our needs and He uses His people to provide from the resources that they have been blessed with. We have been blessed with some additional staff year around, and their assistance has been so helpful. And it hasn’t been just "business as usual". RBR has hosted some amazing events. Two that come to mind are The Dakota Horse Challenge in June and the Men’s Day in October. Certainly, we saw tremendous outcome and see tremendous potential ahead. We have been able to address some infrastructure needs as well as safety and beautification projects. Who would have dreamed that we would have been able to undertake some of these needs when one remembers the devastation of a year ago? Again, we have seen God answer prayers. Shortly after camp, I received a letter. I call it a "nastygram" -- very much out of place with all the others that have been collected from all over the country, shared with us by folks who prayed and gave to ensure that RBR would continue. This "nastygram" came unsigned and with no return address. They set forth to fault one of my staff for not responding as soon as they thought they should have. This writer then set out to give me the rules of fundraising. I will stop there and now make something very clear. I am not a fundraiser and neither is there anyone on staff who is a fundraiser. I was not called to be a fundraiser. I am certain that some have in other settings. I am not. I will say this as clearly as possible. Rainbow Bible Ranch has never desired to raise funds. We have and will continue to offer opportunities to any who desire the opportunity to come alongside in the outreach to young people and their families. If you contribute, let your decision be between God and you. And then do it joyfully with all your heart! I believe that God desires to see RBR not just recuperate from the storms that come our way, but as it has been impressed upon my heart and as I have shared with family and staff, to not only survive but to thrive for the sake of the Kingdom and our Kingdom’s Ruler, King Jesus.

In this day, I believe we have limited time and the Day of Lord is at hand. But that is not what drives me. Our passion is clearly driven by excitement of living a life of faith and a realization that our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, desires our fellowship and not only ours, but all that are around us. "For God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). The old hymn by a Swedish Pastor of the last century simply declares, "My God, how great Thou art".

NOVEMBER 2014 UPDATE

It was bound to happen and it is probably good that it did. Winter "dropped in" with a vengeance. And now I must do chores in the office that I have been putting off as we took advantage of a beautiful autumn and were able to get many projects accomplished. I must admit that I was certainly enjoying myself, and the realization that we were making such good progress in so many areas was encouraging. Last year’s blizzard still hangs over us somewhat, mainly with so much to do that was not able to get done last year. That, hand in hand with the devastating effects of loss, found us climbing some pretty big hills. The good news was and continues to be ... "God is faithful". No surprise; however, we may be seemingly overwhelmed by the challenges and how God desires to take them on using common folks like you and me. Time is of the essence now to let people know how God has worked. I wish I could give you a personal tour. We are in the mode of producing our first Rainbow Reflector in over a year due to the Storm Atlas and the burdens that came with it. I want each person that partners with us to know how grateful we are that you have answered the call of our Lord in continuing the ministry of RBR. My Dad was able to return home from an extended time in the hospital. He is doing quite well and we are glad to have him back in his own home. We wish that you could join us for some upcoming events. On November 21st, we will conduct our annual Pie Auction. This is a great time and we have observed that it is not only fruitful to "accomplish projects" but also is a great time of fun and fellowship. Last year we raised over $12,000.00 that went toward Storm Restorations. Then another phenomenal time for the entire family is our annual Birthday in the Barn Celebration on December 12, 2014. Keep an eye on our website or follow us on Facebook for further details. We desire to pray with you as well. Let us know of your concerns and praises. We serve a great God!

In Christ,

Larry B. Reinhold

Rainbow Bible Ranch Executive Director

Brandon... A year later

One year ago today, I was blessed to spend some time with this very fine young man. I remember very well telling him goodbye, and smiling as I watched him drive away thinking about what an incredible kid he was becoming. Never in my wildest dream did I think that would be our last goodbye, and that God would call him home to heaven just 4 days later… what I wouldn’t give to relive that last day with him.

