Mondays momentum

Diane and I have had some very good talks over the past 34 years we have been married and that doesn't include the times before we were married. I guess one of the reasons we have survived this long is we cherish each others company. And we have learned to respect each other for who we are as God created us. So many couples think they can make it without God in thier lives, but they don't know that they are only exicting and not developing into the couple that God has planned for them to be. It's kinda like Christians who get saved so they can go to heaven and that's it, they are not willing to go any farther. They have become comfortable so leave me alone I have another movie to watch. Here's the problem often; what men are into is often not what wives need. When HE makes work or some other pursuit HIS top priority, something inside HER withers, and then dies. When SHE makes the children, work, or someother pursuit HER top priority, HE begins looking for something to numb the pain in HIS heart. couples drift apart unless they remain each others top priority. No matter where your marriage stands today, making each other top priority will always make it better.

We have to choose to make it better by first allowing God to be the head of our marriage. It is so good to know that Diane loves God more than our children or me and that's vise versa. Cause when we Love God first as Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and Hid righteousness then all these thing will be added unto to you as well.

The men's retreat at the ranch this weekend will be a time of fellowship and seeking How we can better serve our God as Husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles, employers and friends. See you there!!!

ps There will be a lot of great food.

Thank you once again for taking the time to view our blog.The Battle River Ranch Camp is a non profit organization that is focused on developing trades, life skills and training opportunities for men and women that are searching and find it difficult to get the opportunities needed 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. Many would like to just try a new skill or trade. We are a faith based training center. Harold and Diane Stephan left a life filled with addictions and bad choices. Their journey has taken them through different twelve step programs and life recovery 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 would help you or someone that you know, or you would like to be more involved with a ministry like this or support it financially we would love to talk to you. God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Sunday can't beat that day

Today Jacob and I spent a lot of time playing X and O's and he just kept beating me every time, so when I saw this picture I had to put it in today's blog just for Jacob and every kid like me that likes to play X and O's.

As we rested today the blessings continued to pour in for the ranch. We needed at least 36' of 18" culvert for the new approach yesterday and today we recieved a call and a neighbour of ours out by the ranch has and will donate 48' of 18" culvert complete with the connectors brand new.P.T.L.

Then later on this afternoon we ran into Jon and he said he has a couple of 48' semi trailers that someone would like to donate to the ranch and they will deliver them later this summer. As I'm explaining to Jon about the stand we need to build and the steel we need he says to stop in tomorrow at Action Towing and he has enough I beam to do the job. WOW share the vision and God will provide all you need to build the ranch, how true! God is so true to His

Word and yet so many deny Him or just don't give Him a chance.

WHY WE PRAY AND HOPE THAT

YOU WILL GIVE JESUS A CHANCE

#1

Because you have a past

You can't go back, but He can. The Bible says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) He can walk into those places of sin, failure and hopelessness, wipe the slate clean and give you a new beginning. A beginning with a real and lasting future, full of hope.

#2

Because you need a friend

Jesus knows the worst about you, yet he believes the best. Why? Because He sees you not as you are, but as you will be when He gets through with you. What a friend!

#3

Because He holds the future

Who else are you going to trust? In his hands you are safe and secure - today, tomorrow and for eternity. His word says, "For I know the plans I have for you ...plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray I will listen". (Jeremiah 29:11-13 TLB)

If you'd like to start over, with a new beginning with Jesus today, Diane, I, the board of directors, volunteers and supporters of Crossman Ministries and the Battle River Ranch Camp would ask you, if you are looking for a new beginning to please pray this prayer:

LORD JESUS CHRIST

I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask Your forgiveness and now turn from everything that I know is wrong. Thank You for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sins. Please come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me forever. Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen.

If you have made this commitment and would like to make contact, please call us. We'd love to talk to you and help in any way we can.

We are praying for all of you reading the blog every day.

Saturday surprise

We had so much to do at the ranch this weekend but the Lord must have known that we needed some time off. It's hard to believe that it's the end of May and we are having a snow storm and we may even get more tomorrow.

We also had time to go over the plans and spec's for building the new approach on to the highway from the ranch property.

We were also able to make some connections and get some help to build the stand for the concrete equipment.

As we spent time with Dennis from Teen Challenge he shared as to how grateful the area farmers and community are to have Teen Challenge in thier area because of all the help that they are to every one and the differance it has made to thier comunity.

We need some materials right now as we continue to move ahead with construction of the ranch project. Right now we need 48' of 18" culvert with connectors and ends we also need a hopper bottom grain bin and a 7" auger. If any of you have any of these object that you would like to donate to the ranch we would be very appreciative of your gift. We can also pick up materials as required. We have the technoligy and the blessing to be able to do this.

We have been so blessed to be able to move ahead with the ranch as God has provided the needs to build this project, but we still need your help with financial support of any size as there are so many daily and construction needs for a project of this size. Many of you have told us over the years that you would be willing to support God's work in this area and we would be excited to hear from all of you and to know that you are willing to help us as we continue to build the Kingdom of God.

