What does happiness look like?

As we look out over the ranch property signs of a lot if fun are visible everywhere. Toboggans at the bottom of the snow hill, skidoo tracks every where and walking trails well packed all signs if a lot of winter wonderland fun. The sparkling snow, horses walking by and every so often the barking of a determined dog after another fast and in shape rabbit. Signs of a lot of happy people.
HEY HOW HAPPY ARE YOU?
* How happy are you at your job?
Statistics are showing that 70% of all people in the workplace are unhappy with their jobs. And somehow that unhappiness is migrating back into the homes of our nation. Back to our marriages, back to our families, and back to our communities. Can you imagine if that statistic could be turned around and 70% of all workers absolutely enjoyed their place of work and their jobs.
Now there are probably a lot of other probabilities and possibilities but the Battle River Ranch Camp has got a few great ideas starting with our five-month program where you can learn a new trade and life skill with opportunities to discover the one that suits you best. Imagine going to work excited and full of anticipation for what the day has a head.
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV) Hmmm who would have thought.
Hey give us a call would love to hear from you God bless and have a great day.

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 and positive life skill.
TO DONATE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE;
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 right here at home PLEASE consider making a donation to:CROSSMAN MINISTRIES / BRRC, (Battle River Ranch Camp) or visit our web site for direct donating and more information, thank you very much we cannot do it alone.
Be a blessing to someone today.

Test run

Head for the light switch

Often we may feel
Like we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Hang in and always remember there are never shadows were there is no light

Out here at the ranch that covers almost 80 acres of prime God blessed land, every square inch will be used to build character, hope and new ways to help men, women and families as they transition from receiving help to giving help.
We often hear that we are some sort of addictions and recovery facility. Well, we are not really that at all, but as I was looking across this great ranch and realizing all the many area's needing development to get us fully set up, I realized we are a perfect place for anyone that has found themselves addicted to money or money comes your way easy and all the time. Well well, can help you, as you register for our exciting five month semester you will experience and be part of life changing projects, activities and events. Hmmmmm!!!!
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 and positive life skill.
TO DONATE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE;
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 right here at home PLEASE consider making a donation to:CROSSMAN MINISTRIES / BRRC, (Battle River Ranch Camp) or visit our web site for direct donating and more information, thank you very much we cannot do it alone.
And Hey;
Be a blessing to someone today.

Is there hope left at all

A NEW SEASON IS UPON US!

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 & 3b

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven... a time to break down and a time to build...”

Much like the brilliant colors of the fall trees or the sight of a fresh snow fall, the feelings are vibrant with the changed spirit and opportunities for those who choose to be attentive to the turn of the seasons. God has never disappointed us with His incredible beauti and creativity. They are new every day. How many of you want the same old things? Not me. We have passed through a season of breaking ground in so many ways and we have now stepped into a season of new exciting plans and purposes of God. As Diane and I have traveled to many communities we have heard your hearts. It is a resounding echo of the heart of God. The fires are burning and God is now blowing to create a blazing flame of hope into the lives of the next generation of men and women that are seeking a future.

THE DRY SEASON HAS PASSED!

Isn't it interesting that when lighting a fire it is always the dry wood that ignites first and brings the greatest flames. The Lord showed us that there are many, many people all over this nation who have been hidden and have even been feeling dried up and that nobody even notices or cares. These people have been on the heart of the Lord! Drawing near to Him, praying and waiting. God sees and has prepared them to create His fire. They are a part of a new fire that reveals the heat of God's glory. Because they have done their work, remained faithful, been hidden, no longer needing the lime light, God can now trust them and He is bringing them forth. God now is wanting to set this nation, the nation of Canada, on fire with His glory, with His purposes, with His Heart. He desires to set it afire -- to set it ABLAZE!!!!.

God is calling for new prayer released from His heart, ablaze with His fire, filled with His voice. Remember the burning bush that Moses saw? That bush was on fire. But with what was that bush filled? It was God's presence, His voice. This is what God wants to do right now with you, speaking to our communities with a strong new blaze.

In communicating to as many of you as possible, we are asking God that we would be as Moses coming to that burning bush. He must have felt like saying, "I am of no use. I am old and dried up. My time has come and gone." But God was preparing him to be set on fire to go forward in His name. Moses' work was not over when he thought it was. It was just beginning. Every word that God had said, God did.

I know there are many of you who still have much to give. It is time to live and not die. God is now establishing many people who have this heart to be set ablaze for God and his purposes. Our hope is that you also want everything within you to bring the fire and hope of God to our families and communities.

It is time to be set on fire for God and to build hope into lives set aside by apathy and selfishness.

“And to all you successful business men and women, I want to say this is your time. You have an opportunity that is unprecedented, that you have never had before. God is opening up something to each of you through this tremendous gate that He has put in place. It is God's hour. It is your hour for the business of Canada to arise. There is a blessing God wants to give them. There is a new peace He wants to give you, because He wants you to walk through His gate to bring forth the new strong hope of this nation in a mighty powerful way. To awaken us all to the times in which we live that He is causing an army of professionals to arise in this hour. God has prepared us for this time in all history. We hope to see some amazing things happen with The Battle River Ranch Camp it isn't hopeless like some believe. It has been waiting for the embers to be fanned. God is going to cause the ministry to arise, because He has an army of men and women that believe our families are worth it. An army of prayer, praying men and women that are arising in our communities to cover the beautiful vision of hope to stand in agreement with Him for what He intends to do in the lives of our young adults.

AMEN!

In 2013 , Please pray for us as we seek God's face for direction.

Thank you all for your faithfulness and we look forward to seeing you all in 2013. We send much love and wish you all a very blessed Christmas and an amazing exciting New Year.

*************HOPE FOR MORE*************

We as the family of the ranch believe there is so much more hope for each of you and us. Our heart is to always live out the love of God and His Son Jesus in a world that is desperate for real love. If you are struggling in any way with were your life is at, then at this moment take a few minutes and slowly say the prayer that Jesus gave us. Many say what good will that do, just do it and see.
If you need a break from the wreckage of life, jump in your car, truck or motorcycle and get on out here to the ranch. There are lots of hearts and hugs awaiting you.
Do you know that it is for the same reason an atheists cannot find God a drug dealer cannot find a police officer. WOW go figure!!!!!!

The Battle River Ranch Camp is a one and first of a kind, entry level faith based, trades and life skills opportunity facility. Offering an option to anyone that has been searching for an opportunity and is serious about finding out their area of strength and work place career possibilities.

Out hope and prayer is to let as many of you know about the ranch as possible so that the hope it will bring, 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 friends 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 and positive life skill.
Many men and women today have no idea about their future or what they could be good at and to how find out their possible skill area or level. We are a faith based and mentor based training facility and our hope is with the help of anyone that has a heart for helping so many to give each person that comes to the ranch an opportunity to find the skills 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 we would be very appreciative, and 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 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.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

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 right here at home PLEASE consider making a donation to:CROSSMAN MINISTRIES / BRRC or visit our web site for direct donating, thank you very much we cannot do it alone.

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 encourage men and women and 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.
Harold & and Diane Stephan and the board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 1-3O6-825-7734 or 1-780-205-4743
God bless each and everyone

Abandoned

God has placed a vision on every heart of EVERY child that he created to impact and build the kingdom of God right here on the face of this earth.
Diane and I feel we raised the greatest family ever, six wild, crazy, exciting and unique individuals kinda like the ranch? wild, crazy and always exciting, and then after they became adults they just left us, abandant hmmmmm.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)
Building bunk beds with Blaine, and awana races twice a year. Safety patrolling and learning to ride his 50 Honda was always great fun.
Dates out with Jacqui and road trip picnics on the Harley. To watch her doing the neighbours girls hair in braids with lots of care. Times spent telling bed time stories and tickling her back to sitting at the office desk as we designed the next space baby and Jacqui telling me, your the best dad ever.
Dealing with Joey and all the pipes and garden hoses with fountains and floods everywhere then the attempt to get him cleaned up and in for supper with out a mess every where. Racing soap box derby cars and getting his divers license all created memories and excitement fit for a very blessed mom and dad.

Then Came Mike every bit as special as the others with the gift that keeps on giving to this very day. He was our Ferdinand, Mike always kept us caring and loving each other with his gentle smile and loving laughter. He loved our many pets and always needed to know what our workers had in thier lunch boxes. One day I brought home a set of drums to see who would grab hold of the sticks and play and that's when the new Ringo star began.
Then Jimmy bounced into the family and bouncing he never stopped. Off of furniture and building wacking his head under our chuck wagon playhouse. Ripping off and chewing every piece of used gum under every table. Never a dull moment and many a baby sitters ready to walk out after a short time with Jimmy.
Now for one of the greatest tests of ones faith as a new pregnancy and another expected blessing but then serious complications and being told that this child will not survive. But by the grace of almighty God, one miracle after another and four months in hospital we were blessed with a beautiful 7lbs7oz baby girl strong and healthy and another one of God's blessings to us and his kingdom.
Diane and I have been blessed at every stage of our children's lives. The journey not always easy but always an opportunity to draw us closer to God.
Today we desperately miss the hussel and bussel around our home, but we are and always will be thankful for each of our precious children, and the strong men and women of God they have become. Mom and I love you all for ever and ever.
PS. Now with nine incredible grandchildren we are in complete recovery

WE NEED YOUR HELP

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 right here at home PLEASE consider making a donation to:CROSSMAN MINISTRIES / BRRC or visit our web site for direct donating, thank you very much we cannot do it alone.

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 encourage men and women and 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.


Harold & and Diane Stephan and the board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 1-3O6-825-7734 or 1-780-205-4743
God bless each and everyone

How deep does love go

Away she goes as early this morning our first White Fire Home headed off the ranch property and on it's way to it's destination and final resting place.
Some mixed feeling but looking forward To the next one on the blocks.
Lots happening in the basement of the lodge seems never an end to work needing to be done.
If Any of you feel you need someone special to bless this Christmas, Larry and Peg would be a great choice.

