RISK AND WISDOM

When I took my EMT training years ago, it was stressed that we were to act when the scene was secure and as safe as possible. Undue risk was not expected. Then the instructors reiterated their point by saying, "What good is a dead EMT or paramedic?" Granted many first responders have sacrificially given of their lives. Risk is certainly inherent. But the advice given to me years ago is still good advice. For me to help the most, I must proceed with wisdom. When I see that people cry for open borders, or that we take care of others far and wide over our family and neighbors and community, I wonder what the purpose is. It is not selfish to proceed with caution and care, neither do we show thoughtfulness when we approach a situation with reckless abandon. I have and will put myself on the line for humanity, but I desire to impact as many as possible for as long as i can. I believe this is what God has for me.

To our neighbors in TX, OK, KS and CO.

Tonight I was outside putting some feed tubs out for the mares. I have had the people in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado who are dealing with these fires on my mind almost constantly these last few days. Seeing the pictures and hearing the stories have more than once brought tears to my eyes and it has also brought back memories of 2013. October 2013. Memories of a storm. Tonight as I ended up driving right through the field where we found 40 of our horses spread out dead for over a mile, I was thinking of all these people and what they are dealing with and what they will be dealing with over the next weeks. I prayed for them. Many of them lost their homes and barns and livestock and some lost family and friends. How my heart hurt. But just as I was driving by a big mound of dirt where some of our horses are buried and trying to understand why these things happen...guess what song came on the radio. Yep. The very song that helped to get me through a trying time in my life. One that I listened to as we were burying horses.

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we've come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You've done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
(-Matt Redman)

This life is full of scars and struggles. But we can use those scars to tell a story. A story of a faithful God Who loves us in the middle of a struggling, sinful world. Through every Storm and Drought. Every Fire and Flood. Every Heartbreak and Heartache. This battleground has seen it all... But we will get to that mountaintop and look back and realize…that we were never alone!

To our neighbors in TX, OK, KS and CO. Keep Walking. Keep Riding. Keep Standing Tall. Keep Pressing On. Your neighbors in South Dakota are with you.

DECEMBER 2016 UPDATE

We have been without electricity for over 24 hours now, and I thought I would write a quick note to you while there was still battery power on my laptop. The Christmas Day Blizzard of 2016 could have been worse, but will still prove memorable. 70 plus mph winds with about 6" of new snow and near 0 temps, pushed on us, to say the least.  We have a generator, and with a few challenges we were able to keep the house fairly warm.  The upstairs bathroom is partially froze up, and at Rainbow we were able to keep both fireplaces going to keep things somewhat workable there. 

 When one experiences one of these challenges, you recognize what you take for granted. Of course, most would think that I am referring to heat and electricity…but I am talking about family. I watched as our 6 children worked diligently in preparation of the storm, ensuring the best situations for livestock.  I watched their enjoyment of each other as we sat in the dark in cramped quarters. I watched them work against the adversities that are multiplied in extreme conditions.  I didn’t mention that we had a flat on one of the big tires on our main loader tractor on Christmas Eve.  It was impossible to get someone to fix it and we are still waiting to get someone to the ranch put a new tire on.  I have watched their creativity to accomplish the most that could be done.  Needless to point out…but essential to say…I am thankful.

I share that with you in gratitude for your ongoing prayer and support in the ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead for the outreach of RBR.  And it takes many hearts, heads and hands to accomplish what God has ordered for us.  Needless to point out…but essential to say…I am thankful.

Together we have the privilege of making 2017 monumental.

RIDE

RIDIN' THE STORM... Rainbow Bible Ranch theme in 1998
(Seemed fitting to share this with the current weather forecast and also in light of the many storms that friends are experiencing in life right now)

Over the years on more than one occasion, here on the ranch we have been called to "Ride"... I can remember my Dad coming to get us and with a sense of urgency he would say, "Boys, saddle up your horses...there's a storm coming." Truth is i have ridden more storms than I will ever sitt and watch with feet up by the fire and sipping on hot cocoa. 

