Terrific Tuesday

As I sat in a dentist chair today and Dana our dentist continued talking about the huge job and all that needs to be done to get the ranch up and going. The need is so huge for a place like the ranch and that's why we need to pres on and complete this first phase of the project. As I sat in the waiting room of the dentist office the TV was on up in the corner and the news was on and being some one that doesn't see the news that often it can be an eye opener. One thing that was mentioned was that we Canadians will, this Christmas spend 10 billion dollars on our selves wow that's got to be some present.

We got to talk to a lot of folks about the ranch today and gave out a whole pile of the information packs. Our info packs are not to pretty to look at but are filled with enough information to give anyone a pretty good idea of what we are and where we are going. So if you need some info about the ranch or know of someone who does please give us a call and we will do what ever it takes to get that info out.

We also spent time at the manor visiting with some family and seniors thay we have known. Monica was our nieghbour and a dear friend so we had a great visit with her.

James and Larry also had a very successfull day at the ranch as construction continues to move along at a strong and steady pace.

'Twas the night before Christmas & out on the ranch

The pond was froze over & so was the branch.

The snow was piled up belly-deep to our mule.

The kids were all home on vacation from school,

And happier young folks you never did see-

Just all sprawled around a-watchin' TV.

Then suddenly, some time around 8 o'clock,

There came a surprise that gave them a shock!

The power went off, the TV went dead!

When Grandpa came in from out in the shed

With an armload of wood, the house was all dark.

"Just what I expected," they heard him remark.

"Them power line wires must be down from the snow.

Seems sorter like times on the ranch long ago."

"I'll hunt up some candles," said Mom. "With their light,

And with the fireplace, I reckon we'll make out all right."

The teen-agers all seemed enveloped in gloom.

Then Grandpa came back from a trip to his room,

Uncased his old fiddle & started to play

That old Christmas song about bells on a sleigh.

Mom started to sing, & 1st thing they knew

Both Pop & the kids were all singing it, too.

They sang Christmas carols, they sang "Holy Night,"

Their eyes all a-shine in the ruddy firelight.

They played some charades Mom recalled from her youth,

And Pop read a passage from God's Book of Truth.

They stayed up till midnight-and, would you believe,

The youngsters agreed 'twas a fine Christmas Eve.

Grandpa rose early, some time before dawn;

And when the kids wakened, the power was on..

"The power company sure got the line repaired quick,"

Said Grandpa - & no one suspected his blessed little trick.

Last night, for the sake of some old-fashioned fun,

He had pulled the main switch - the old Son-of-a-Gun!

-Anonymous

Progress continues at a miraculous pace out here at the ranch. We used to wonder what if we get to a point and we have run out of materials to continue what then do we do? Well thank the good Lord that has not happened and so we move ahead at the provided pace. As you all join in to help, this first of it's kind facility will come into reality as a place that God will use to change and improve lives as we help by giving direction and hands on training to those seeking to improve thier work skills, place in society and relationship to the God of the universe .

Many of you have said that you are not able to help out as a volonteer but you have held us up in prayer and are constantly calling to up date our prayer needs. Diane, I, James and the board of directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp and the many young men and women that have already benifited from thier time at the ranch are forever grateful to each and everone of you for your contribution and commitment to this incredible Kingdom Building Project. We are getting calls from across Canada as to how one can find out more about the ranch.

Once again thank you so much and may the good Lord bless you and keep you as you seek His purpose in your lives.