VIDEO - PIE AUCTION

Once again you are able to enjoy a video by Hayloft Productions (Reinhold Kids)
A great reminder of our upcoming pie auction to be held at the ranch.

EXPECTATIONS BY VICKY REINHOLD 1987

It’s Christmas Eve around the world,
Love and joy everywhere does abound;
Little children now are heading to bed,
But will be listening for a special sound.

Their eyes are gazing into the starry night,

Looking for Santa and his reindeer;

Their ears are listening oh so hard

For sleigh bells that will bring them cheer.

They fall asleep at long last,

This fantasy will waken them at dawn.

The gifts will be laden under the tree

And Santa supposedly came and now is gone.

How oft’ have we told these young ones

Of a far and a greater love.

The love or our dear Lord Jesus,

Who came down from Heaven above.

He came in the form of a baby;

The perfect Son of God was He.

He died on the cross for your sins and mine.

He paid sins debt for you and me.

Those who have accepted this Christ child

And have given Him first place in their heart;

He comes in and dwells there forever,

With a promise to never depart.

Now my eyes gaze into the starry night.

I’m watching for His appearance in the sky.

I’m listening for the sound of the trumpet,

Knowing He will come by and by.

I too, now fall asleep at last,

Dreaming of that eternal shore.

A trumpet blast, a look to the sky.

Ah, I’m home at last forever more!

WHAT A GRAND EVENING... "THE PIE AUCTION"

What a grand evening the Annual Pie Auction turned out to be! Together we contributed a new record for this event for the ongoing ministry of the Lord at Rainbow Bible Ranch.The audience was made up of a good cross section of people. Perhaps not all realized the ties of one another to this 38 year old ministry… but I would like to share with you some of my observations. I loved seeing the grandfather bidding with his granddaughter who has been a camper over the years. I loved watching a couple of boys that are Legacy II campers bid on a pie that was one of the high sellers. Or how about the dad, who once worked as a wrangler at RBR and is now, appreciating the fact that his daughters have served as part time volunteers over the last two summers. I was so grateful to watch a group of hunters from North Carolina. They came over with a neighboring rancher and I believe each of them purchased a pie. I am so grateful to neighbors that pitched in by making pies or purchasing pies. I am so appreciative of a former staff member that farms with her husband in Iowa and contributed four beautiful pies that she “purchased” from her sister in Rapid City. I am thankful for the small business owner in Rapid City that contributed $400.00 to purchase a pie, because she believes in the ministry. I was touched by the family and the gentleman who had recently lost his wife still show up and support the ministry, because they are behind us all the way. I love seeing the couple that shows up year after year to pitch in… he was saved here on a Friday night over 35 years ago. And I cannot forget the families that have a bunch of young kids… and they make pies… and they buy pies… because they want to support the work of the Kingdom at RBR.

There were others as well, as we auctioned off about 80 pies. You probably get the drift of the varied crowd and support group that are involved. And it is so important. I believe that God is blessing the unique outreach of RBR because it is a valuable ministry. From one perspective, I am nearly overwhelmed and I may say from another perspective… “I believe more people from some of the same demographics that were represented above should be taking a stand alongside of Rainbow Bible Ranch. I am so grateful to those of you that have proven so generous. And with God’s leading, I see opportunities that must not be hindered due to lack of funding. God does supply our needs and for many of those needs… he uses people just like you and me.

Would you please pray with me that we stay faithful and that other followers of Christ will recognize the privilege of serving together for the Kingdom at Rainbow Bible Ranch?

Annual "FUNdraising Event

Many good friends on hand for the Annual Pie Auction the other night at Rainbow Bible Ranch. We are thankful that people came together to make a new record for amount received for this "FUNdraising" event.

WHY DOES RBR HAVE A PIE AUCTION

Our first Pie Auction was held in 2011 as a way to not only raise funds for the work of RBR, but also to share the opportunity and "sense of ownership" with some of our key Teenagers that not only attend camp but a number of them become staff members as well. Even today, the majority of the pies are from these kids and their families. 

