Lending a Hand to LOVE INC STURGIS
Robin and I had the privilege of joining a nice crowd for Sturgis Love INC. A wonderful organization that seeks to come along side folks within their community in their time of need. This is the second year that I have been able to assist in silent and live auction to raise funds for the continuance of the ministry. Dr. Bill presented well some of the opportunities that have taken place in our hometown.
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There are some really good people that have joined together to advance this ministry in the Black Hills. Godspeed Dear Friends.
And The Winners Are
We have always given prizes to those that win the popular vote from the crowd for the best "red meat" dish and the best "bird" dish. These are the winners which is amazing, since there were so many wonderful dishes prepared. Zach DeLong's "Smoked Cream Pheasant & Biscuits" was outstanding. Zach was a winner last year as well. I am starting to call him "Chef". He had another dish as well that place very high in the voting. "Impressive to say the least". Our other winner was our own Kiersten Reinhold. She made a very attractive and tasty Venison Kabobs. I told her she should call them "Kierstabobs". They were fantastic. Many in attendance went over the top on the food served. Thank you to all.
Watch Hunter's Buffet March 15, 2024 - Larry B. Reinhold
A Life-long Friend
Think with me for a moment of someone that God has placed in your life that would rank as a lifelong friend. I think of a man named Paul. We go back to high school days. Paul was a little older than myself; however, we both graduated from Sturgis Brown High school in the seventies. I have many fond memories of Paul and his family. Their family ranch was down the beautiful Whitewood Valley. We would kid each other about living on the “backside of Bear Butte”. He saw the mountain daily looking southeast and I would see the landmark looking to the northwest. I remember numerous times picking apples from their orchard. Paul and his brother, Daniel, would introduce the Reinhold boys to motorcycles, and the challenge would be to ride across the creek without tipping over. In those days, Whitewood Creek carried a lot of “sludge” from the gold mines near Lead and Deadwood. The water was not very pretty. Oh, but the fun we had!
Paul and his family were part of the construction process of Rainbow Bible Ranch from the very beginning in 1979. Shortly after my brothers died, Paul would avail himself in the digging of the basement. And later that fall, it was men from the Marrs family that helped put the final sheets of steel on the roof of the gym before a winter storm moved in.
Paul and I had the distinction of being the most eligible bachelors in Meade County, South Dakota. There were many of the older ladies in our community and in our churches who were worried that we would never get married. I am quite sure that our mothers probably prayed daily for us. However, in 1991, Paul and Larry relinquished the distinguished notoriety of being the most eligible bachelors. In October of that year, Paul married “Miss Linda” and in December, Robin and I were married.
Our friendship continued as we shared similar heart-felt passion—for Christ… for family… and for missions. We served on the board of directors for Steer Inc. for many years. This would allow for us to travel to Bismarck regularly. We would travel with our friend Bruce Brunner and talk and laugh. We enjoyed many mission conferences together and our families would enjoy swimming together, and, of course, you could never forget the South Dakota parties in the Reinhold hotel rooms. Of course, the Clark family would be in on that, as well as our dear NoDak friends, Todd and Kim and their family.
Paul had a near down home country way of speaking. In fact, if I would retell a story that I heard from Paul, I would find myself falling into a certain drawl just the way Paul would speak. And then there were times listening to Paul, a good Norwegian, order Knoephla, a German soup in Bismarck. More often than not, he would be wearing denim and coveralls. I still smile at the sight of him leading a business meeting, his reading glasses perched low on his nose.
We are talking friendship and relationship that is forty and fifty years long.
Paul was a welder and mechanic… whenever we would go to their place for dinner, Paul would have to take us to his shop. He loved taking my sons, Danny and Caleb, to his shop to show them his projects.
We had the privilege of watching Paul stand up as best man for his son, James, at his wedding in January. His other son, Johnny, was to fill that position but he was deployed to the Middle East and was not able to make it home. What added to a special aspect of that evening was that during the supper, Paul came over and sat with us, Robin and myself, and as normal, he did not ignore the presence of the young people. Julia and Kiersten were in attendance as well and of course Paul made sure that they were important.
Paul and Linda came over to the ranch at Christmas and asked what Rainbow Bible Ranch needed. He asked me of my concerns.
I said there was a continued need for qualified and godly staff members. We just are not able to go to the day labor office and find a team leader. RBR needs top people to fill the positions each season. And then I said we need to be able to finance them and meet their needs. Paul was more than attentive. He was sincere in his follow-up questions and thoughts.
Two and half weeks ago Danny, Caleb and I stopped at the Sturgis hospital to see our dear old friend, Walt Simons. I leaned over him before I left and simply stated,“Well, old cowboy, you are going to beat me home to Glory.”
