Monday and we've come so far

Not bad for a blessed Monday we had a bit of running around to do this morning and out to the ranch to get ready for more work with the horses. They need their shots and today's the day that it's going to happen. We need to separate them and get them ready for the works. Amazing how God lookout for all of His creation even His horses. Go Figure!!!

Elisa spent the day finishing up over at the garden and what a garden we will be blessed with, if only we can control the weeds. We all pitched in to make lunch and the left over chicken smokies and burgers along with a healthy feast of fresh fried patties seemed to go over very well. Cheryl Freisen blessed us with a huge helping of home made cookies to wind our meal up so we were all very full and happy campers.

James, Larry and I got more of the roofing done as we are being blessed with a roofer to come and do our shingles next week. This evening as James and I worked late another couple dropped by and just wanted to walk around and enjoying the peaceful evening. The coyote's were very vocal this evening and sounded so cool.

The word of God is a life giving force (Ezekiel 37)

The only Reason Ezekiel was able to do what he did was because he was filled with the spirit and word of God! If we want to speak life to those around us or to our situations then we have to be filled up with and living in the word. Period! (Ez. 3:3) Remember: 'Gods word in Gods mouth is as powerful as Gods word in your mouth!' If you Eat it, you will breathe it and there will be life!

God is Not a genie:

We can't live our life any way we want and expect God to hear us when the chips are down. (Isa. 59:1-2) Judgement came on Israel because they continued to rebel against God not because God couldn't save them! Our sin is what separates us from God!

A pig is a pig:

We can dress up a pig all we like but in the end you still have the same thing, a pig! We can try to cover our sin all we want but the fact is it is still sin! We may fool those around us but we will never fool God! If you are wanting Freedom you have to deal with the pigs in your life! If not they will drag you back to the pig pen!

Submit to God's Authority:

If you do not submit to authority you will never gain authority!

Only by submitting to Gods authority will you have the authority to speak life into your situation or someones else's!

The Word of God is a Probing instrument: (Heb. 4:12)

Before an operation we have to sign a consent form to allow the doctor to cut us open. We know operations are painful but without them we will likely die! So sign the consent form! Submit to God and allow Him through His word to operate on you and cut out what has been killing you. It's only by cutting, probing, exposing and removing that we can ever expect to get well and live a life of FREEDOM!

God bless you and thanks for being apart of what God is doing here at The Battle River Ranch Camp

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.

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.

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.

TO DONATE : and help us to impact lives for the future of our country

If you are able to and would like to make a very needed and appreciated donation to this worthy project that is changing lives now and forever PLEASE consider making a donation to:

CROSSMAN MINISTRIES / BRRC

Box 11403

Lloydminster, Ab.

T9V 3B7

As a registered charity your tax deductable receipts will be sent out at the end of the year.

Once again we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering The Battle River Ranch Camp a life skills and trades introduction opportunity, as a option to support financially, an option that is making a differance in the lives of our young men and women right here at home in Canada.

Every donation makes it happen no matter what the size of donation you are able to help us with. God has allowed Diane and I to meet many of you and we want to assure each of you, your donations will be used wisely to build a facility that will change lives for ever.

God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Harold & diane Stephan and

Board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp

Sunday can't beat that day

Great day for a family picnic after church out at the ranch. We then all pitched in and planted the garden. A pile of sand and a few toys and every adult is envious.

Kinda neat as we worked away at the garden and folks from other communities and churches stopped in to just have some quiet time and walk around the ranch. The ranch is blessed with a peace that is hard to find anywhere else, this we are told often. As it all comes together our hope is it will be a destination for many to find peace in the middle of a busy a cayotic world. Had a guy stop by with and idea today for the ranch. He heard that if a person has a troubled background they needed at least one year of total clean and trouble free life and he may be willing to work with them to get them through that year as he believes the ranch is great incentive for them. He himself came from a troubled background and knows all to well the difference some positive help can make in a persons life.

We feed a lot of helpers and visitors to the ranch every week and if you have any hamburger or extra meat in your freezer and would consider donating it, we would be blessed to make food multiply out here at the Battle River Ranch Camp.

