Wednesday 's blessings

More crosses sent out today and Barry's getting walls up on the lodge. Horses are doing very well and more supplies to be donated soon as we start to plan the barn and corals area. Diane and I are blessed to be speaking at second serving at the Lloyd Gospel Fellowship church in Jodies room hope to see you there. Josh McDowell said we are a generation that has forgotten to pass our faith in God on to the next generation. Hmmm wonder what we have taught them in church then. He also says that rules without relationship leads to rebellion, and truths without relationship always leads to rejection.

The comment made was doesn't this whole thing scare you sometimes, and like bible says in Proverbs 14:26 and my answer would have to be yes.But

Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. Our only fear out at the ranch is, heaven forbid, we ever let the fear of man stop the work of God. We can only imagine the many incidents that Noah and so many had to deal with in the bible. Blaine once said Dad if you don't do exactly what God has called you to do, someday you might be riding your bike down the highway and some big semi is going to open up and swallow you, then what? Listening to fear makes people do and say some stupid things I know I've done it many times, but when you don't listening to God, He'll just move to someone that will listen and do what He needs doin. He has gifted us all with so much but like the old saying goes, If you don't use it, you'll loose it. And I believe that there's not a lot of folks wanting to see God work these days cause that's a lot differant from the works of man. A gentleman and missionary in Powel River said to us we here in Canada don't need God any more we have our own system. That's scary.

Our hope and prayer is to let as many of you know about the ranch as possible so that the hope it will bring and the lives it will change and the encouragement it will provide can start as soon as possible. The ranch will be a one of a kind facility and will offer an option to many like no other.

When God has a plan and like our friend Mike and Pastor Lyle wisely told us just keep your focus and don't let the distractions pull you away from God's purpose. 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. We are a faith based training center and our hope is to give each person that comes to the ranch an opportunity to find the skill they were created for.

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. If it were not for caring people in their lives that never gave up on them or thought they were a hopeless cause they too would still be lost.

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 and would very much appreciate your help in what ever way you can. Even if you could help with a small one time donation or a larger one it would help so much to bring this life changing facility and place of hope to be opened by this fall.

This is a ministry for those that have a heart and desire to make a difference in the lives of others with the skills and gifts they have been blessed with and have a desire to pass on what they know to the next generation.

You are always welcome to visit and we look forward to your input. This ministry is prayer based, and we pray daily for the needs of others, if you have a need for prayer and not sure where to start give us a call and we will confidentially support and help you in this area. You may not know a lot about God but God knows everything about you and He loves you more than anyone can or ever will.

God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Harold & diane Stephan and

Board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 1-3O6-825-7734 OR

haroldstephan@hotmail.com

WHY WE PRAY AND HOPE THAT

YOU WILL GIVE JESUS A CHANCE IS BECAUSE

THE LIFE YOU REALLY WANT AND CAN HAVE IS UP TO YOU

HERE'S ALL YOU NEED TO DO

DON'T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT AND HERE'S WHY

#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 that won't let you down

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.

We all need and are searching for choices and option every day in our lives.

We want you

to know that you do have a choice as to where you will spend eternity and we just like to

let you know that even in those last minutes of life if you call out to Jesus with all your

heart He will be there for you. Just look at the criminal that hung on the cross beside

Jesus. Each and every one of us make choices every day about the life we want to live

while we are here on this earth but very few know about the option we have available to us

when it comes to eternity. God really does love you, Jesus really died for you and the

Holy Spirit will come and live in you. Just give Him a chance today

Friday's Frenzy

Day of getting caught up on paper work, mail and phone calls. Walls to build at the ranch and friends to help with painting their home. No end to Kingdom building.

We have a really good friend that found our he has cancer and we are asking every one that can to put him on your prayer list. He's a fellow biker and a friend to every one. For now I'm going to refer to him as HD rider. It's so hard on us when a friend gets bad news but that's what family is for, so lets dig in set up camp and believe for a miracle from God. Amen

Stewardship

Funny how a $100 "looks" so big when taken to church, but
so small when taken to the mall or a favorite shop.

Funny how long it takes to serve God for an hour, but how
quickly a team plays 60 minutes of hockey.

Funny how long a couple of hours spent at church are, but
how short they are when watching a movie.

Funny how people can't think of anything to say when they
pray, but don't have difficulty thinking of things to talk about to a
friend.

Funny how people get thrilled when a hockey game goes
into overtime, but complain when a sermon is longer than the
regular time.

Funny how hard it is to read a chapter in the bible, but
how easy it is to read 100 pages of a best selling novel.

Funny how people want to get a front seat at any game or
concert, but scramble to get a back seat at church services.

Funny how people need 2 or 3 weeks advance notice to fit a
church event into their schedule, but can adjust their schedule
for other events at the last moment.