Brandon,

Not a single day goes by that I don’t think of you. I miss you more than words can say. You continue to touch a countless number of lives here on earth, mine included. You will ALWAYS have a very special place in my heart, Brandon. Thank you so very much for everything. I am so incredibly proud of you! I’m so grateful that you made a decision to accept Jesus in your heart and for that reason, I know without a doubt that you are in Heaven and I will see you again! I can’t wait for that day! I cherish the memories I have with you… we have sure had a lot of fun together! Whether we were running around like “cave men”… or the day we got everyone to believe that you were 17 and we were in fact twins…. then there was that ride, that we both talked with thee dumbest accents, just to be annoying…. or the times we just sat and talked about God, life, horses or girls…;) I have to say though, that my favorite memory with you is the day that this picture was taken… we were both doing what we loved. Everyone said that we were way to naturel at being clowns, I guess that’s why we are “Twins”. Thanks for all the great times. I look forward to Heaven, when we can once again be together and be the “rodeo clowns of the sky”. Love and miss you tons.

-Twin

Glen, Cheryl and Brittany,

I love you all so very much! I am beyond blessed to have you in my life. You guys mean the world to me. The strength you have shown this past year is incredible. You have walked this road with so much Faith and Courage, bringing Glory to God every step of the way. I am not kidding when I say that you make me extremely proud to know such amazing people. I want to thank you for all the love, support and encouragement that you have given me this past year. At a time when you all were hurting the most, you still reached out to others with a Christ-like love. I cannot thank you enough. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I know there will be some “extra” prayers going up for you this week. Praying that God will surround you with the comfort that only He can give and that peace that passes all understanding.

With much Love,

Molly

In the Same Boat with...

"Some say that this storm "Atlas" left many of us in the same boat. I am just thankful that I can be in the same boat with Jesus." LBR

Mark 4:37-39 the Bible

And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.…

LETTER FROM SETH RHODES

Received this yesterday from our dear friend Seth Rhodes on the anniversary of the October 2013 Storm.

Hey Reinhold Family,
I got to thinking about you guys last night, and God just kinda laid it on my heart to share this song with you today. I know that the 4th of October will, from now on, always be a day of deep thought for some of the Rainbow family. I still will never understand completely what your family went through. However, I can say that the impact your family has made on my life has seriously prompted me to think about how i am using my life. Not about how I'm going to live after I finish four years of school, or worrying about what my life will look like in five years, but how i am going to live to glorify the kingdom of God right now today. So often in the business/entrepreneurship world i hear "create your own path" but I think we get so caught up with "creating our own path" that we forget which way God wants us to go. Some events that have taken place over the past year weigh heavily in on where i believe God is calling me to serve full time. I want to thank you so much for your friendship and even more than that letting me just be a part of your family.

Living for the Kingdom daily

Love,

Seth Rhodes

THE STORM (FOR THE TRI-STATE LIVESTOCK JOURNAL)

September 3, 2014
By Larry B. Reinhold

The Reinhold Family still calls the event that began on October 3, 2013 and impacts us to this day, “The Storm”. I personally like what my friend, Bernie Hunfoff, has referred to it. He put a face and a heart to it as he referred to it as The Cattleman’s Blizzard. Real people were impacted. I realize that this is a spin from the “Children’s Blizzard” of the late 1800’s. The National Weather Service has simply dubbed it Atlas. The name was predetermined and since it was the first blizzard of the season… thus the letter “A”. Statistics and graphs may help historians, but for those of us that are in the midst of these incidents of nature, they are so much more. They are “Storms of Life” that can provide invaluable life lessons.

To look into the face of death will move nearly anyone. But to feel the pain of heartache one must look into the eye of death and recall the twinkle of life that was once there. I am not very fond of that glazed over eye that one sees at the moment of death. Actors cannot capture it because there is still life behind this organ that has been called the “window to the soul”. But out in the country, we as stewards of God’s creation and livestock have seen it more than once. Last October, we saw it multiplied over and over again. My wife, Robin, and I will never be the same. Our kids will never be the same. And in the midst of the pain and loss, our family will be better. We will hurt with others more readily. We will be more sensitive to the needs of the moment. We will be apt to be less careless with what has been entrusted to us. And certainly we saw things in the darkest of days that will be more appreciated when the sun shines.