We had a concrete silo donated to the ranch and as I walked around and thanked the Lord for it I looked at the surfice rust and the few dints in it as it lay on it side and that with a bit of attention and work this silo will be back up and running good as new and serving the Lord's work. Wow that's no different then any of us that choose to be followers of Jesus Christ. He cleans us up pops out those dints and washes us white as snow. Hmm Go figure!!!

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.

As God moves us ahead, we do need your help if at all possible. Please consider a monthly or one time donation to this ministry and please come and visit us when ever you can.

TO DONATE :

If you are able to and would like to make a very needed and appreciated donation to this worthy project that is changing lives now and forever PLEASE consider making a donation to:

CROSSMAN MINISTRIES / BRRC

Box 11403

Lloydminster, Ab.

T9V 3B7

As a registered charity your tax deductable receipts will be sent out at the end of the year.

Once again we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering The Battle River Ranch Camp a life skills and trades introduction opportunity, as a option to support financially, an option that is making a differance in the lives of our young men and women right here at home in Canada.

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

Saturday So Blessed so about Jesus

Saturday work day again was a lot of fun and most of the excitement comes from being in God's plan and as we work and build we also share and talk about all that God is doing in our lives as we support and pray for each other. Our devotions are always challenging and always bring out more questions then we have time to figure out.

We celebrated James's completion of his journeyman's [ Inter-provincial red seal] plumbing and gas fitting apprenticeship. The whole family assembled at Spiro's and as usual we were blessed over and over again.

As our goal is to be able to start with our first trainees on September 5 so we need your help in any way possible especially we need you to hold us in prayer. There is so much yet to accomplish and only by the grace of God will it all come together.

Blaine arrived back from Edmonton with his new truck [a Dodge] for work and also spent the afternoon working on the ranch.

What a blessing to have all the rocks we need to build a very attractive stone wall around the lodge.

The garden is under way and again we have been so blessed by the Willis family with seed potatoes for another bumper crop.

God is all about building and preparation. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Psalm 127:1

The comment made was doesn't this whole thing scare you sometimes and what if you run out of money, well 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 as we head for higher ground

Another great and blessed day out at the ranch as we build the ground around the lodge, work on the lodge roof and more equipment arrived. Also all our windows and doors have arrived so hopefully in te next few weeks the lodge will take on another look.

What Footprints will you leave?

Everywhere you go, you leave footprints; in the sand, in the snow, in the mud, in the dust, and in lives, for all time, to those that will follow …

Footprints are temporary records. They get washed away by water, blown away by the wind, and they disappear with time. Nothing is left but unanswered questions...

Who made them? Where were they going? Were they happy? Were they sad?

Were they teaching? Were they guiding? Were they helping?

At the beach did they pickup seashells? Did they chase seagulls by the water?

Were they lovers holding hands?

Were they small children exploring the beach for the very first time?

When it snowed, did they make a snowman? Did they throw snowballs?

Were they a father trying to save his family?

Were they a mother with a heavey load

Were they a soldier's fighting for freedom and those he loved

And the questions go on….

Your memories are the “footprints” in your mind, and only you know the answers...

· Where have you been? - What differance did you make?

· What have you done? - What hope did you share?

· What have you seen? - What legacy did you leave?

· What have you touched? - What will you be remembered by?

· What were your thoughts? - What will they say at your funeral?

The answers to these questions, and many more, will be — YOUR FOOTPRINTS FOREVER.

Fooprints in the sand

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

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.

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.

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.

TO DONATE : and help us to impact lives for the future of our country

If you are able to and would like to make a very needed and appreciated donation to this worthy project that is changing lives now and forever PLEASE consider making a donation to:

CROSSMAN MINISTRIES / BRRC

Box 11403

Lloydminster, Ab.

T9V 3B7

As a registered charity your tax deductable receipts will be sent out at the end of the year.

Once again we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering The Battle River Ranch Camp a life skills and trades introduction opportunity, as a option to support financially, an option that is making a differance in the lives of our young men and women right here at home in Canada.

Every donation makes it happen no matter what the size of donation you are able to help us with. God has allowed Diane and I to meet many of you and we want to assure each of you, your donations will be used wisely to build a facility that will change lives for ever.

God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Harold & Diane Stephan and

Board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp