2015 YEAR END REPORT
December 2015
Cofounder of Rainbow Bible Ranch Enters Glory
Storm Atlas Restoration Nearly Complete
RECORD BREAKING ATTENDANCE IN 2015
Many Young People
Surrender Their Life to Christ
“RBR Summer Staff is OUTSTANDING”
Equine Program –
Phenomenal Progress After Devastating Loss
“Pathfinder Pie Auction
Shows Ongoing Support”
Building Projects Underway
Men’s Day Is a HUGE Success
What’s the Holdup
FOR THE KIDS…FOR THE KINGDOM
Often when I attempt to jump ahead to catch up, I end up falling short and land flat on my face. Honestly, I have started this letter numerous times, and the hindrance has not only been a busy schedule but more often a range of emotion. I have so much to rejoice over! Even in sorrow or fatigue… my heart is filled with joy. I, along with family and staff, have claimed over and over the Scripture, “Be not weary in well doing, for in due season, you shall reap, if you faint not." (Galatians6:9) On a number of occasions I have sung the words of the old hymn as a reminder: “Are you weary, are you heavy hearted? Tell it to Jesus…tell it to Jesus.”
Our year has been amazing! This letter may read like a series of headlines, which explains the first page. To outline this update seemed to be more than "just points" to cover, as they blared out events, circumstances and situations that came together to make an extraordinary year.
We are in the midst of enjoying some special holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas and a New Year call for plenty of rejoicing, but this is the first year that we experiencing them without my Dad. Dad passed away at home on June 14th, 2015, right in the midst of a busy camp season.Tige Reinhold was a great man with a passion to serve the Lord. He was hugely responsible in the establishment of this great ministry that has reached so many youth and families over the years. After the tragic incident of the death of two sons over 35 years ago, he was not willing to sit idle. Rainbow Bible Ranch was established to share the Gospel in the setting of the family ranch. We miss his encouragement. We miss his Grandpa presence. He was so good in that role over the last years as he reached out to the many kids who attended camp. I had the extreme privilege of officiating at his funeral. As I looked at his coffin, I told the audience, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I would ask you to think outside the box…because my Dad is not in it.” What confidence and joy that brings. I will say that I had to take to heart the words of the above mentioned hymn. Weary….Heavy hearted…Tell it to Jesus…and I have many times.
On to the next Headline…
There are few days that we are not reminded of the impact of Storm Atlas. However, the family and staff have taken the challenge head on and it has been amazing to observe the progress of not only recovery but improvement. Trees have been planted, fences and corrals have been rebuilt and repaired, infrastructure such as dams and trails have been restored. And we hope to add more gravel to the driveway yet this winter. I have an order in for more trees to plant in the spring of 2016 and we are in the process of planning to improve our overall water system for domestic use as well as irrigation of grounds and trees that have been planted. We have a shed that has been severely damaged over the last couple of years. We will remove it for safety reasons and replace it to serve not only its current purpose, but also to make it more useful in our summer horse program as well. Many drops of sweat have been dropped, but it is paying off.
AND THE BIG NEWS…RECORD ATTENDANCE IN 2015
It was nearly overwhelming, but early last spring we knew were in for a big season of camping at Rainbow Bible Ranch. After seeing steady increases the last couple of years following a downward turn, God rewarded our faithfulness. Our previous record was set at 423 kids. The 2015 season saw over 470 campers from 22 different states. It was so exciting! All of it, except certain weeks when we had to turn kids away. We are not good at that. There is still some room for more numbers, but only if we get the right ratios each week. We have discussed some building and remodeling plans that would allow us to insure that we could take as many as possible, but we never want to lose that quality time with individuals versus a race with numbers. As one friend put it, we want our future plans to build “deeper not wider”. Rainbow Bible Ranch will never be about how many beds we can add, but will always be about impacting those who will sleep in those beds after a long, fruitful day at camp.
It Was Thrilling to See Many Young People Surrender Their Lives to Christ!
Our theme for the 2015 season was “Stand Firm”. To stand firmly, one must first surrender to The Almighty. The RBR staff and family are blessed continually to participate in this experience with countless young people over the years. It is extremely heartwarming and rewarding as we realize the eternal and far reaching blessings of these decisions. To God be the Glory.