As we were leaving we met Linda, Paul’s wife and she told us that Paul would like to see us. Paul was now a patient in the hospital. Some complications with surgery and the cancer that was now attacking his body was becoming more complicated. We visited… we prayed…we said our good bye.
Little did I know that would be my last conversation with my friend Paul… You see… My life long friend died on Feb 10…. Or rather … He beat me home to Glory as well.
No one will take his place here on this earth, but I do know that I am a life that has been most blessed by my friendship with Paul Ray Marrs.
Photo of Paul and Larry on December 8, 2023
2015
RBR FAMILY AND STAFF CHRISTMAS GATHERING
REMEMBER THE OLD FASHIONED PRAYER MEETINGS
Remember the “Old Days” when many churches would have “prayer meetings” devoted almost entirely to praying? Most were not overly well attended, and as a kid, I thought they were sort of boring. I remember the ones that I was most familiar with generally had the same audience week after week. Oh sure we still pray, but similar to missions conferences and the like we have fashioned our schedule in a way that we have merged some of those special meetings into a “one size fits all”. Perhaps it is that I am getting older or that I am just taking special notice now…But this day and age could use some old fashioned prayer meetings. I will admit that I don’t address but a minor fraction of needs that I am aware of, and I certainly don’t recognize the abundant blessings that I should be grateful for. Prayer time with a small group of Christ Followers must be raised higher than just an addendum to the schedule. Just to prove it; write down or just ponder the many instances in your scope that could use prayer
WHAT A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE GROWN UP AT RAINBOW BIBLE RANCH
What an honor to be raised at Rainbow Bible Ranch. This place will always be important to me, because I have seen first hand the impact it has on so many lives….. spiritually, mentally and physically.
Rainbow Bible Ranch is a special place for many reasons. For over 40 years it has been a place where kids can come learn about Jesus. In an ever changing world full of lies and deception, RBR has held fast to biblical truth. Children have the opportunity to experience Jesus at a young impressionable age.
RBR provides an opportunity for kids to experience a real working ranch and to have days full of dirt and hard work. They go to bed tired, and full of accomplishment. They learn about agriculture and see first hand where our food comes from and those that work so hard everyday to take care of Gods earth. They experience legitimate risk in a supervised environment.
Kids need a place to be kids. No phones, tv’s, video games, social media, or looming negativity all around. Rainbow provides that. A night sleeping under the stars, where they can see a glimpse into the vastness of creation.
Kids need to have FUN. A friendly, but competitive game of capture the flag and probably the most encouraging game of softball you’ll ever be a part of. Jumping off the dock in to the swimming hole, and zipping down the hill on the zip line. RBR is fun!
Kids need to step out of their comfort zone in a safe place. The talent show and the creativity of a group skit allow them to do just that.
Kids need to experience that learning and education come from more then just a classroom. When they are handed the opportunity to fossil hunt, study plants and grasses, or do a study on a pond or creek they see that “education” has a pretty broad definition. The value of learning how to fish and how to shoot a gun safely is something that every child should have access to. And at Rainbow they do just that. RBR is packed full of learning opportunities.
Rainbow brings lifelong friends, lifelong memories and lifelong lessons.
If you, or someone you love has been impacted by Rainbow Bible Ranch you have every reason, and quite frankly a responsibility to support RBR and make sure that these opportunities are available for the next generation. YOU have the ability to make a difference in the life of a child for the KINGDOM. Please prayerfully consider what you can do to come along side the ministry of RBR. Mark your calendar to attend the annual
»»» Pie Auction Fundraiser «««
•Friday, 11/17 @ 6:30pm•
This is such a fun evening and SWEET way to support Rainbow.
If you can’t attend, you can securely donate at rainbowbibleranch.org or mail a check to
Rainbow Bible Ranch
14676 Lonetree Rd
Sturgis, SD 57785
Don’t miss an opportunity to make a difference.
TEN YEARS LATER - SURVIVING STORM ATLAS (ARTICLE IN CATTLE BUSINESS WEEKLY)
Storm Atlas: Loss of horses touches heart of Rainbow Bible Ranch
By Connie Sieh Groop, Cattle Business Weekly
“After Storm Atlas, we probably asked ourselves a hundred times, ‘What would we have done differently?’ And the answer is nothing,” said Larry Reinhold of Rainbow Bible Ranch located on the Lonetree Ranch at Sturgis, SD.
Knowing a storm was brewing, “We brought the cattle closer as we were in the midst of fall calving. The animals were in a good shelter. We brought a lot of horses closer, too. We put the younger ones by the windbreak and took as many precautions as we could.”
Still, when Oct. 3 arrived, “It reminded us of our mortality. Sometimes we think we can handle things on our own. We realize how human we are, we aren’t as big and strong as we think we are sometimes. We can’t handle it all on our own.”
