A Long time friend...

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Another dear long time friend was part of the Men's Day 2020 Activities. Terry Nordine and I became friends even before high school days. His family fed cattle in Northwest Iowa and my dad would buy cattle for a number of farmer feeders in that area. He would cover the sale barns at Rapid City, Sturgis, St. Onge and Belle Fourche and fill orders with good northern plains cattle. The Nordine family would attend church with our family on their visits as well. I remember well our rides on horseback as kids with big dreams. Terry found his way west and worked with us at RBR as a wrangler in the early eighties. He also met his wife, Hope, at RBR. It is such a joy to call Terry a long time friend.

By the way... when our son Caleb saw this photo... his comment... "Does he ever play Santa Claus?

Thanks Danny

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Thanks Danny

So many in attendance appreciate the testimonies of men that are walking similar life paths. Danny Reinhold shared with the nearly 150 men how God has worked in his life and is continuing to do so. He told of how God had been teaching him patience. He shared Roman 1:16 along with Romans 8:31.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth Romans 1:16

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Reunion of Sorts...

Men's Day proves to be a reunion for many and yesterday was no different. However, yesterday was especially neat as five guys that attended Montana Institute of the Bible (a few years ago) were in attendance. Two from South Dakota, one from Montana, one from Arizona and one from Alaska. Tony Gumley, Bruce Hein, Ken Anderson and Phil Hahn... you are welcome in our circle anytime. Godspeed gentlemen.

The Fosters

Tom and Linda Foster spent several days with us. So grateful to them for their friendship an support. Tom was our first boys team leader at RBR. Linda was also with in the early eighties. They helped us in the last couple of days as we prepare for our next event. Tom and Linda call northern Idaho home. Thanks so much dear friends.

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"Dad... you need to come quick”

And be not weary in well doing for in due season you shall…

That is as far  I got in writing the opening of this letter before I was abruptly stopped by the door opening into the dining room and one of the Reinhold family says, “Dad you need to come quick…” This is in fact the third time this summer that this scenario was played out. This time, Julia came rushing stating that “Mom is down… she got kicked by a horse.”

The other times… Caleb comes into the kitchen at RBR… “Dad, you need to come quick… Danny just got hit in the face by a piece of metal!”

And the first time, Danny comes to RBR and states very matter of fact… “Dad you need to come to the barn right now.” There I find Rachel lying on her back after being knocked down and then hitting her head on the ground.

As I told someone earlier, we face risk every day. We are not going to stop when God has asked us to continue. We cannot. We cannot go by what people say we “could do” … We must proceed by what God says we should do.

I am writing this letter to let you know that even though we proceeded with camp. We had 328 guests from multiple states spend time with us this summer. Kids and families were energized and rejuvenated at the opportunity of being “normal”. And to top it off, we saw numerous decisions for Christ.

I am not going to kid you. We are somewhat battle-worn. Our staff number were down for various reasons beyond our control. Those that were a part of the crew for the summer gave their all. I know the full-time staff and family were weary by the end of the summer, but also praising God for the rewards of being in service for Him in camping ministry.

The heat and drought conditions added to the stress. Fortunately, our swimming hole was full and there was good fishing. But the toll is showing up. Reinhold Lake (our big dam) is down four feet. That is over a third of the water capacity. We are trusting God for His provision. The hay crop was reduced significantly. And we have fed more hay this summer due to the fact that we kept the horses closer to the headquarters since our wranglers were stretched and didn’t need to spend that much more time just rounding up the remuda.

Our financial setting is tight due to the reduced number of campers. We knew it was going to happen due to the fear that our nation finds itself in the grips of. With number down 25 percent, we feel it on the bottom line. Many of our costs are fixed. For instance, perhaps we did not need to buy quite as many groceries, but we had to feed the horses that are here to be ridden. Electric bills will not go down by a quarter. Simply stated, we are going to need your help to keep the things going as they need to be.

I will be honest… There are times that I wonder how we can continue the pace. My opening verse in this letter is truth… but many of us are tired. Many say that we need to “take it easy” for a while. That is not possible. There are responsibilities that need to be met. They cannot be ignored. We just need assistance in accomplishing the tasks that God has given us to be stewards of.

Get Out of the Boat

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."

These are the words Jesus spoke to His disciples as He walked on the raging sea and they were hunkered in their boat struggling against the storm. At first they thought the figure moving across the water was that of a ghost. They were afraid. Instead of acting in confidence they cowered in fear.

One reached out by calling to Jesus. It was Peter. He stated rather bluntly, "Jesus, if it is you... bid me to come to you." Jesus said plainly..."Come". And with this Peter stepped onto the raging waves. For a moment in time he too was walking on water. And then was taken by his situation and took his eyes off Jesus and put his confidence in himself. He began to sink. He pleaded with Son of God, "Lord, save me!" Jesus simply reached out to him and raised him to safety. He reminded Peter of his lack of faith and together as they stepped into the boat... the wind stopped blowing and the waves ceased and the sea was calm.

Most of us concentrate on the fact that Peter lacked faith and that he sank. But, I want to remind each one of us that there were eleven other disciples exhibiting cowardice in the hull of the boat. Not another stepped out. Not another experienced the hand of God reaching to them as they slipped into the grips of the darkness and waves. Peter was the only one that got out of the boat.

Many of us miss the thrill and provision and protection and fulfillment of living on the edge. Perhaps Peter became bound by his strength or the lack of it. But because Peter got out of the boat in faith, because Peter called out to the Lord for protection in faith... Peter became a stalwart in Christ's plan for His early Church and in centuries to follow.

COUNTRY REVIVAL AT NEWELL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

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Entropy

The second law of thermodynamics says that entropy increases with time…. heat is overtaken by cold… organized goes to disorganized…

In The Book of Revelations we read of the Laodicean church…
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Are these the final days…. Are we comparative to the Church of Laodicea… Is the Church today in final stages of entropy?
We as individuals are still able to make a difference as we determine to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3.

LBR

We sure enjoyed our time at the Country Revival at the Newell Christian Fellowship. Thank you to the congregation and Pastor Derek Anderson. The fellowship and meal following was very nice.

PHOTOS BY HOLLY OLLILA AND RACHEL REINHOLD