Harold was still miles away from the ranch house and as he rode he wondered what he could do to bring his father back into the daily operations of the ranch.
Jethro sat in his big chair, high up on the deck of their home and stared out at the vast land and area that made up the dream and hopes he had for his family. He knew he had failed them all but now he was more than ever seeking God's direction and wisdom as to being a father and husband. Lately he was feeling a new sense of hope and he knew that if this place was to survive he was going to have to set the past behind him and work with the son he yet had and hope that one day God would bring his wayward son back back home to them. As he sat there contemplating all that was on his plate he stood up and decided he needed to meet with Harold as soon as he rode into the yard so he could make amends and do what needed to be done to pull this place back into line with God honoring direction. He was fortunate that they still had Willy as foreman and he would need to work things out with him also. As he was turning to head down the stairs to the lower level of the ranch house his eye caught the sight of a lone man far down the road that lead into the ranch yard. It was not usual for someone to be walking on that stretch of road at anytime. And as he turned to look more closely his heart started to pound so hard that he was afraid it would blow apart at any moment. Could it possibly be, and as he watched the stranger approaching he noticed that he looked to be quite a wreck of a person. He wore nothing but rags and his feet were bare. Jethro climbed down the stairs to ground level and turned and headed down the road to greet this strangers that was approaching his place. But the closer he got to the stranger the harder his heart was pounding. Both men picked up their pace until they were standing face to face. As Jethro looked into the weathered and broken face before him he knew this was no stranger. Jethro then threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Arnie then said to him, "Father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."
But the father said to his servants, "Quick, Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." So they began to celebrate.
Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. Your brother has returned, he replied, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.
The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, "look, all these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him.
"My son," the father said, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we have to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found"Luke 15 : 20 - 32 NIV
To the many that are lost and are seeking to be found, again, God is waiting and he will take you back. The many men and women that are working to make the Battle River Ranch Camp possible all know the feeling of being lost and have nowhere to go, that's why there is so much hope here. Blessing to you all in Jesus name.
Thank you for taking the time to view our blog. Battle River Ranch Camp is a non profit organization that is focused on developing trades and life skills, training opportunities for men and women that are searching and find it hard to get the opportunity to develop a productive life skill. Many men and women today have no idea what they could be good at or how to find out their possible skill area or level. We are a faith based training center. We,Harold and Diane Stephan left a life filled with addictions and our journey has taken us through different twelve step programs and life recovery programs through a relationship and healing process with Jesus Christ. We would love to hear from you and if you feel this is a program and facility that you would like to be more involved with or support financially we would love to talk to you.
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