The RBR Staff…
What can I say, except God brought together individuals who combined their efforts to make a phenomenal team. The maturity and commitment was noticeable to many on the outside looking in. The campers not only found teachers and leaders, they also found lifetime friends. I cannot say thank you enough. And I must say a special thanks to Robin and my family. In the midst of trials over the last couple of years….I am the most blessed. And we have been blessed with some who have given years and some who have extended their service beyond the summer months as well.
The Rainbow Remuda
In October 2013, due to the devastation of Storm Atlas, Rainbow Bible Ranch’s horse herd was nearly in shambles. Nearly 100 head of horses died here on this ranch alone. But in an amazing demonstration we experienced “God’s Plan, God’s People, and God’s Provision". The restoration is nothing short of miraculous. I wish you could see and experience it. Many outstanding horses were purchased, and a few were donated. The Dakota Horse Challenge offered another group of well started horses. On one day this summer, we saddled and rode over 50 head of horses. They are in various stages of development, but we have plenty to afford a good riding experience for record breaking attendance such as this past year. All we can say is WOW.
Incredible Support Continues.
I have always liked the concept of contributions rather than donations. That may seem trivial. I just like the fact that when one contributes…it seems more ongoing. Maybe it seems that they “have skin in the game”. Our Pathfinder Pie Auction demonstrated this well. Together we raised over $12,000.00 for special projects in one fun filled and blessed evening. This is still a small percentage of the actual operating costs. Remember, we have consistently charged less than half the actual costs to each camper that attends. But the Pie Auction money, along with gifts from memorials, provide for some of the extra things to make camp better. I am so grateful to those who contributed in this way.
Building Projects Underway
Over the last two years we have acquired some equipment that has added to the fun of camp. From the proceeds of previous pie auctions we procured 8 Kayaks, a boat, and a pontoon. We were able to purchase an order of really nice inner tubes for water and snow use. The list could go on. We are in desperate need for a storage area for this equipment. That is where we will be directing Auction funds to go to this winter. We have already started to assemble needed lumber. Earlier in this letter, I referred to another shed that we are rebuilding. We are also finishing the Cow Camp, Homestead, and Bunkhouse. Yes, there is a lot to do. We need to have good help to construct these projects. And we are pressing forward with plans to enhance our lodging to accommodate the highest number of kids possible each week.
What is the Holdup?
Some of you are award that we moving the Fairpoint Church building to the ranch. This will provide for another avenue of outreach in the summer. We have the building…we want to put a basement with a bathroom in the project. This will take added finances and direction. I believe we need to move forward on this project so that it will be ready for the 2016 season. Essential to all of these projects is the financing of materials and financing the right contractors and construction folks to enable us to do things in a right and proper manner.
Everything that we do “nearly” is full or running over.
That is a good problem…Right? Our 2nd Annual Men’s Day was a huge success. We had 175 guys here in October for a fantastic day of serious ministry and fun. All were blessed. We had three hayrides in two weeks with a total of 180 people enjoying this age old activity. I have fun telling folks that I don’t use horses to pull the hayrack. I use a deer….John Deere, that is. We had our 21st Annual Birthday in the Barn Celebration the other night. It was a full house, or shall I say, a full barn. So many people commented on how they enjoyed it so much. We have some wonderful events planned for this winter and spring as well. Making plans for them now.
FOR THE KIDS...FOR THE KINGDOM
Why not? Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20) I am asked continually by people (kids and adults) the question, “How much land do you own?” My favorite response is, “We have so much land…we had to pile it up in hills.” But seriously speaking, what do we have to our account? Or even more pointed considering Jesus’ statement, who is in charge of our account?
I would be amiss to close this yearend letter without expressing my gratitude to the many who have partnered together in contributing to the ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch. Whether we find ourselves on the frontline or behind the lines…Prayer, Action and Support are vital elements that extend the effectiveness of a ministry.
I am not a fundraiser. But I would encourage and welcome you to consider what God would have you do. Please pray and then act upon God’s leading. For The Kids…For The Kingdom.