Even in life when the storms come rolling in we are called to most often to prepare ourselves, rather than hide or run away. The best part is that we don''t have to ride alone.

This theme and song came about in 1998, the year after the long winter of 96--97. There is quite a story that goes along with how God inspired me to work the theme and then for Robin and I to write the song. I have included the words to the song. It proves to be a favorite at RBR over the years.

RIDIN’ THE STORM
1998 Rainbow Bible Ranch Theme Song
by Larry & Robin Reinhold
1 ) The distant hills echo as the thunder rolls,
Fear grips my heart as a cold wind blows;
Through the dark of night,
I need a light,
Searching for a peace within the storm.
Chorus:
Jesus is here, To comfort and cheer
When the storms of life come raging in.
He’s my Friend and my Guide,
Always by my side,
I’m ridin’ the storm with Him!
2) Though the storm intensifies, He’s still in control.
Fear is replaced by a peace in my soul.
I can go to Him,
Find rest within;
Knowing that He’ll take me safely Home! (Repeat Chorus)
Bridge:
And no matter if the way seems hard and long,
Jesus gives the strength
I need to carry on!

Copyright 1998 Dakota Rainbow Music

HOPE THAT CAN SUSTAIN FOR A LIFETIME INTO ETERNITY

Some will get squeamish as you read this, but I figured at this time of year, a thoughtful memory will enrich and encourage most of us. Many of you that knew my Dad and Mom, Tige and Vicky Reinhold, realize the story of their lives was full in many ways. But as I was going through some photos today, I was reminded of a particular chapter. 

 I am not Tige and Vicky's first-born, but I guess that I have always been their oldest. Danny Eugene Reinhold was born February 24, 1957. A beautiful baby boy to say the least...but Danny was hurt during delivery due to some careless hands and as Danny was born...Danny died. 

The excitement of a baby...the anticipation of a young mother and father was dashed in a moments time. The time came for a funeral rather than a homecoming. My Dad went and bought a little outfit for his firstborn and went to the funeral home where he dressed him. My mother, was not even able to attend the funeral due to the fact that she was still hospitalized. 

As a child, I would go to the cemetery with my parents and see the simple concrete marker that simply stated "Reinhold Infant". Seemed so cold even in my mind, as a youngster. But I could see a look in my Mother's eyes that came from her heart. I will not forget that look. And my Dad... He carried this photo in his wallet to his very last day. And every so often over the years, I would see him getting something from his wallet and he would come across this photo and he would linger and he too would get that look in his eyes. 

As my fingers work the keyboard now...they are trembling. I am a little surprised that my eyes are tearing up. Memories come from deep inside my spirit. And too I think of so many that have experienced the loss of precious a loved one in recent time. If I could offer an example and some advice from my parents. It is necessary to grieve and it is OK to hurt and it is good to remember. My parents, in their faith, and in the loving arms of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, went on from those early days of marriage and through considerable storms and trials to follow. They lived worthy lives which proved the hope that can sustain for a lifetime and into eternity. 

Larry B. Reinhold December 20,2016

DECEMBER 2016 PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT

On my desk in front of me is a framed and rather simple piece of artwork that Robin gave me a number of years ago. Printed on it are the words, “Larry, whatever God asks you to lift; He gives you the grace to carry.” 

 The truth of that statement is my testimony. Many ask me of past challenges and how we are doing. Many share concerns of how the weather has impacted us, Storm Atlas three years ago, and the ongoing drought that we are experiencing. People are interested in the recovery of our horse herd. I appreciate that many share interest in how the family and staff are holding up after two record breaking summers in attendance. And the age old question… “Are you staying busy?” To which I respond… “We really have not stopped, and yes we are somewhat weary.” But God has us in the forward motion and the ministry of RBR continues to have an impact. We cannot stop until God tells us to.

We will be heading into a new year soon. I am writing you to let you know that we need you as part of the team. Please pray with us and for us. Also join us in claiming the promise of …  "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” This passage in Philippians chapter four should not be taken flippantly, but rather recognize that our dependence should be upon God.

I want to share with you just a few things that are taking place at RBR. This week alone is very exciting. Robin and I will be celebrating 25 years of marriage on December 7. God has certainly blessed this union and I am thankful. This Friday we will enjoy our 22nd Birthday in the Barn Celebration. What a wonderful time to realize the greatest gift given. This living nativity is a great hands on opportunity for families. And, of course, Christmas… and we look forward to being together as a family.

I also would like to share with you some activities that have taken place recently as well as some that God has us completing in the near future.

The Pathfinder Pie Auction brought in over $10,000.00. The auction not only provided much needed financing, but proved to be much fun and provided great fellowship as well. The funding will allow us to finish up two building projects which includes the Machine Shed to store the seasonal equipment that we use for camp along with our utility tractor, skid steer loader, lawnmowers and sheep wagons. The other building is called the H Triangle which will be utilized as a tack room and livestock area.

We are making progress in procuring the needed funds to move and set up the Old Fairpoint Church building. This vintage facility will be used to conduct Sunday evening services at the Ranch from May into the Autumn months. This has widespread appeal and may help us to reach more families as well. We have 7000.00 on hand that has come in the form of a generous memorial gift along with some funds from the Annual Pathfinder Pie Auction. We need about $30,000.00 total to complete this project.

Due to the full house situation that we have with our record breaking numbers, we must address an important need. We have a log cabin (The YS Cabin) that we use for overflow of attendance during the camping season. We will often use the YS Cabin for these kids. The problem is that there are no restroom or shower facilities there. The campers must walk to and from the Main Lodge. We now have another situation with the Church building close by which will need restroom facilities as well. The solution is a building near the Cabin and less than 100 yards from the Church Building. The building will have the look of a “feed & seed store” This will be a solution for both facilities. I am projecting that facility to run about $25,000.00 - $30,000.00.

As I am writing this, another neat provision of God through people is taking place. We have been concerned for our fish population in Reinhold Lake because of low water levels due to the drought. We signed up on our first ever Facebook Fundraiser on “Giving Tuesday”. The first $1,000.00 raised was matched by the Gates Foundation and we are aiming to raise $5,000.00. It is happening! The money will then be channeled to an aeration system to aid in oxygenation of the water during the winter months and will also make for healthier habitat year around. This is too cool how it is coming together…from knowledgeable people and people providing the resources to make it happen. We could still lose some fish, but they stand a much better chance at survival, plus the lake will benefit in the future, too.

We have some other projects that certainly need to be addressed and we continue to trust God for the provision of those needs. We cannot let the “mechanical” issues take center stage. We are in the “business” of people. That is what God has called for us to do. It is our passion, and our passion is driven in the fact that God is passionate about us. We have a life changing message to proclaim. It does remain, however, that in our journey and in our pursuit of a destination, “mechanical issues” may slow us down, and mechanical issues need to be continually addressed. We must fill the machine with fuel and make sure the machine is road worthy and can take the bumps of life and withstand them. The day to day operation of Rainbow Bible Ranch requires the input from so many. I have listed some “projects” to consider, but I will also say we need to stand together in this day and age of remarkable opportunity. We must not drop our guard. We must not get sidetracked.

Enjoy this wonderful season and the opportunities that go with it. Our family and staff extends true heartfelt greetings along with a heartfelt desire of service and a deep sense of gratitude. I am already receiving registrations for the upcoming camping season. I am hearing from young people that are acknowledging the call to work at RBR this next summer. And I am looking forward to hearing how God will have you be a part of the Rainbow Bible Ranch Team. After all…For the Kids and For the Kingdom.

Autumn 2016

In the mail today….