Funny how hard it is for people to learn a simple bible verse
well enough to tell others, but how simple it is for the same people to
understand and repeat gossip or a joke.

Funny how people believe what the newspaper says, but
question what the Bible says.

Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do
not have to believe, or to think, or to say, or do anything.

FUNNY, ISN'T IT OR NOT ?

ow great is our God who makes each of us so unique and wonderfully made, each one with gifts that God will use to build up and encourage each other on our journey and mission to rebuild lives and be truly prosperous in all God has for each of his children.

Our hope and prayer is to let as many of you know about the ranch as possible so that the hope it will bring and the lives it will change and the encouragement it will provide can start as soon as possible. The ranch will be a one of a kind facility and will offer an option to many like no other.

When God has a plan and like our friend Mike and Pastor Lyle wisely told us just keep your focus and don't let the distractions pull you away from God's purpose. 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. We are a faith based training center and our hope is to give each person that comes to the ranch an opportunity to find the skill they were created for.

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. If it were not for caring people in their lives that never gave up on them or thought they were a hopeless cause they too would still be lost.

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 and would very much appreciate your help in what ever way you can. Even if you could help with a small one time donation or a larger one it would help so much to bring this life changing facility and place of hope to be opened by this fall.

This is a ministry for those that have a heart and desire to make a difference in the lives of others with the skills and gifts they have been blessed with and have a desire to pass on what they know to the next generation.

You are always welcome to visit and we look forward to your input. This ministry is prayer based, and we pray daily for the needs of others, if you have a need for prayer and not sure where to start give us a call and we will confidentially support and help you in this area. You may not know a lot about God but God knows everything about you and He loves you more than anyone can or ever will.

God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Harold & diane Stephan and

Board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 1-3O6-825-7734 OR

haroldstephan@hotmail.com

WHY WE PRAY AND HOPE THAT

YOU WILL GIVE JESUS A CHANCE IS BECAUSE

THE LIFE YOU REALLY WANT AND CAN HAVE IS UP TO YOU

HERE'S ALL YOU NEED TO DO

DON'T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT AND HERE'S WHY

#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 that won't let you down

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.

We all need and are searching for choices and option every day in our lives.

We want you

to know that you do have a choice as to where you will spend eternity and we just like to

let you know that even in those last minutes of life if you call out to Jesus with all your

heart He will be there for you. Just look at the criminal that hung on the cross beside

Jesus. Each and every one of us make choices every day about the life we want to live

while we are here on this earth but very few know about the option we have available to us

when it comes to eternity. God really does love you, Jesus really died for you and the

Holy Spirit will come and live in you. Just give Him a chance today

Thursday A Day of Change

When does our lives become so much about us that we find ways to justify not getting involved, cause what differance will it really make anyway.

Teachers or Mentors or Both

There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher.
Her name was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of
her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told
the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her
students and said that she loved them all the same. But that
was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in
his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs.Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and
noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his
clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath.
And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where
Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his
papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting
a big "F" at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required
to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off
until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for
a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with
a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good
manners...he is a joy to be around."

His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent
student, well-liked by his classmates, but he is troubled
because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home
must be a struggle."

His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been
hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't
show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if
some steps aren't taken."

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and
doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many
friends and sometimes sleeps in class."

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was
ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students
brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons
and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was
clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from
a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the
middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to
laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the
stones missing and a bottle that was one quarter full of
perfume.

But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed
how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some
of the perfume on her wrist.

Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough
to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my
Mom used to."

After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that
very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and
arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs.
Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked
with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she
encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the
year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the
class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children
the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets."

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy,
telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in
his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy.
He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his
class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his
whole life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while
things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had
stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the
highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was
still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came.
This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree,
he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she
was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now
his name was a little longer. The letter was signed,
Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.

The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another
letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going
to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple
of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might
agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually
reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs.
Thompson did. And guess what?

She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones
missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume
that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last
Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr.
Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you,
Mrs. Thompson, for believing in me. Thank you so much for
making me feel important and showing me that I could make
a difference."

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She
said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who
taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to
teach until I met you."

This is a ministry for those that have a heart and desire to make a difference in the lives of others with the skills and gifts they have been blessed with and have a desire to pass on what they know to the next generation.

You are always welcome to visit and we look forward to your input. This ministry is prayer based, and we pray daily for the needs of others, if you have a need for prayer and not sure where to start give us a call and we will confidentially support and help you in this area. You may not know a lot about God but God knows everything about you and He loves you more than anyone can or ever will.