With a blizzard predicted, the Reinhold family moved down to the Rainbow Bible Ranch Camp building with Larry’s dad. The facility included what they needed in case of power outages, a cistern for water, and propane for heat.
Unbelievable
At first light after the storm, they saw one of their herd bulls standing on the front patio. “We could see from the snowdrifts that he’d walked in. He was in a pasture a mile away so it was strange that he found his way to the camp.”
As they looked towards the shop, “We saw a gelding who should have been way north. He huddled by the haystack with some other horses who were dead or dying. We couldn’t fathom what was going on.”
As soon as he could, Larry started the tractor and moved snow to get feed out to the animals, never realizing how much devastation he’d find.
As she headed out, Rachel peeked over a fence and held up her fingers to her dad — nine of the young horses were dead. “I thought, oh my word,” Larry said. “Pushing snow, we found 16 dead. By the time we were done, 60 head of horses were dead. It wasn’t pretty. The storm did not result in any peaceful deaths.”
Larry explained their operation. “We run a lot of horses for our Bible camp. We only lost eleven head of cattle which is really a miracle. The Hereford cows stayed where they belonged. We like our cows, but we build a relationship with our horses. It’s not only our crew at the ranch but the 400 plus kids who visit us every summer.”
The family and crew develop a special bond with the horses. One daughter described it best by saying, “You could pour your heart out to them and they would listen.” Losing so many animals in the storm hit the kids hard. It was difficult to witness the extent of emotional damage caused by the storm.
As the Reinhold family continued to search, they didn’t know where the saddle horses were that were used at the camp. “We hoped they were holed up in some draw and didn’t give up hope.”
Rachel and Molly rode out in the breaks looking for the horses. The snow had partially melted by then. They could see what happened to the 30 really good saddle horses. Some lay at the bottom of a deep draw and others strung out across the flat for three-quarters of a mile.
Belief in God
Even dealing with all the loss, the Reinholds believe, “Life is vulnerable, life is short and we are finite. Our family firmly believes God is our sustaining power. That’s how we can keep going. Many people expressed concern and interest. It touched us with the outpouring of care from all over the country. The saddle horse group was brought together in three or four months with the help of some supporters.”
There were rumors that Rainbow Bible Ranch would not have camp that summer. “When our kids heard the rumors that camp would close, they said, ‘Are you kidding? We’re not going to let some little blizzard stop us.’ That is faith --- they expressed it; God has this. We had camp that year, which was really a miracle that we could put together so many good horses. No matter what, we kept going. This is a perfect example of the sustaining power of God in our lives.”
Building back
Larry said they could have had several hundred head of horses after the storm. Sadly, some were not in good condition for the camp. They were fortunate that, “We had a donation of seven good old ranch horses. A couple from Montana brought over a red sorrel gelding. We could tell it had been near and dear to their hearts, but its owners could see our need. Another young guy who had come to our camp brought us his roping horse.”
The Reinholds went to the Black Hills Stock Show sale that following February. It was a good sale and they bought 13 horses and only had one that didn’t work out. Some needed riding to get ready for the kids, but they were good.
From his experience, Larry finds it takes seven years to make a really good camp horse. Some may think they have better riding and training techniques but, “I’ve trained with wet saddle blankets and find it takes time to get a good horse to use on the ranch or for other people’s kids to ride.”
Larry knows the storm put a lot of stress on cow herds with more open cows than normal. One family that had had bought bulls from the Reinholds brought a couple of nice Hereford heifers. They still have some of her calves in the herd.
From Larry’s perspective, families stayed on the ranch no matter what. And because of what happened during Storm Atlas, they are closer than ever. The ranch will always hold a special place in their hearts. They lost living, breathing creations of God. “I think there will always be a softer heart towards livestock and each other.”
The storm and aftermath could harden the heart or make it more tender. Larry thinks it made hearts more tender. “There isn't an old guy who wouldn't tear up sharing their story. The brevity of life provides a whole different perspective.”
QUITE A STORY HERE...
Our first Friday Nite Event at Rainbow Bible Ranch. When we started RBR, our main focus was to have a youth camp. However, we realized that our facilities were quite underused. We decided in 1980 to start holding activities on Friday Evening... "Friday Nites at Rainbow". Our first gathering we had two people attend. Our good friend Todd Merchen and a man named Don. My dad had been witnessing to him for some time and when he heard the story of my brothers' death... My dad had an open door and Don had an open heart to which God was moving. That nite Don came to Christ realizing his lost soul and salvation could only be found through Jesus. My folks, Tige and Vicky prayed with him. My dad stayed in touch for a number of years, but now I have not seen Don for decades either. We have recalled numerous times that half of the crowd that evening came to Christ.