The projects that have benefited in past are chosen with the idea in mind that the kids will relate to them as being an important part of the program at RBR especially in the summer camp program. We have purchased a pontoon, boat, and kayaks with money raised. After Storm Atlas, we used monies raised to help in the restoration projects for the Ranch. We had so many trees damaged in that storm, thus we were able to purchase trees to not only restore but to enhance the setting as well.

Our legacy kids will help conduct the auction this year again. We keep a number of them connected throughout the year as we meet weekly for Legacy III Bible Study and fellowship at Main Street Square in Rapid City. We also have several other activities to encourage these great kids from other communities as well throughout the winter months.

This year's Auction will feature nearly 60 wonderfully delicious homemade pies on November 17 at 6:30 PM at the ranch. Our goal is to raise funds for some "not quite finished" projects including a finished tack room for all the equipment we use, another cabin at Misty's Meadow and assisting in completing the Country Chapel where we will hold Sunday Evening services during the summer months. This is a special project as we are moving the Old Fairpoint Church to the ranch.

With the drought that has hindered the Ranch as well as a good portion of the region, it is necessary that many pitch together by contributing to outreach of Rainbow. We had another record-breaking year in attendance with 483 campers from 12 different states. It is our continued desire to keep the camp fees as minimal as possible so that many families can enjoy what the ranch offers. Thus our camp fees are about half the actual costs.

The Pie Auction is our only "public fundraiser" and proves to be a fun time of fellowship as people from all over bid to own a pie... but really it is more than that. We like to say that we are assisting the Kids of Summer and doing it For the Kingdom… God's Kingdom that is.

We invite interested people to attend in person or as some do... bid by phone... or they can request someone to bid for them. We will do our best to get pies to those who cannot attend that live in the area. We have some that have already placed a request; One lady is even sending a contribution, if a certain baker will share her recipe for a very popular pie. One downtown businessman has said, "I can't bake for anything, but I sure want to help in making this event a success. We even have some East River orders as some of us are heading that direction over the weekend to do some speaking engagements. It is going to be a great night.

 

NOVEMBER UPDATE

I know that I will sound somewhat like a redneck when I say, “Git ‘er done!” However I phrase it, I realize how important you are to accomplishing the ministry of Rainbow Bible Ranch. Together as a team, the outreach is not only continuing, but it is growing as well. Thank you for your prayers and support in doing so. 

I also feel that our redneck terminology may say quite well where we find ourselves today. The weather is changing… camp is still quite a long way down the road. Our special events are taking place and the logistics are coming together. But the projects… you know, the works in progress just need to get done. That takes time and finances, and sometimes it seems that we are just a little short.

We are excited that the basement is nearly completed for the chapel (Old Fairpoint Church). That will kick us into the next phase of moving, the front addition for the bathrooms, a steeple and just finish work. We look forward to holding Sunday Evening services throughout the summer and early fall months. There are few congregations that meet on Sunday evening and many people that do not fellowship regularly. We believe that we will offer an opportunity to people that may draw them to regular fellowship, Bible teaching and worship.

We have several buildings that need to be roofed yet and some concrete floors to be finished. The Cow Camp has taken a new look, and with a few finishing touches and furnishings, will be able to be utilized for another outreach that I will share with you later.

And camp work continues. Discipleship opportunities, community activity and involvement, and training horses are just a few things that keep us focused upon camp (past and present). Plus, we really need to do some upgrading. Our mattress situation in the dorms must be addressed along with some building issues in the dining room in need of repair.

I am ever mindful of summer staff needs. We need the best people possible and we need to be able to compensate them for their efforts. This summer RBR paid out in payroll to summer staff more than they raised in support. This is partly due to the individuals that we hired. We need capable people.