God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Harold & diane Stephan and

Board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 1-3O6-825-7734 OR

haroldstephan@hotmail.com

Wednesday day of contrast

LORD I WILL FOLLOW YOU BUT......LUKE 9:61

Suppose God tells you to do something that will be an enormous test of your common sense, totally going against everything you feel comfortable in doing. What will you do? Will you hold back? eg. If you have gotten into the habit of doing some thing physically, you will fall into doing every time you are tested until you are determined to break the habit through sheer determination. And the same is true spiritually. Again and again we will come up to what Jesus wants and is calling us to, and most times we will turn back at the time of testing. How many time do we say "not sure that's of Jesus so I better not do it" rather we should be saying " better get at it, may be Jesus". We will turn back at the point of testing, until we are determined to abandon ourselves to to Jesus in total surrender. Yet we tend to say "Yes but-suppose I do obey God in this matter, what about...? Or we say "Yes I will obey if what he asks of me doesn't go against my personal common sense and comfort zone, and don't ask me to take a step in the dark no not that.

Jesus Christ demands the same unrestrained, adventurous spirit in those who have placed their trust in Him, that so many everyday people exhibit. If a person is ever going to do anything worthwhile, there will be time when we must risk everything by this step or leap in the dark. In the spiritual realm, Jesus Christ demands that we risk everything we hold on to or believe in through common sense, and leap by faith into what he is calling each of us to do, and in some way or other He does call each of us. Once we obey, we will immediately find that what He says is even more solidly consistent than common sense.

By the test of common sense, Jesus Christ's statements seem mad, but when tested by the trial of faith, your findings will fill you spirit with the awesome fact that they are the very words of Jesus Himself. By trusting completely in Christ, He will bring you to new opportunities and adventures, will you step into the dark waters and take hold of those opportunities and adventures? We act like insecure cowards in a crisis, holding to were we are more comfortable, only a few in an entire area or crowd is daring enough to invest their faith in the character of Christ. The newspaper headlines will cry out the works and acts of God when His people step out in faith, hear and listen.

Luke 9:61 (NIV)

⁶¹ Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”

So many of you are not able to get out to the ranch as often as you would like or not at all. Many have called to ask what they can do to help. The biggest need we have at the ranch is that each and every one of you would continue to pray for us as we have a huge project that we have going here at the ranch and God has blessed us with His protection and safety as we move steadily ahead on all area's of construction. As we see daily supplies arrive to bless the ranch project and people and businesses to help in what ever way they can. We still need the financial support that we hope and pray our family and friends will help us with. This is a 100% Canadian Ministry reaching out to 100% Canadian men and women youth that simply need an opportunity to develop a skill, and hopefully one they are gifted at to enable them to be productive and positive assets to themselves and society. We absolutely feel God has called us and prepared us for this ministry.

We need to move ahead but we do need your help if possible. Please consider a monthly or one time donation to this ministry and please come and visit us when ever you can.

Our hope and prayer is to let as many of you know about the ranch as possible so that the hope it will bring and the lives it will change and the encouragement it will provide can start as soon as possible. The ranch will be a one of a kind facility and will offer an option to many like no other.

When God has a plan and like our friend Mike and Pastor Lyle wisely told us just keep your focus and don't let the distractions pull you away from God's purpose. 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. We are a faith based training center and our hope is to give each person that comes to the ranch an opportunity to find the skill they were created for.

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. If it were not for caring people in their lives that never gave up on them or thought they were a hopeless cause they too would still be lost.

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 and would very much appreciate your help in what ever way you can. Even if you could help with a small one time donation or a larger one it would help so much to bring this life changing facility and place of hope to be opened by this fall.

This is a ministry for those that have a heart and desire to make a difference in the lives of others with the skills and gifts they have been blessed with and have a desire to pass on what they know to the next generation.

You are always welcome to visit and we look forward to your input. This ministry is prayer based, and we pray daily for the needs of others, if you have a need for prayer and not sure where to start give us a call and we will confidentially support and help you in this area. You may not know a lot about God but God knows everything about you and He loves you more than anyone can or ever will.

God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Harold & diane Stephan and

Board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 1-3O6-825-7734 OR

haroldstephan@hotmail.com

WHY WE PRAY AND HOPE THAT

YOU WILL GIVE JESUS A CHANCE IS BECAUSE

THE LIFE YOU REALLY WANT AND CAN HAVE IS UP TO YOU

HERE'S ALL YOU NEED TO DO

DON'T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT AND HERE'S WHY

#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 that won't let you down

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.

We all need and are searching for choices and option every day in our lives.

We want you

to know that you do have a choice as to where you will spend eternity and we just like to

let you know that even in those last minutes of life if you call out to Jesus with all your

heart He will be there for you. Just look at the criminal that hung on the cross beside

Jesus. Each and every one of us make choices every day about the life we want to live

while we are here on this earth but very few know about the option we have available to us

when it comes to eternity. God really does love you, Jesus really died for you and the

Holy Spirit will come and live in you. Just give Him a chance today