The Storm brought together a sense of community that reached beyond barb wire. We in the ranching community have a rich heritage that extends beyond decades. And sometimes there is a lot of “baggage” that is accumulated in those relationships. How refreshing to see people extend a helping hand in the face of turmoil that followed that horrible blizzard.

The Storm brought a sense of community that reached beyond borders. We have been amazed by the efforts of people in other counties, states and countries in the restoration efforts. I will make a statement and it is not a cheap shot. “Our Government was not there to lend a hand.” Washington and Pierre were both slow to act and reaction has been suspect as well. What is amazing, however, is the grassroots efforts of the citizenry of this region and beyond. The entitlement mentality has not been evident. This does not relieve our government of its true responsibility, but perhaps those in government and all around the nation should take note of the sincere efforts of individuals working together in the face of adversity to help their brothers and sisters in need.

The storm brought “life lessons”. We have been amazed to watch people realize the value of living and life. “We live in the moment but not just for the moment.” I can only live right now. My actions of the present cannot erase the regrets of the past, but can help to restore. My actions of the present can provide building blocks for the future. The older people that went through the storm realize the temporal value of collecting stuff. A whole new perspective is realized when you watch muddy carcasses dumped into a hole. You cannot help but ponder what is really important. The young people that went through this storm will better appreciate life; their own, their family and their livestock.

The storm brought a real life example of why we need to depend upon God for strength and provision. I have told many, “We have been here before.” This is not the first disaster or difficulty that my family and I have experienced. But we can have hope in the face of the most difficult hardship when our trust is put into the never changing Almighty. I love the old song, “This world is not my home I am just passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” Certainly we had tears flow for the loss of what had been entrusted to us. We knew from the get go that we could not replace and we did not want to… but we could rebuild. We will not forget the look of death in the eyes of what we cherished, but we will use that memory to drive us to a higher appreciation of what matters.

My two brothers, Lyle and Lee died in 1979. On that day, I saw the eyes of death as well. But just the day before on May 27th, Lyle shared a Scripture verse with us that encouraged us from that time forward. Isaiah 40:31 in the Bible says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

We press on.

NOTE

The Reinhold Family lives on the Lonetree Ranch east of Sturgis, South Dakota. Larry and Robin along with their six children (Rachel 20, Molly 18, Danny 14, Caleb 12, Julia 9 and Kiersten 6) work together in the operation. Larry’s father, Tige, still resides at the ranch, too. They also operate Rainbow Bible Ranch, an outreach ministry to youth and their families, throughout the year as well. The Storm Atlas caused considerable damage as cattle and nearly 100 head of horses perished. Almost all the saddle horses used for the camp died. The family realized great blessings and a successful camp season was had with around 400 kids attended camp this summer.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 PROOF

September 1, 2014 –

It was clear that rain was coming. I had been watching the showers move over the Black Hills fifteen miles to the west and Bear Butte was fading out of sight. My endeavor to plant a little wheat with the prospect of fall moisture was coming to an end. The forecast coming over the weather radio in John Deere 7720 sounded somewhat daunting and yet held promise as fall moisture is nearly always welcome. As the raindrops started to hit the windshield, I knew it was time to move on to the next project. After all it was getting late in the season to plant wheat, my cowboy mentality kept thinking that it was not to late as I had seen the lights of the tractors that belonged to the big farmer over the breaks just the night before.

I called over to the house and asked my wife Robin to send over one of the kids to help me unhitch the drill. I also asked how things were going there at home. She said that the kids had followed through on my request to bring the cows and calves down below the Big Dam. And she mentioned how much fun they all had in accomplishing the yearly ritual of “picking the garden” one last time preceding the threat of a killing frost. Oh, how we had been enjoying the extraordinary warm weather that allowed us to enjoy tomatoes and cucumbers late into the season. The watermelon and muskmelon had done extremely well as the season proved long enough for most to ripen on the vine.