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Now after 44 years, our Friday nites have changed venue somewhat. Throughout the 80's, 90's and into the next century, we would average around 100 in attendance every Friday Nite. Countless thousands have been blessed by "going to Rainbow".
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We miss many opportunities set before us by God Himself, when we only focus on our plans. I will say that much infrastructure that we hold sacred and talent and gifts that we selfishly reserve to only ourselves are wasted. Seek God's purpose for your life. I can tell you that 45 years ago not a single person in the Reinhold family had a clue to what was in store and you know what... "We have been most blessed".
OCTOBER 24, 2023
The sun has set on another day here at the ranch. I am looking across Reinhold Lake toward the peak. Above is a near cloudless sky and a moon that is working its way to being a full moon. The old timer would refer to it as the “Hunter’s Moon”. We have enjoyed a beautiful fall season. Harvest is under way in many areas and shipping calves is a daily occurrence across the northern plains and mountains. Honestly, the change of seasons that we experience has never been a problem for me. The extreme diversity that comes in this region proves often to be quite the experience. However, I am not as quite as ready for winter this year, due to the fact that our spring and summer season proved to be quite challenging. In other words, I will miss the growing season.
I have not written for some time, due to some of those challenges that proved to be very time consuming. Let me explain. Last spring we began a major remodel of the dining room at RBR. We looked to be on target until one of the suppliers of material right out lied on delivery date. My crew worked very hard to overcome the delay. Many late nights and long days were put in. We were not able to utilize the dining room until after camp was over. We were able to complete the project in September and it looks amazing. We are grateful.
Then on Mother’s Day, due to some much needed rain after a long dry spell, the north wall of our house’s basement caved in. Our nearly hundred year old home finally succumbed to the pressure of the heavy gumbo soil that we live in. Our basement needed help and we hoped to undertake that as a project in the future, but the future project became a now project. We proceeded to lift the house, dig out the old basement, construct a new basement, put the house back upon its new foundation and then proceeded with a complete renovation of the house. My grandparents built this house in the 1920’s. My dad grew up in this house… my parents raised my siblings and me in this house, and Robin and I have lived in this house since we were married and have raised our family in this home. Needless to say, much of our time was taken in this project as well.
Oh, and then don’t forget camp! We had another most blessed season with around four hundred kids in attendance. Our staff needs were nearly filled, but we could have used another person or two. Everyone had to work really hard to accomplish all that needed to be done. A blessing however, is that even though we were somewhat shorthanded, the staff that we had proved to be outstanding. They were truly amazing in all their effort. The Lord blessed us with a very fruitful summer, as many lives were impacted for the present and for eternity.
Our theme was “TRUTH”. Oh my, the message was and is so timely. Society is whirling out of control in the evil that satan revels in. We should not be surprised as it certainly seems that we are in the end times. The urgency and need is so obvious. At this thought, I must say, “Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. You are the ‘twelfth man’ as they would say on the football field.”
I would never discount the presence of God and the working of the Holy Spirit in all the activity and the people that are part of the RBR family. We are most blessed as we go about doing “Our Father’s business”.
Oh, and did I mention that we also had a wedding a couple of weeks ago here at the ranch? Yes, Rachel our daughter became engaged to Seth Sperling from SE South Dakota. They were married on the ranch with many friends in attendance. Yes, that took some of our time as well, but we are filled with joy as they start this new chapter in their book. Seth and Rachel will work with us as there is quite a need.
In closing, I do apologize for not keeping in touch better. I do want to thank you for your ongoing faithfulness and ask that we proceed together for the kingdom. Keep in mind our Annual Pie Auction to be held on November 17.
In Christ,
Larry B. Reinhold
HOWEVER
It is nearly overwhelming... House... moving... remodel at RBR... health issues of staff... shorthanded in a couple of areas... However, I thought I would post pics of some of the positive views. The panorama from "Lakeside" (our temporary home) is amazing. We are grateful that the guys moved our piano out for us... and "Tige's Rose" is blessing us in full bloom.
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Not going to kid you... today was a challenge... Long day... way into the evening... But, we are grateful to God for His provision.
"MY CREW"
I have the privilege of calling these great young people... "My Crew".
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They just keep going... Not a quitter in the bunch..
BANQUET NITE PICS BY ROBIN
A great nite to get group pics... Thanks Robin!
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Our Banquet Nite also includes our talent program. A blessing indeed... Oh by the way... Supper was fantastic... A little change up as we had pork roast (home raised) along with real mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, our homemade wheat rolls which have been a tradition for years at RBR... Both Grandma Vicky and now Grandma Robin and yes Grandma Chris-Lana has made her share as well. And homemade banana cake for dessert.
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Hats off to my team leaders this session... Mesa, Maddie, Serenity, Julia, Cody and Adrik.