Thank you for all you do. We have determined not to raise our fees this next season. We do that in faith that God will provide. Will you join us in trusting Our Great Provider?

PREPARING FOR THE MOVE

On Friday, Joel Morris and Trevor Jacobs were on hand to pour the walls as we prepare to move the building from Fairpoint to the new location at Rainbow Bible Ranch.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Deb Holland Meade County Times-Tribune staff

When neighbors are in need, leave it to South Dakotas farmers and ranchers to step up and fill that need. Such is the case with Rainbow Bible Ranch. Drought conditions in central and eastern Meade County resulted in meager hay production this summer. Larry Reinhold knew that 22 bales of hay they did put up this summer would not sustain both the ranch's horses and cows over the winter. Meanwhile, about 320 miles to the east, Ken and Lynn Wintersteen were blessed with abundant rains which translated to four cuttings of hay. "When our neighbors are hurting for hay and we have extra, we feel obligated to share," Lynn Wintersteen said. The Wintersteen's daughter attended Rainbow Bible Ranch camp when she was younger. Lynn Wintersteen said it's sad to see fellow ag producers suffering. 10/4/2019 A WELCOME DELIVERY | Sturgis | rapidcityjournal.com https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/communities/sturgis/a-welcome-delivery/article_259135da-0f7b-5fef-870d-d6e95f8e7aa7.html?utm_medium=social&utm_so… 3/5 "They do so much good for so many young people," she said. The Reinholds took the Wintersteens up on their offer, but still knew they needed someone to get the hay from one locale to another. Larry Reinhold said he had heard from a young girl who attended camp at Rainbow Bible Ranch how Farm Rescue had helped her family when her father was ill with cancer. "We filled out a simple application and here rolls in this load of hay on Saturday," he said. That was 25 ton of hay to be exact. And another truckload arrived on Monday evening from friends and neighbors of the Wintersteens who had heard about the ranch's plight. "It's pretty big and very welcome," Reinhold said. "Some would probably fault me for my faith and hope that God is always going to provide, but we trust him." The Reinholds are being realistic about the whole situation. Larry Reinhold knows, that like other ranchers nearby, he will have to sell down more cows so that all the livestock can make it through the winter. "We just can't bring in that much feed and make it work out," he said. Carol Wielenga, operations director for Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides planting, harvesting or haying assistance free of charge to farm and ranch families, said she was proud to drive the load of hay and drop it at Rainbow Bible Ranch. "If a rancher is asking for help, they usually need the help, because they are usually too proud to ask for help," she said. "They have this entrepreneurial spirit. They've always done it themselves and want to stand on their own. But there is a point at which they can't do it that season or year and that's where Farm Rescue can step in and get them to the next season." This is the second year that Farm Rescue has stepped in with hay. They accept applications from ranchers who are seeking hay to fill the void left by unseasonably dry weather or fires in the Dakotas and Montana. The nonprofit then serves as an intermediary between ranchers in need and producers with additional hay available for transport. Last year Farm Rescue delivered about eight loads of hay. This year they have delivered more than 100. "Initially we were trying to give hay, but with so many applications coming in, the way we could help the most people is by hauling it," Wielenga said. She said they have trucks hauling in all locations currently when they have the volunteer drivers to do so. Wielenga says seeing the look on the rancher's face when she pulls in is amazing. "This puts the purpose in your miles. They are in need and very appreciative," she said. Wielenga, who grew up in Corsica, said she has seen more of her home state in the last week or so than she had her whole life. "It's really a beautiful thing when you can meet people in your home state and thank them for the part they play in feeding the world. Each one is so important. Building relationships with them has really been a blessing," she said.

The Petunia....

Not quite the petunia in the onion patch….

