Mike's Birthday

DECEMBER 4 / 1987 we were so blessed with our fourth baby, a boy and we named him Michael.

Michael has always blessed us with his gentle spirit and warm smile and love for life.

Happy birthday Michael we love you so much and are so proud of the man you have become.

Can't wait till your's and Wendy's little girl is born.

Friday's Frenzy

We are so thankful to Charlene for all the work and support she pours into the ranch project, it's not always easy but nothing worth while is.

As we wait for the engineers to complete the plans for the lodge, James and Larry work tirelessly at framing and preparing the shop food services area.

God is so good as we continue to be blessed with new inquiries very day as to the ranch and how great and caring people can help. As I met with a great elderly couple that called and asked me over for coffee today we spoke of the community that we live in and they shared with me that those that care about our community will continue to help, and the ranch will be what God has planned for it to be.

A lady in front of curves stopped to talk to me in the car and wanted an update on the ranch, there was a time I was not sure where she and her husband stood but as we spoke I sensed a change of heart and her last words were " it will be so good for us all when it's up and going", and then wished us all the best.

Diane and I know that when couples pray together mountains are move and families stay strong. Go figure!!!

The Story of Baby Jesus (Children's Version) -maybe-

A long time ago, in the town of Nazareth, lived a young girl named Mary.

Mary did her chores, was kind to others, and loved God very much. She was engaged to be married to Joseph, who was a carpenter in her community.

One day, while Mary was at home cleaning her room, she was shocked as an angel suddenly appeared.

Before Mary could say anything the angel told Mary that she was favored by God, and that God was with her.

Mary was very surprised. She was trying not to be afraid, but she had never seen an angel before.

After all, Mary was just a regular person like you or I. Why was this angel visiting her?

What did the angel want? The angel quickly tried to reassure Mary, "Do not be afraid!" the angel said. "God has found favor with you. You will have a baby, a baby boy, and you are to give him the name Jesus."

Mary was confused, she was not yet married to Joseph, so how could she have a baby? The angel thought that this might concern Mary, so he said, "The Holy Spirit will perform a miracle within you, and because of this your baby will be called the Son of God."

To Mary's surprise the angel had more exciting news; "Even now your cousin Elizabeth, is going to have a son in her old age. Many thought that she couldn't have children, but now she is already pregnant. Nothing is impossible with God."

Mary couldn't believe what she was hearing, she didn't know what to say. She realized that she was trembling, and knelt down. When she was finally able to speak she said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I hope everything you have said will come true."

The angel then disappeared, and Mary was left alone. Soon after, Joseph who also loved God with all his heart, found out that Mary was going to have a baby. Joseph was confused and upset by this.

But an angel came to him in a dream and said, "Joseph do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.

The child Mary is going to have is God's son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." When Joseph woke up he remembered what the angel had said to him.

He knew that everything was okay, and he wasn't upset anymore. In those days the government decided that they should count everyone that lived in that area of the world.

So Joseph had to take Mary to his home town, Bethlehem to register in the census. It took Mary and Joseph a long time to get to Bethlehem. They didn't have cars back then, so it probably took them a lot longer to get there on the back of a donkey.

This was very tiring for Mary because she was soon going to have a baby. When they reached the town, all the hotels were full and there was nowhere that they could find to stay.

Finally, someone had compassion for them, and offered them a place to stay in their back yard.

The Bible doesn't say for sure where they stayed but most people think that they stayed in a small barn where animals were kept. In any case, doesn't it seem strange that Jesus, the King of the Jews wasn't born in a fancy palace, hospital or even a home?

Mary and Joseph were thankful that they at least had a place to lay down. It was warm, and there was plenty of straw to lay on. That night an exciting, wonderful thing happened.

Mary and Joseph had a baby! But it wasn't just any baby, it was Baby Jesus! The creator of the whole world, the King of Kings, the one who would save the world. The little baby boy fell asleep in Mary's arms and she wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger on some clean fresh hay.

Mary and Joseph soon fell asleep, they were so glad to have this special baby join their family. What a Silent Night, what a Holy Night.

Thursday the day of change

We had our first real flushing toilet at the ranch today, for most of our volunteers that's as good as it needs to get. But for James who would not use one of our deluxe model supremo Porto potties this is the day that the Lord has made being at the ranch a whole lot more enjoyable. As water starts to flow and our sewer system runs down hill we are starting to feel a whole lot more civilized all the time.

Please keep the ranch in mind as you plan your year end giving. The ranch is at the stage that it is at because of friends like you that have chosen to give into God's work here out at the Battle River Ranch.

The very idea of just giving money away injures the heart of capitalism, right? "Why should I part with my hard-earned money," you may say. "I've worked hard for it and I intend to keep it." point, but let me explain some things to you.

1 - Helping others give you a sense of pride knowing that you have the means to let go of some of your wealth and still have plenty left for your needs.

2 - It feels good to know that someone is worse off than you are and you have the means to help. Taking a look occasionally at all you have gives you more of a perspective on how fortunate you really are.

3 - If you can part with money, you know that money isn't the most important thing in your life.

4 - Think of it as a kind of hedge fund. If you contribute now, the organization will still be there for you in the future if you or your loved ones should have to use its services such as the "Teen Challenge " charity. After all, we all know some one affected by drug and alcohol abuse!

5 - If you have faith in a cause, as the old adage goes, "Put your money where your mouth is." Support what you believe in. The charity cannot survive long if people like you fail to support it monetarily. Ask yourself how you would feel if that charity did cease for lack of support, your support. You may have a moral responsibility here, so take time to consider the consequences of your actions or neglect thereof.

6 - To some, the best reason of all is that you can take most donations off your taxes. This fact alone may be all you need to donate more than just your time. This gesture of generosity comes right back to your own advantage and you don't have long to wait for the old "what goes around, comes around."

7 - Just knowing that someone is benefiting from your kindness can be a self -validating experience. You know that you have intrinsic value but it's nice to have it reaffirmed.

8 - Being a part of something larger than you yourself can give you a kind of comfort or sense of belonging.

9 - Caring gets your mind off your own troubles, for awhile anyway.

10 - Remember the phrase "Charity begins at home"?

Well, it begins in your home.

You know what will happen if you leave the funding of your favorite charities in the hands of other people.

It may or may not get accomplished.

You don't want the future of your charity to be left in the hands of strangers. This argument alone should get you running to phone, grabbing the nearest pen and your checkbook, or getting online to donate something somewhere.

If you are considering donating to your favorite charity, remember to give what you can. Don't be cheap, but don't "give the farm away" either. Be generous, but don't cause yourself financial hardship. You don't want to become a recipient of the charity to which you have just donated.

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.

God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Harold & diane Stephan and

Board of Directors of the Battle River Ranch Camp

Wednesday Report

When we hear good news about fellow workers, do we rejoice with them or become critical and judgemental? If we find ourseves comparing our life's circumstances to others and don't feel we measure up, recognize that this is one of satan's greatest ploys to destroy us and our serenity. Christ has given us all things in Him. He has a unique plan for each of us that cannot be compared to another. He alone is our security. We need to always trust in the purposes He has for our lives.

James and Larry are getting a lot accomplished on the washrooms that will make life a whole lot more comfortable for every one. What blessing it will be to have washrooms and not the old out houses for those that could not handle them.

Diane and I spent the day at meetings, book work and phone calls, James and Larry headed out to the ranch and so the day was full and and God is so gracious as we seek strength and comfort from Him alone

PRAYER FOR COURAGE

Almighty God, who gives strength to the weak and upholds those who might fall, give me courage to do what is right, for those that trust in you have no need to fear.

Make be brave to face any danger which may now threaten me.

Give me the help that you have promised to those who ask it, that I may overcome my fears and go bravely forward.

Fill me with courage, that nothing which is my duty to do, may be too hard for me. Let me put my trust in your power and goodness.

Thank you my Lord.