Christmas News Letter

CROSSMAN MINISTRIES

BATTLE RIVER RANCH CAMP

CHRISTMAS NEWS LETTER 2011

Trying to wrap our heads around the fact that another year has come and gone and there is so much to be thankful for and excited about. Seems like I was just starting a new journal and now it tells me there's only a few days till Christmas. Going back some years and reflecting on our lives lived without any real purpose and the only real excitement of a year gone by, was the new years eve party. Don't get us wrong we love a good party as much as anyone, but it's the purpose of the party that has to count for something. Our children need to know that we as parents need to honour God with all our lives and to make positive and life giving choices.

Howmany people don't know that;

-You can have the time of your life without alcohol or drugs

-You can find a way to rebuild a relationship there is hope

-Selfishness is the root of all social problems

-and the best choice of all is

-You can call out for Jesus to save you ANYTIME.

Be a part of keeping the blessings and miracles moving

Be a part of changing lives of men and women right here at home

We have been through an incredible journey of challenge and growth out at the ranch this year. A year that has brought every one involved so much closer to God and each other. A year and a half ago the property that the ranch lies on was a barren piece of pasture land and today has infra structure, power, gas, water and sewer, a huge shop, office and meeting facility, and a new Lodge. We can think and dream small, but when we think and dream incredibly large God will and does bless it all. God places visions and dreams in all of us and it is so sad to see that most dreams and hopes, will be barried out in the back grave yard because of fear. We encourage each and everyone to step out of the boat, out of you comfort zone, out of your man made security and into God's provision and excitement of miracles and new beginnings.

Starting our year we had our new shop closed in and able to be used, we then turned our focus to the lodge that was ready to go, as the footings were poured in the fall and well cured. The basement walls went up very well and thanks to the many, many volunteers the lodge began to take shape. Once the basement was completed we moved up to the next level. Kinda like our lives it's not till we have the courage to move on and up to the next level that we start to see more clearly from a higher level or from higher ground that there is so much more to this life that God has so abundantly blessed each and every one of us with. As the main floor was built and erected we could start to see the many lives that would be impacted for God just by the young and older volunteers that brought such positive dynamics to the work place. Mentorship was happening all over the place as we watched wisdom and love being pored into listening lives and hearts.

Be a financial donor at this time of year and give the gift of hope

July 18 the ranch lodge was destroyed by a terrible storm and we were left with a pile of rubble where only hours before was a constructed lodge. As we did the only thing we could do we drew nearer to or Lord and saviour for strength and understanding to carry us through this time. We seemed to have paid so much for insurance but was not adequate for this type of disaster. So after two weeks of meeting and inspections we needed to move ahead.

So Aug long weekend just two weeks later plans were in place for a regional CMA Christian Motor Cycle Ass. regional rally here at the ranch and it was at one point we suggested to cancel and have it else where as we were in such a mess at the ranch. But, in the only way that God works, the rally was changed to include a massive cleanup and salvage operation like no other. Men and women from across western Canada came by semi, motorcycle, and auto. Pay loaders and cranes were in place, and food by the truck loads started to arrive. Hope on wheels started to roll onto the property of the Battle River Ranch Camp as early as Wednesday. Men and women worked side by side to be the hands and hearts of God.Evenings we were blessed by the LGF worship band and Sunday we headed up to Onion Lake to share and minister at Pastor Martin's church and I tell you do these people love Jesus.

By the end of August walls were going back up on the lodge and our community was behind us all the way. Our local news media was with us all the way and covered the disaster and the rebuild. Church leaders encouraged us with support and Prayer. One pastor said the ranch is about building and rebuilding lives and as the world travels by each and every day, they will see by example what we are made of, as we work together to recover and rebuild the lodge.

By the end of September the second floor was well on the way to being constructed and set in place. Beams recovered from the rubble were restored and raised into place and rafters lifted and set and secured. Local contractors and businesses took time from their busy schedules to help get the lodge back on track by donating materials and help.

As I make my weekly stops at local businesses there are many times I could just stop, go home and not bother another business or person for help to build this place of hope. Probably it was more my own feeling of inadequacy and always questioning GOD why me I just don't feel I have what it takes. Then one day as I was driving past a business that I was not familiar with, God made me stop and backup against my will of course but back we went. I walked into the front office and asked to speak to the manager who was right beside me and he invited me into his office. I told him who I was and a bit about the ranch but he seemed to be pretty up to date on the ranch. He asked what can I do to help you so I explained a part of the lodge that needed supplies and shared a list of needed materials. He then went to a place I never expected. For a minute as he shared that the ranch would be and do all it's meant to do. But that what we were doing was far more important to this community than we knew. He said that sometimes we in this community tended to be hard, cold and and often tight with our giving. He said don't stop doing what your doing because it helps to warm and soften the hearts of all of us in our community. He also donated everything I asked for, boy God is so good all the time.

By the end of October the roof of the lodge was completed and inside framing was being done. The basement floor was prepped and ready for concrete, beams and pillars were installed around the perimeter to secure the over hang and build the base for the perimeter deck. More people are just stopping in for information and donations all the time.

By the end of November windows and doors were installed and roof shingled and electrical was being installed also and near completion. We need to have the lodge insulated and of course the best and strongest way would be to spray foam the entire building at a cost we cannot afford. Then once again God has provided us with a huge blessing and a company that will insulate the entire building with spray foam for us. Our resources to finish the lodge due to the disaster have depleted and we are moving ahead a bit slower but yet ahead. God is supplying all our daily needs and each and every day we have work to do to keep the project moving ahead PTL.

Each and every day since we set foot on the land, donated to God's vision of building confidence and purpose filled lives in men and women of our communities in the areas of trades and basic life skills, very few days go by with out a miracle or more to assure each of us that his love is complete and there for each of us.

From our families to yours with all the love of the Father who gave His Son as a child in a manger.

So many of you have done so much to provide a place of encouragement and hope where there seems to be no hope. Diane and I and the board of directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp would like to thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts, and that we will do all we can and by the grace of God, create a place that will be such a blessing and help to many.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR

To give: Go to www.crossmanministries.com DONATE on line or

Send your donations to- Crossman Ministries BRRC, Box 11403

Lloydminster, Alberta T9V-3B7 or

Ph. 1-306-825-7734 or 1-780-205-4743