In Christ’s Service,
Larry B. Reinhold
Executive Director
STORY IN AN OLD WALL
The east side of our calving shed...
Look closer. How many sunrises has etched the grain over the last nearly 70 years? How many calves have seen their first light here? How many kittens have been born in the corner. I know it has been a life saver. In the shelter of these old walls, our personal saddle horses were able to beat Storm Atlas.
But now...
It is slated to be replaced. The front is in desperate condition...The overall condition does not allow us to use it as we need. It will be replaced by a more year around usable structure as it is against the southeast corner of the arena. It will include a tack room, a place to saddle and will continue to provide shelter in summer as well as winter.
We will...
Carefully remove the sculpted boards. They tell a story. Some will be used to build again. "Bygone Beauty" is what I like to call it. The new shed will reflect the old...pine boards and cedar posts. I could never put a steel pole barn there...too plain....and the story will go on
DECEMBER 2015 UPDATE
n less than twelve hours the RBR Main Hall will be teeming with people all waiting to go to and be silent observers of the reenactment of the birth of Jesus. This is the 21st Annual Birthday in the Barn Celebration and we are excited. Many are attempting to squelch the observance of this wonderful event…the birth of Jesus. It is surprising who we find amongst that crowd. I will put it simply; in our home we celebrate and honor each birthday of each family member.
NOVEMBER 2015 UPDATE
My, we have enjoyed a beautiful autumn season. We continue to make progress around the camp and the ranch on projects that we were unable to get to this summer due to an overwhelmingly successful camp season. It was a record breaking year with over 470 children attending sessions at Rainbow. Our previous high number was 423. In June our faithful partner, friend, father and grandpa went to be with the Lord. Tige Reinhold walked a worthy walk on this earth and we miss him each day. Even in his later days, he proved to be a capable encourager to all.
PATHFINDER PIE AUCTION 2015
“God’s Provision, God’s People and God’s Plan” A total of $11,589.00 was raised. After all, FOR THE KIDS & FOR THE KINGDOM. The pies were amazing…59 of them along with a fancy tin full of homemade cookies and a basket full of luscious jams. We know many of you wish that you could have been in attendance to our Annual Pie Action. What a night of “delicious fellowship.” And yes there was plenty of coffee to go with all the pie. And the fellowship certainly didn’t need added sugar, it was sweet already.
'I HAD SORT OF STARTED TO FORGET"
Get to know the beloved horse Champion and the boy who loved him. Champion unfortunately lost his life in Winter Storm Atlas at Rainbow Bible Ranch.
It was September 2, 2011 that Caleb received this special gift on his 9th birthday. His name was Champion, named after Gene Autry’s famous movie horse. Two years later, Champion would fall victim to the October 4, 2013 blizzard dubbed Winter Storm Atlas. He died along with nearly one hundred other horses on the Lonetree Ranch and Rainbow Bible Ranch.
Tonight when we got home from Legacy III Bible Study, Caleb and I were sitting in the living room and Caleb said, “Dad, there was a song on the radio on the way home from town and it mentioned the word champion.” He stopped with tears welling up in his eyes, “I had sort of started to forget….”
Heartaches may be the fruit of experiences that seemingly have gone astray. However, memories can be nourished, just as the heart is softened, by tears. Not tears of regret and bitterness, but rather of gratitude and unknown possibilities. May our memories encourage us. May our dreams drive us. And may The Almighty sustain us in all.
We love you Caleb.
Dad and Mom
Photo by Robin Lee Reinhold
SUNDAY AFTERNOON ON THE RANCH – November 1, 2015
It was a picture perfect afternoon on the ranch with family and friends at Rainbow Bible Ranch.
TO BUILD UPON THE INDIVIDUAL
October 19, 2015 To build a team of any sort, one must realize that it is made up of individuals. So a "life coach" of any sort, be it a parent, director, team executive, teacher, manager... all have the privilege and responsibility to instill confidence within each member to move forward; confidence that will replace arrogance. Teachable moments become "chances of a lifetime". "Legitimate risk" will be given to develop character; allowed to fall and allowed to fall again, and being there to assist so one may gain strength and wisdom.