When Your Hut's On Fire

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for
God to rescue him..
Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements,
and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in
flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned
with disbelief, grief, and anger.
He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him!
'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.
The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart,
because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering.
Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (New International Version)

Sowing Generously

⁶Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Once again with all our hearts we thank you for what is a miracle forming before our eyes, and the blessing, that we get to be a part of as we do the will of God. We all have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we love and build hope for the next generation. I believe it all boils down to, are we willing to give it all, no matter what, to the cause of Christ? It's that fork in the road, channel we can use, and a choice among many that God gives us to be kingdom builders. God bless you all Harold, Diane and the Board of directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp.

Fridays' Frenzy

Spending the past three days with a bunch of guys that work all day and everyday developing waste water disposal systems for rural acreages. I've worked with this part of plumbing for years but this is very intense study of the theory of waste water. Things like vegetarians are three times harder on sewage systems than meat eaters and for years we have called the deposits at the bottom of a septic tank sludge and it is very rich and could be used for fertilizer. The name sludge has hindered any possibilities so now they have come up with a new name for sludge, (bio solids) and the top of the liquid in a septic tank has a layer that has been called for years scum and now they would like to call it (cream). They are trying to improve the image of the septic and the sewer system world, I'm not sure this is the right way to go about it. I also didn't know that waste water is about 99% water and 1% trace contaminants. WOW when I look at the stuff I would have thought 99% contaminants and 1% water. Anyways enough about waste water(sewer)for today, Diane is a bit upset with me as everytime we are together lately even at meals, I have been talking waste water.

Septic tanks work much like our bodies, a lot of stuff comes into our inlet or our minds and as we let it settle, hopefuly the bad settles out and is skimmed off so that we pour out better. But that is the best we can hope for without God in our lives. When we allow God to filter what comes in, it passes through and what comes out it's kinda like uv purification for water, we can be used by God as what we are in Christ. Each of us are unique as individuals and no one knows that better than God Himself and that is who He wants to work with. We believe God has a purpose for each of us and we all need to be there for each other to encourage and use our God given gifts to build the kingdom of God.

We are excited about getting out to the ranch tomorrow and see the foundation for the shop all done. I hear there is going to be some great food and fellowship so if you're not busy tomorrow and it's not pouring rain or snowing, please join us as we work together on the many jobs that need to be done. God Bless and see you tomorrow.

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before. "Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away." The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone. Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't d o anything.." "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked."What is all this, is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company." "Oh.." The woman smiled again.. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him walk away... "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar.." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry." "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.. "I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment.. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat." Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right..." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you." There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked. "Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.. "Thank you for your help officer," she said.. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget, And thank you for the coffee.." Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You always- and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you. God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart. When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go. Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close.. Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing... "The Task Ahead of Me is Never as Great as the Power Behind Me!!"

Thank you once again for taking the time to view our blog.The Battle River Ranch Camp is a non profit organization that is focused on developing trades, life skills and training opportunities for men and women that are searching and find it difficult to get the opportunities needed 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. Many would like to just try a new skill or trade. We are a faith based training center. Harold and Diane Stephan left a life filled with addictions and bad choices. Their journey has taken them through different twelve step programs and life recovery 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 would help you or someone that you know, or you would like to be more involved with a ministry like this or support it financially we would love to talk to you. God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Thursday the day of change

Diane and I have come down with something and it's not very nice, we ache all over and it's very hard to concentrate on school. So please pray as we watch God do what he does best. James and the others out at the Ranch got the rest of the footings poured today and all went so good he said P.T.L. Diane and I spent some time with my sister, Betty and my Aunt Elsie. We didn't stay long as we want to fight whatever is trying to get us down. I'm off to bed and allow the Holy Sprit to heal and remove these symptoms. God Bless you all and see you tomorrow.

Psalms 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall."

Wednesday Report

We were so blessed as we got into the city and were able to get in touch with our friend Kathy and she let a couple of tired, ragged, road warriors like us stay with her for a few days. God is so good and he puts the right people in place to help us keep moving the ranch project along. My first day of school was a bit or I mean a lot of a mind overload and I can't believe I made it through, but the power of praying in the spirit gets all the credit. Diane and I spent a lot of time in prayer and this morning we were excited as to who God would put into our lives today that we needed to share the ranch with. Well I no sooner stepped into our classroom this morning and I hear a voice behind me say Mr. Stephan and when was finished talking to the instructor I turned to see an old friend John Prince the public health inspector from Unity and Wilki area and used to also work in Kindersley. Well by the end of the day he pretty much knew all there is to know about the ranch and he plans to stop in whenever he can. As I shared with John some of our challenges we have faced and being he works constantly with the public he said it's amazing that some people will choose to be part of the problem rather than a part of the solution in the attempt to help make a better world to live in. John said that all they have to do is look at your track record, that alone should convince anyone that your doing the right thing. It's like Denis from Teen Challenge said it's not an easy undertaking and he has seen it all.