I am sure that I could pull several more clichés together to fit this extraordinary situation. This summer, with the difficult drought conditions and the extreme temperatures in June and July, found growing conditions quite difficult. And yet, just between the concrete of the front patio and the hard packed graveled parking lot, grew a petunia. In the midst of all the foot traffic in and out of the camp building bloomed this amazingly beautiful blue petunia. There was no extra care given. It was not in the plans, by any means. It is as if God placed it there to remind us that even in the hardest of struggles we are not only able to survive, but to thrive as well.

REMEMBERING JOE WELKE

JOE WELKE

AS A BOY WITH HIS MOTHER,BETTY AND HIS TWO BROTHERS.

Memorial Day Gratitude
I knew him as Joe. The son of a dear family friend that was taken from this world seemingly too young in a hunting incident. Joe's mom continued raising Joe and his brothers with her Godly example. Joe came to camp as a little boy and I was able to spend some special time with him. Joe grew up and took on the honorable position of being a Marine. He was killed in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Reinhold family is grateful to Joe and his family for the sacrifice.

Joe's memory reminds me as I work with so many young people just like him each year, that their path here on earth may not always be as expected. With that, may we always be faithful in our service to each other and passionate about the call that God has given us.

Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph T. Welke
Died November 20, 2004 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom
20, of Rapid City, S.D.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Nov. 20 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds sustained Nov. 19 in enemy action in Anbar province, Iraq. CITY, S.D. — A Marine from Rapid City has died of injuries suffered while fighting in Fallujah, Iraq.

Lance Cpl. Joseph Welke, 20, of Rapid City, died Saturday at the Ramstein Air Force Base hospital in Germany.

Family members contacted Monday said they did not want to comment.

Welke graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in 2003 and was a Greater Dakota All-Conference football player that year.

Joel Hybertson, head football coach for the Raiders, told the Rapid City Journal that Welke had always talked about becoming part of the military and joined the Marine Corps right after graduation.

“He was a hardworking kid and a very intense competitor. He wanted to be good, and he worked at being good,” Hybertson said.

“If we need somebody for our country, I want somebody like Joe Welke,” he said.

With Welke’s death, nine South Dakotans and a Nebraska man assigned to a South Dakota unit have been killed during military action in Iraq.

Funeral for Marine killed in Iraq to be held Saturday

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday in Rapid City for Lance Cpl. Joseph Welke, the latest South Dakotan to die in Iraq.

The 20-year-old Marine died Nov. 20 after being hurt while fighting in Anbar province, which includes the city of Fallujah. He was a member of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Welke’s body arrived about 6 p.m. Thursday on a commercial flight from Minneapolis. The flight was met at the Rapid City airport by a Marine honor guard, which moved the flag-draped casket to a waiting hearse. The Marines saluted their fallen colleague as the casket was moved.

A close friend from Welke’s unit accompanied his body all the way from Iraq.

Welke, an all-conference football player, graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in 2003. The funeral will be held in the Stevens gym.

A Marine Corps honor guard will provide military honors during burial at Mountain View Cemetery.

Passengers on the Thursday flight had not been told Welke’s remains were on board until mid-flight. The passengers remained in their seats in silence until the honor guard completed its duty.

One passenger wept openly and was still crying several minutes later in the terminal.

Gov. Mike Rounds has asked that flags be flown at half-staff on Monday to honor Welke.

Nine South Dakotans and a Nebraska man assigned to a South Dakota unit have been killed during military action in Iraq.

— Associated Press

ALL MY CARES

I am listening to streaming radio during the darkness of night when everyone else is asleep and this very appropriate chorus comes on...

"I cast all my cares upon You
I lay all of my burdens down at your feet
And anytime I don’t know what to do
I will cast all my cares upon You "

Sometimes the weight of situations and ordeals when upon our heart or shoulders become so heavy...

especially when it seems "extra burdens" come multiplied...

well...

you have probably been there and maybe are even there now.....

we just need to cast the burden to our Heavenly Father.

I ask for your prayer now and thank you as well. We as brothers and sisters in Christ need to come together and pray for each other. I would be glad to pray for you, too.