As a society we sure don't like to be told that our actions and lifestyles are sinful! That the way we conduct ourselves is harmful to ourselves and to others. No, no. Instead we go about justifying and taking a proverbial dump on anything or anyone that favours the way of loving God and loving our neighbour as an actual way of life itself. But loving God is not an easy path to follow, and loving your neighbour is even more difficult at times. Because loving God means you have to lay down your rights, your ideas about what is best for you, self needs to fall away completely. Why? You might ask. Because the only way you can love your neighbour is if you get beyond your own agenda! Your neighbour is the person that got the promotion you were going for. Your neighbour is the dirty old man that lives on the street just down from where you get your coffee every morning. Your neighbour is the kid you know has been stealing your tools from your garage for the past year. Your neighbour is the homosexual couple that just moved in next door. Your neighbour is the kid that dresses like someone about to do a satanic ritual on your front lawn. Your neighbour is that person that bullied you all through high school and humiliated your in front of the entire school. Daily! Your neighbour is the parent that beat you for most of your adolescent years. Your neighbour is anyone that is not YOU! That includes anyone you do not agree with or do not understand or even call your enemy!

For anyone out there reading this that does not believe in God, that is fine you don't need to believe in order for something to exist. Just know that your not believing does not make God any less real! I believe. I believe in God the Creator. I believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe that there is a profound evil that rules over this world. Yes, you read that correctly. If you do not like what I am saying you are perfectly within your right to delete me as a friend! But you see I am your neighbour too. Funny how two commands from God would bring peace to a world that is suffering if only we would learn to love. The first step is giving up your need to be right and let truth fill up your cup to overflowing. What does love look like?

1Corinthians 4-7
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Message contribution by Michelle Bluet

RANCH MIRACLE NEEDS
-Monthly diesel donars or any amount of fuel.
-Flooring materials for all three levels of lodge ceramic tile or linoleum
-Labour help for - carpentry, electrical, plumbing, yard work, equipment operation.
-Cash donations for daily and future operations.
-Please include us in your daily prayers, thank you.
What an impact we get to see daily as journeyman mentors work side by side each of our trainees.

**************HOPE FOR MORE*************

We as the family of the ranch believe there is so much more hope for each of you and us. Our heart is to always live out the love of God and His Son Jesus in a world that is desperate for real love. If you are struggling in any way with were your life is at, then at this moment take a few minutes and slowly say the prayer that Jesus gave us. Many say what good will that do, just do it and see.
If you need a break from the wreckage of life, jump in your car, truck or motorcycle and get on out here to the ranch. There are lots of hearts and hugs awaiting you.
Do you know that it is for the same reason an atheists cannot find God a drug dealer cannot find a police officer. WOW go figure!!!!!!

The Battle River Ranch Camp is a one and first of a kind, entry level faith based, trades and life skills opportunity facility. Offering an option to anyone that has been searching for an opportunity and is serious about finding out their area of strength and work place career possibilities.

Out hope and prayer is to let as many of you know about the ranch as possible so that the hope it will bring, 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 friends 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 and positive life skill.
Many men and women today have no idea about their future or what they could be good at and to how find out their possible skill area or level. We are a faith based and mentor based training facility and our hope is with the help of anyone that has a heart for helping so many to give each person that comes to the ranch an opportunity to find the skills 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 we would be very appreciative, and 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 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.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

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 right here at home PLEASE consider making a donation to:CROSSMAN MINISTRIES / BRRC or visit our web site for direct donating, thank you very much we cannot do it alone.

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 encourage men and women and 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.


Harold & and Diane Stephan and the board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 1-3O6-825-7734 or 1-780-205-4743
God bless each and everyone

Jesus is the reason

Photo's below

As progress continues out here at the ranch everyone can sense the excitement of what lies ahead. There are days when you have to look around and wonder how will this ever get accomplished and completed, but God in his wisdom and provision moves us on.
Just when we think we are running out of materials more arrives from someone that has chosen to listen and obey God's call to contribute in building the kingdom of God.
Right now our greatest material need is flooring, we need ceramic tile and grout and filler to get these floors covered. We believe that God will provide flooring through those he has plans to bless as they help and donate towards accomplishing the ranch vision as a place of hope.
Everywhere we hear and see" Jesus is the reason for the season" but do we really accept what that means or is it just another temporary feel good fasade.

I believe it is:

For:
- the season
- a season that includes;
- a year to come of;
- all hope
- all joy
- all that gives life
- giving it all
- all peace
- sacrifice
- family
- tears
- celebration
- understanding
- friends
- neighbours
- communities
- desperation
- loneliness
- confusion
- addictions
- purpose
- focus
Now the questions are;
- how have we lived in the past
- how are we living today
- how will we live tomorrow
The reason for the season is to remind us that we are embasidors of the greatest king that has ever lived.

Embassador - a diplomat of the highest rank accredited as a representative. An embassador of goodwill and hope to all.

This is God's prep time, his training ground, his wake up call, his giving it all to get us to give it all.

Can we do it?
Are we up to it?
Are you made of the right stuff?
Who is number one?
Were is our focus?
Who will we impact today?

Or are we even interested in the real reason for the season?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 NIV)