As I stepped off the tractor, I nearly stepped on a rattlesnake that was coiled tightly in the stubble. It did not move, and I could not hear the rattle even though I had shut down the engine to enjoy the quiet of my surroundings. I left the snake alone and began pulling hydraulic hoses and as our oldest daughter, Rachel pulled up in the red pickup, I called to her and asked her to bring a stick or something to “reach out and touch” this rattler that was still camped in the now damp soil. She brought me a pitchfork and I proceeded to pick up the snake. Rachel and I were impressed at how well this reptile was camouflaged into its surroundings. I used the pitchfork and raised it up about three feet off the ground. To our surprise, its tail was moving extremely fast and the rattle was intact and yet still no sound.

We shared comments about the encroaching weather. I commented on the snow fall amount that i had heard in Wyoming and we again discussed the possibilities of an October snowstorm. We finished up and arrived home in time to see Robin and the younger kids still participating in the garden harvest and then setting it up for the traditional autumn photo shoot that ranks right up their with birthday and Christmas photo essays recording the growth of our children. It certainly was beautiful.

With just a couple of hours of daylight left, we finished up chores. We fed the livestock around the barn an extra amount realizing that it could be a major change by the next morning. We felt good about our preparations

The following morning at dawn we were pleased to read 1.5” of rain in the gauge. Robin keeps close track as she reports for the National Weather Service. Our Station is Hereford 12SW and she has been doing it for nearly 20 years. But it wasn’t long before the rain changed to snow and snow it did. The ground was white in no time and it snowed an inch an hour at the onslaught. We were able to check on horses and cattle that was close to the barn, but it was difficult to get around due to muddy conditions. We felt that it was important to get my Dad, Tige Reinhold down to the home place. Dad is 84 years old and lives in his home about a quarter of a mile up the road overlooking a small lake on the place. He cherishes the fact that he is still able to live on the ranch on which he and his late wife Vicky poured so much of themselves into.

When the electricity went out and our phone service failed, we realized that conditions were becoming more than serious and certainly the storm was taking a direction that was more than most could imagine. Our journey to Dad’s house nearly proved more than we could handle. It was impossible to see the road and the wind was driving the heavy wet snow viciously across the plains to the point that one could not see any landmarks. It was a struggle getting Dad out of his house. Dad relies on a walker to steady himself. We just sat him down on it and carried him through the drifts in front of his house. We set out for home just to the east and found ourselves totally disoriented to the direction we were driving. We finally caught sight of a bale stack and realized we were off course by a couple of hundred yards and heading toward a draw that was full of snow. When we got to the main hall of Rainbow Bible Ranch, I told Robin how glad I was that we still had daylight to allow us to get Dad gathered with the rest of the family. We gathered in the dining room at Rainbow. Two employees were with the family as well. Derek and Levi Anderson of Belle Fourche offered to stick it out with us in case we needed help. At dusk as I looked out, I was impressed with the snowdrifts that were forming. I couldn’t help but think of our 80 plus degree days just a couple of days before and now we looked to be into a major storm.

All evening we listened to the wind become stronger as the night wore on. But we still felt pretty good. We had plenty of heat from our propane fueled fireplace in the dining room and the main hall stayed warm from the big fireplace up front. We had water as it was fed from a 5000-gallon reservoir. Our kitchen was well stocked, and we were very able to eat well. We cooked elk steaks for supper. Just the day before our good friend Kent Johnson brought a very nice hunk of a bull elk that he had just taken in Colorado. The evening was quite enjoyable as we did what we have always done during blizzards. We played games well into the night by candlelight. The novelty and enjoyment of being together made up for what had become a prison of sorts.

I must say that we were growing more and more concerned for the well being of livestock and the unexpected outcome as the tempest roared through the darkness of the night.

As the hint of a new day brought a tinge of light into our makeshift camp, nothing could be seen as all the windows were plastered with ice and snow. The patterns upon the windows were a kaleidoscope of white and gray. I went to the breezeway and pushed open the door on the covered patio and was shocked by what I couldn’t see. The snow drifts were huge. The wind was still raging, and snow was falling steadily. Drifts that were three feet deep were now nine feet deep. Curiosity and concern pushed us out into the unknown. Rachel, Molly, Danny, Caleb joined me as we set out for the barn. Molly started up one of the big drifts and let the youthfulness in her bring her down on her back in the deep snow. I took off on a path that was only knee deep. It was amazing the water that was packed in and below the snow. It took on more of a bluish hue rather than white.

We walked the length of the arena and came around the shop and got our first clue that things were not quite right. There I met one of the herd bulls hunched up with snow and icicles covering his Hereford hide. He should have been about a mile and half northwest of where he was standing. And where were the other bulls that were with him. The tractor that I parked 36 hours before looked like a giant snow sculpture with very little hint of green anywhere. And then we caught a sight of about 20 geldings that had huddled up in the corner of the stackyard another fifty yards further. We could see several down lying on their side and as we drew closer, it was obvious that some dead or dying. The ones standing were shivering and showed the trauma of what had been a horrid storm beyond comprehension. With soberness and unbelief, we pressed on with all of our might. Molly went to check on our personal saddle horses, the boys went to check on their milk cow, Rachel started to trek down below the windbreak on the east side of the barnyard and I went to fire up the tractor.

I could not believe what I had seen. I had prepared my mind that we would lose some young calves but not full-grown livestock. The tractor started easy enough, but pushing the snow proved to be a daunting task. I was able to get a bale of hay located and then set it aside as I continued to clear a path to the mares and colts down below the barn. I noticed the carcass of dead yearling steer caught up in the fence. He had been with the bulls over north. I wondered where that bunch of yearlings had ended up and I hoped that their demise was not as his.

I got close to the windbreak lot and Rachel came and opened the gate for when I could plow through. She proceeded around the windbreak as I continued to push snow. She appeared shortly and with hand motions told me that she had found six more dead horses. I was stunned, but before I could get through the gate, she had appeared again from taking a count of the loss. The final time that she motioned me...I read thirty-six dead horses. I drove around the windbreak and the sight was sickening. Not only in the mud, but amid eight-foot snow drifts, lying single and some piled atop of one another... the carnage was more than could be described. Rachel and I drove out of the lot after spreading a bale for the survivors. We found Molly working on getting a young gelding out that was half buried, but still alive. With frantic waving and hollering we were able to get him turned out to where we able to pull him out with the tractor. We skidded him across the snow to the barn and through the open door we worked as a group and tipped him in. Molly and boys began rubbing him down. Molly gave the encouraging report that our family saddle horses seemed safe in the old calving shed. They were worn but alive.

We then turned our efforts to getting below the Big Dam to check on the cows and calves. We prepared our mind for loss but as tough as everything looked, it appeared that the cows and calves pretty much stayed in shelter. We found a couple of dead calves and we weren’t sure if everything was there that was supposed to be. But we were pleasantly surprised after the first wave of loss.

Derek and Levi Anderson have been good workers and this storm was their first blizzard where they had to look at death. I remember looking at a dead horse with them and observing the lifeless eye. I have seen death many times and that glazed over eye does not get easier to handle. The Anderson Brothers learned the best thing to say in these situations is often nothing... but rather let their hearts pour out in silent assistance. We are blessed to have young men of this caliber working with us.

We continued our efforts in looking for the livestock that was over at the Henricks place. We had some yearling steers along our herd bulls and a group of young studs and geldings. We found some steers in the alfalfa field across the way. I drove the tractor slowly as some of the kids jumped in the scoop on the loader as we tried to get closer to the stranded cattle. They jumped out with shovels and ropes as I pushed a path as close as I could. A couple were dead, a couple were dying and some were still up for saving.

I watched on one occasion, where I could not get close with the tractor. The kids dug out a steer and then all six of them grabbed the end of the rope and drug the steer across the snow to higher ground. That calf lay there for nearly a half a day and then he finally got up and survived. I was proud of my crew.

Then it came time to saddle up and head west and see what we could find. My endeavor to clear the driveway ended up with me getting stuck. Yes, you can get stuck with this 4wd tractors and often in more inaccessible places. Rachel and Molly rode their good saddle horses toward our mailbox on the main road. It is about a mile and three quarters from the house. There they found a number of black cows that belonged to a neighbor. Some were alive and way too many were dead. They were impossible to get to and it was not possible to get an accurate count as just legs and heads and sometimes just ears were protruding from the snowbanks.

JUNE 1, 2014

June 1, 2014

Dear Partner in Ministry,

This is our last evening as a family here at the ranch before the staff arrives. In three days kids will be running everywhere. Each year in the weeks preceding camp, we wade through the overwhelming thoughts of the tasks ahead. As I was walking to the house this evening, Robin came walking across the lawn with one of the new horses. She stated that she had a good feeling about the old mare working for kids, but had some concerns for certain issues with the mare’s teeth. This is an issue when one realizes that we put bits into the horse’s mouth.

I thought of all the issues that we had to consider after such an eventful and quite tumultuous year. All I could say as I stood near the edge of the lawn is, “Well, all the lilacs are gone.” Somewhat of a random thought I realize, but I was slowly being brought around to another mindset. I quipped, “It is a beautiful evening, however.” Robin nodded and then I added, “ And we get to share it with people.” And then again, my mind began to race as I thought of so many memories of this time in years past. We are on the edge of an unbelievable journey. Hundreds and children and thousands of people will be impacted by the activities of this ministry called Rainbow on the Lonetree in Meade County, South Dakota.

My thoughts and writing are again interrupted as I hear a knock on the window beside me in our living room. Caleb is standing there also with a horse... taking time to get to know her and conditioning her to being around kids. So many bases to cover this year.

Truthfully, I get asked whether we are ready for camp or not? My response seemingly out of jest and yet quite seriously as well, “No...but we are going to start anyway.” There are many things taking place and many things that need to be done. But most of this are just things. We are excited about sharing our lives and most importantly, “The Good News of Jesus”. I know I speak for our fine staff as well. They have answered a call and not simply taking a job. And this is where each of you that have prayed and contributed to the outreach of Rainbow Bible Ranch. Your Prayers and Support are an integral part of the ministry. Without it, we would back down from the incredible challenges that have come our way, but together we forge on. I speak from my heart with overwhelming gratitude. Thank you for keeping your end of the deal.

Much has been accomplished. The horse numbers are there... we just have a lot of riding to do to insure that they are ready for the campers. The Dakota Horse Challenge Finale is going to take place here at the Ranch on June 21st. This is an exciting event that should provide some quality horses to work into the Remuda in the future. We have planted over 2000 trees to offset the tremendous damage that took place in the storm. We are beginning some major dirt work on crossings and dams this week. The Prairie Gazebo is finished and will prove to be a great addition. Yes there is alot to do and yes we are starting camp this week. Praise God that we can serve Him in this way.

Let us know if we can pray for or encourage you in some way. I count you as some of our closest allies in the ministry. Let us Press on.