Today we learned everything from knowing that urine is sterile to the feel of the right soil for a seepage pit.

After school Diane and I went for supper and then a walk down broadway ave. We met a nice couple, sitting on the benches on Broadway. They introduced themselves as Patrick and Lill and we had a great visit with them and gave them some Ranch info and then we got their picture. Patrick is the main mech engineer at the Bessborough Hotel and we had a good talk about the steam boilers in the hotel that I had seen many years ago.

Well it's been a great and blessed day and God is good all the time. James called and said all was well at the ranch and that they would be pouring the rest of the grade beam tomorrow.P.T.L.

James 4:8 "Come near to God and He will come near to you."

Thank you once again for taking the time to view our blog.The Battle River Ranch Camp is a non profit organization that is focused on developing trades, life skills and training opportunities for men and women that are searching and find it difficult to get the opportunities needed to develop a productive life skill. Or those that would like to try a new 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. Harold and Diane Stephan left a life filled with addictions and bad choices. Their journey has taken them through different twelve step programs and life recovery 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 would help you or someone that you know, or you would like to be more involved with a ministry like this or support it financially we would love to talk to you. God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Tuesday's Trivia

Diane and I are on the road again this week leaving behind the most competant team to care for and continue to move ahead with God's blessed project. I am doing the first three days of school in the city for my Waste Water Management certification. So thank you to all who are praying for me to have clear thinking and understanding and great retention of what I am learning.

Talking to James this evening and was happy to hear that all went very well out at the ranch. Lots of help showed up, which was such a blessing. Aulden Reid showed up with his equipment. He hauled sand to the shop foundation all day and also helped out with other needs as well. Thank you so much Aulden.

This morning I headed to ASL to see

Kelly about a skid steer they may have available, as the need is great for this piece of equipment.

As I was leaving ASL I received a call from Alberta Highways from the same Derrek that told us last week that we would not be issued a permit from them for a new and safer approach to the ranch property, that ours was adequate and within tolerances and safe distances. Even after they made a visit to the site they stood on that decision. Well he called this morning and said he's not sure what happened but head office issued us a permit for the new and much safer approach to the ranch. BIG TIME P.T.L. We were told over and over again that we might as well move on to another option as they never budge. God has his ways is

all we can figure. So we are so thankful!

I also stopped in to visit with Emile

and he said he hopes to move the cat out to the ranch this week and he will also deliver one of his dump trucks for us to use. He also hopes to do some flying over the ranch and take a few more pictures for us.

Our trip to the city was great and our meeting with Denis Smail of Teen Challenge Sask. was very encouraging and he looks forward to working with us as we move ahead with the ranch. He says, "it's an incredible project" and he also says, "it's an answer to prayer," but he warned us that we may get opposition from the most unlikley people. We told him that we know, understand and appreciate his words of wisdom.
He said he would love it if he and his wife Diane would get an invite to our fall fundraiser. Denis signed and blessed us with a copy of the 50th anniversery book of Teen Challenge and a pin to wear on our jackets.

We will spend the evening with a dear friend of ours, Kathy. So now I will need to do a little book review for my class tomorrow. Please pray this old brain still has a bit to work with.

Philippians 4:19 (New International Version)

^"19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

It may seem impossible but God works where we are not able.











Everyday God works on the hearts of His faithful and the blessing flow and God is glorified



















EQUIPMENT NEEDS FOR THE SKILLS TRAINING RANCH PROGRAM:

- As we ask you all to please pray with us and watch God continue to provide all that's needed to build this life skills ranch and as God provides we will continue to give thanks and we will keep you all posted and add P.T.L to each item as it is provided. Standby and watch that our God reigns.

CONSTRUCTION ZOOM BOOM

PAY LOADER

CRANE - PORTABLE OR SITE MODEL

3 POINT HITCH LAWN MOWER

3 POINT HITCH ROTO TILLER

PULL TYPE EARTH MOVER

BOBCAT DIESEL 800 SERIES

BACKHOE EXTENDA HOE IF POSSIBLE

TRACKHOE

14' CULTIVATOR C/W HARROWS

VAC TRUCK, HONEY WAGON FOR SEPTIC TANKS

CEMENT TRUCK

TRENCHER FOR UNDERGROUND LINES

SMALL CAT

ELEVATION TRANSIT

TANDUM TRAILER

DUMP TRUCK

CEMENT MIXERS

CONSTRUCTION SIZE GENERATORS * P.T.L.

SPADES

RAKES

FLAT SHOVELS

FENCE POSTS

BARB WIRE AND NAILS

GRADER

POWER TROWEL AND HAND TROWELS

BULL FLOAT

SMALL YARD 60 HP TRACTOR

WHEEL BARROWS

BARBEQUE

FENCE POSTS

FENCING WIRE

WATER TROUGHS

DOG HOUSES

Please note that we can issue tax reciepts and please call for information as to how you and your business can donate. Thank you very much!