Wednesday Report

Building stronger communities from the disasters that happen with out notice from the strength and goodness of the human heart.

Leadership from the CMA group 90 & 9 out of Regina built the foundation of a blessed and very successful motor cycle rally out at the Battle River Ranch Camp. A planned weekend rally turned into a weekend of blessings for everyone involved, young and old laughed, worked and played as we began the rebuilding of the lodge that was destroyed in a resent storm.

Each and every one that crossed over the cattle crossing onto the ranch property was blessed and poured blessings out to others. The atmosphere was overwhelming God took care of the details as we used our gifts to build the kingdom of God right here in Lloydminster.

Friday it really got rolling as hammers and pry bars did what they do best in the hands of a volunteer. Cranes and payloaders on standby as trained and experienced operators rode in to take the controls and make things happen in the miracle out of the disaster. How great is our God!!!!

Allen Parks a local food vendor along with the professional help of Les and Deb Stokes blessed us all with meals on Saturday that filled us to over flowing. Saturday evening we were blessed with a huge barbaque of turkey's and Lamb thanks to Kendal Smith and his family what a treat what a meal.

Sunday we were able to ride into Lloyminster and attend the service at LGF and then mount up and head up to Onion Lake to share at a camp service to the community there With Pastor Martin. The Music was great, fellowship great and we were fed again to over flowing with love and food to fill the belly and comfort the soul.

There was so much to be done and the overwhelming task seemed would take weeks to accomplish but for those of us that were blessed to watch and partake of the miracle played out it was a sight that you should have seen. Families working together in areas men disassembling rafters and beams, women sorting and pulling nails in such a unified fashion that it drew those in off the highway to ask and often to go get tools and come back and be a part of the lost art of a community working together to build a stronger foundation of hope and vision. Joey a young a 25 year old plumber worked with Jerry a 65 year old contractor and produced dynamics and a friendship that will last for ever. Julie a 13 year old said once the weekend was over I can't wait for next year to see all my new friends again. Jim and Jean from Brandon Man. said we hate to over stay our welcome after they had spent a week, but what a wonderful week this has been.

One family stopped in seeing all the people and action, spent time asking all about the ranch that they had passed by for the past few years and went home to get a whole load of food and supplies that they have committed to bless us with from now on.

We spent time this morning at home and had breakfast with Jim and Jean as they were on thier way back to Brandon Manitoba to pick up a clean supply of clothes change oil and then head to Sturgis South Dekota were they will serve in a local hospital helping with who ever and what ever they can to comfort those that need the love of Jesus in their lives.

I've found that the human heart can accomplish a lot if the condition it works under doesn't get to the head. A healthy heart condition if allowed to go to the head will inevitably begin to justify the situation. And find all kinds of reasons not to follow through doing good by helping others. Things like it may cost me time, money, responsibility, my image, my social position, and even the safety of self. I have even heard it said that if God doesn't tell me the exact details about helping in a situation I will just sit and wait for His exact instructions. I know it all sounds very irresponsible to just go with the heart, but but if it works why change it.

I believe that when Jesus lived out His ministry for all mankind it was a ministry of pouring out hope to those that need it with unconditional love in unconditional situations.

We at the Battle River Ranch Camp hope to live out the ministry of pouring hope and confidence into lives that are ready and are sincerely searching for something better.

Our hope and prayer is; that the Battle River Ranch Camp will continue to be a place of rest and hope to everyone that visits. As so many have come out to help with everything from pounding nails, feeding horses, repairing fences, organizing stock and supplies to feeding us all the greatest meals you could ever be served we are blessed. And to those of you that continue to encourage us with your many emails and notes of encouragement and financial support, thank you to all of you we couldn't do this with out your help. We have had people say everything always sounds so perfect with the ranch project, well this project has been far from a walk in the park but like our pastor warned us there would be the negative and the na sayers but keep your focus and God will guide and direct you towards the vision he gave you for the ranch. He was so right but with God's strength, a great church family and a strong community support body, we press on to the goal. The ranch won't be able to help everyone but thanks to all of you, your prayers and encouragement it will be a one of a kind place of incredible hope, the hope that Jesus came, lived, share and died for. The kind of hope that only unconditional love and the goodness of the human heart can provide.

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

IF YOUR HEART MOVES YOU TO DONATE :

and help us to impact lives for the future of our young adults please;

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

or you can donate directly on line

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