For the Kingdom,

Larry B. Reinhold
Executive Director

JUNE 2014 UPDATE

This is our last evening as a family here at the ranch before the staff arrives. In three days kids will be running everywhere. Each year in the weeks preceding camp, we wade through the overwhelming thoughts of the tasks ahead. As I was walking to the house this evening, Robin came walking across the lawn with one of the new horses. She stated that she had a good feeling about the old mare working for kids, but had some concerns for certain issues with the mare’s teeth. This is an issue when one realizes that we put bits into the horse’s mouth. I thought of all the issues that we had to consider after such an eventful and quite tumultuous year. All I could say as I stood near the edge of the lawn is, "Well, all the lilacs are gone." Somewhat of a random thought I realize, but I was slowly being brought around to another mindset. I quipped, "It is a beautiful evening, however." Robin nodded and then I added, " And we get to share it with people." And then again, my mind began to race as I thought of so many memories of this time in years past. We are on the edge of an unbelievable journey. Hundreds of children and thousands of people will be impacted by the activities of this ministry called "Rainbow" on the Lonetree in Meade County, South Dakota. My thoughts and writing are again interrupted as I hear a knock on the window beside me in our living room. Caleb is standing there also with a horse... taking time to get to know her and conditioning her to being around kids. There are so many bases to cover this year. Truthfully, I get asked whether we are ready for camp or not? My response, seemingly out of jest and yet quite seriously as well, "No...but we are going to start anyway." There are many things taking place and many things that need to be done. But most of these are just things. We are excited about sharing our lives and most importantly, "The Good News of Jesus". I know I speak for our fine staff as well. They have answered a call and not simply taking a job. And this is where each of you are that have prayed and contributed to the outreach of Rainbow Bible Ranch. Your Prayers and Support are an integral part of the ministry. Without it, we would back down from the incredible challenges that have come our way, but together we forge on. I speak from my heart with overwhelming gratitude. Thank you for keeping your end of the deal. Much has been accomplished. The horse numbers are there... we just have a lot of riding to do to insure that they are ready for the campers. The Dakota Horse Challenge Finale is going to take place here at the Ranch on June 21st. This is an exciting event that should provide some quality horses to work into the Remuda in the future. We have planted over 2000 trees to offset the tremendous damage that took place in the storm. We are beginning some major dirt work on crossings and dams this week. The Prairie Gazebo is finished and will prove to be a great addition. Yes, there is a lot to do and yes, we are starting camp this week. Praise God that we can serve Him in this way. Let us know if we can pray for or encourage you in some way. I count you as some of our closest allies in the ministry. Let us Press on.

For the Kingdom,

Larry B. Reinhold

Rainbow Bible Ranch Executive Director

MEMORIAL DAY MEMORY 2014

It has been a long time since I have written you and today is probably quite suitable. Thirty-six years ago today, a life changing event took place. The world viewed it as a tragedy, but in the hands of God it was so much more. On this day in 1979, my two brothers died along with another good friend. In this storm of life, Rainbow Bible Ranch was begun. I certainly miss my brothers and tears still ooze from the corner of my eye unsuspected. It happened today out of the blue as I told Rachel and Molly to "Drive Careful... we need you". As I walked away, I felt this shroud of emotion come over me seemingly from nowhere. And then I remembered my last words to my brother before their boat capsized in a storm. I had just called to them a short time earlier to see if they had their life jackets along. He held them up as I stood on the shore. My word of concern may seem as if they were wasted ... but then again they were required to have the life jackets along, not necessarily required to be wearing them at all times. There has been an increased interest from many to hear of the "life lessons" that come our way each day and in the storms of life. God has used events in my life such as the seemingly premature deaths of family and friends. He continues to mold my family and myself as we recover from the horrendous blizzard that took such a toll in October 2014. But in the processional of time, one realizes the evidence of preparation for eternity. Because of Jesus, we have a perspective of eternity that is contemporary and bright. Many do not enjoy this and eternity is distant, held only at bay by the fleeting days of life. And they are so uncertain. Simply stated, a life lived without Christ will lead to eternity separated from Him. That is what drives us to be faithful to the calling of God. We are moving into a new camping season this next week. We will spend the summer caring for children and young people allowing them to experience "challenging events" that will impact them for life and eternity. We pray that we will not deal with any situation that is life threatening, however we have the full realization that none of us live forever and we must make wise use of our time and to induce an awareness of eternity. The activities of Rainbow Bible Ranch are in place to do just that. Opportunities arise consistently and often to encourage spiritual, mental and physical development. My Dad took advantage of the life jacket story for years. He would say, "The boys had their life preservers along ... they just did not have them on". He would finish by saying, "It is not enough to just know where Jesus is at ... You need to ‘put Him on’ as well."

For the Kingdom,

Larry B. Reinhold

Rainbow Bible Ranch Executive Director