Allow black and blue marks to be a badge of tenacity, sweat to hydrate perseverance and exhaustion to be a sign of fulfillment. The Old Testament exhortation, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it"... is often thought to be a command or at the most a challenge. It is a challenge, but even more, it is an opportunity that we as leaders are afforded. Not for anyone's personal gain...But for the glory of God and for His Kingdom.
The Reinholds at the Steer Missions Conference
Steer Missions Conference – October 3, 2015 – Bismarck, ND
For fifteen plus years, the Reinhold family has enjoyed and benefitted from being a part of the great missions conference presented by Steer Inc. in Bismarck, North Dakota. This year Larry was one of the featured speakers. We were able to learn a lot of valuable lessons to take back to Rainbow Bible Ranch.
SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATE
FROM WEST TO EAST... LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2015
"East of Sturgis" or "West of Pierre" Big Country And This field of sunflowers is huge....and take note... One of the flowers is facing the camera,
And This field of sunflowers is huge....and take note... One of the flowers is facing the camera,
Planted nearly to the edge of Hwy 34, it was quite easy for these two little blonde girls to visualize "senior portrait possibilities, Larry and Robin Reinhold and family headed East River to take in the State Fair and give an update on the summer to our friends at Prairie Bible Church of Carpenter, South Dakota.
Such an amazing part of the agricultural scene of eastern South Dakota. Yes, we commonly just say East River. God is using some amazing people in this productive area of "Bread Basket of America" to do more than its share to feed a growing population around the world.
My mother would tell many times of her childhood days in East River, Dakota in the small town of Avon. As a child of the depression and WWII, her friends were the men of the railroads. To her last days...she loved trains and now I do too. And so the fascination has passed on to her grandchildren as well. We could not refuse the opportunity to get up close by walking down the country road. The engineer appreciated it as well...as he gave a number of extra long blows on the "whistle". We all, were happier
True, there is so much to see and do at the State Fair...but it really difficult to not get caught up in the "green". The question remains... "Is it the Irish Blood or the farm kid blood...?"
I believe there are more hogs at the South Dakota State Fair than in all of Meade County. Danny has already checked into the statistics. One thing we are quite certain of... There are more camels there as well. What a great time.
Miles and Merritt Mendel showed us all around the farms on Sunday afternoon.
We are looking at a cover crop that they sowed in on the wheat stubble after harvest. It consists of radishes, turnips, flax and sorghum. The crops looked amazing. Later we went over to Todd and Melanie Ellis Hofer's and enjoyed the crop and livestock tour as well.
No I do not play Dutch Blitz with a group of cut-thoats as these. I want to keep my hands. :)
The farmyards are so neat as seen here on the Mendel Farms. Operating as such since 1942. I like what the sign near the shop entrance door stated.... "The soil sticks to our boots and runs through our blood". Harvest is right around the corner for many of these folks. We wish them well and Godspeed.
As we left the Mendel Farms on Monday morning I snapped this shot looking east. Certainly no mountains in the background and or vast expanses of plaines...But truly a remarkable land and remarkable people. These people of agriculture expend a tremendous amount of energy, physical and mental to be true stewards of God's creation.
To a family that is tired. from West River, Dakota and is homeward bound... Crossing the Missouri River at Ft. Pierre and chasing the sun toward home. It is so easy to count your blessings.
REFLECTIONS AND LEGACY - A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD
On the computer near my chair in the living room of our 85 year old house, I have compiled a playlist of music with hundreds of songs. I have titled the playlist Reflections and Legacies. These are more than titles, but rather songs that have impacted me along life's journey. It is in no way complete. My first song that I would like to share with you is Martin Luther's banner hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God".
GRANDPA TIGE'S FUNERAL... A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Grandpa Tige Reinhold went home to be with the Lord on June 14, 2015. His service was held June 20, 2015. We will miss his encouragement. He was so good at that. We miss his "grandpa-ness". Rainbow enjoyed sharing the multigenerational aspect of the family and the ranch with kids that came. We will continue to trust God in filling those voids. Grandpa was so good with kids.