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)

Family & Friend Socials

Something to Ponder!!!!!

Family and friend socials, are they just an over-rated luxury or are they a necessity?????

As the staff and trainees of The Battle River Ranch Camp do our best to prepare the lodge in order to host our first Annual Ranch Christmas Gala, we are so excited!
A spirit of co-operation is necessary as we work together to get the project done.

We hope to enjoy God's gift of His son to each of us through the Christmas message from Luke, Chapter 2. Then with Christmas stories from season's past and sharing traditions that different families incorporate into their celebrations, we'll get new ideas for the future. Of course, to follow will be lots of great food, fresh air, and tobogganing. Maybe at one of the future gala's, there will be a rope tow to get us back up the hill!

If you are in the area, please stop in for a coffee, tea, hot apple cider or hot chocolate. The spur of the moment times, often seem to be the best!

Our new little puppy Kashi, is adapting well to her new home and Diane has even found a soft spot for her.

Larry and Caleb have spent hours tiding up and hauling chairs and tables. Peg is busy sewing and Forbes is working on repairing our vehicles.

Sam is busy studying for his GED, so join us in prayer for him as he works towards that.

We, here at the ranch, have had another great year and because of all of you and your prayers, the miracles continue. Praise the Lord!

**************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

Risky business

So much snow everywhere and Larry spent the day cleaning up all our road ways. We also have tools and equipment set aside, a beautiful Christmas tree all set up and chairs set up for a Sunday afternoon Christmas get together.Nothing fancy but we know Jesus is going to join us and that's all we need to have the greatest time ever.

Fasting and revelation to draw near his father.
Jesus fasted for revaluation and we are called to fast for the same reasons. Unless we do not want revaluation or clear understanding we are called and should fast regularly.
In time past there were those that did not want to read the bible or were not allowed to read the bible or it was presented in languages that made it near impossible to read or understand.
Also there were those that did not want most of us to read and seek understanding throughout God's word the Holy Bible as it would reveal man made agendas and control.
Also many individuals were in the past and still are, too lazy and apathetic to dig in, read and seek God's will for each of us in His word. Today as in times past most are more than willing to be led in any direction we are told with no real interest in biblical freedoms and truths.
Today we are free to read, understand and draw nearer than ever to our risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Fasting is an important step in our faith journey, ordained and lived out as part of our saviours life as we read in God's word Jesus was revealed truth and understanding through fasting. This incredible act and it's blessing are available to each of us, but many are discouraged from applying this process in their lives for fear that truth will be revealed or they may die if they don't get the food they want.
In a world were there are 32,000 variations of Christianity and a lot of damaging food, truth may not be a bad revaluation.
I have heard it said that if one fasts, he may become dilutional , weak and faint. That his mind will not work properly. Hmmm is that what happened to Jesus.
Fasting is healthy for body, soul and mind always. And what's the worst that can happen;
- loose weight
- healing in our body
- more time to read God's word
- more time to pray
- more time to talk to God
- more time to hear from God
- more time to understand God
- more time to bless others
So I guess that if these are the worst that will happen during fasting it may not be so bad.
ps - I have never heard of any one dying from a fast, but I have talked to many that said the first few days they felt like they were going to die.


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

Devotion

Well what a day this has been, very cold and a way lot if snow every where. We are all very busy trying to get the lodge ready for Christmas visitors, family and friends. Our electrician friend Tom left me with a whole lot of work to be done on the electrical.
Also as Larry headed out to check the pump house on his routine perimeter ranch check, he came around the hill heading up to the pump house and much to his surprise a river was flowing down from the pump house. So with out much a due and a lot of haste he turned that big old blessed Payloader around and headed to find Harold. When he came rushing into the lodge out of breath and said we got us a problem up at the pump house.
In minutes we were both in the suburban and on our way to see what needed to be done. Well as we opened the pump house door and water spraying every where we got the power off and did a quick investigation of the mess and damage but our anxiety was short lived as we looked at each other and realized we would have no problem fixing this massive problem and damage as we had our leathermans with us, PTL.
After all repairs were successfully completed and shortly water pressure was restored to the entire ranch, leathermans were returned to their pouches and we headed back to the lodge for a hot cup of coffee. Wow what a day and thank God what a friend we have in Jesus for blessing us with such incredible tools.

RANCH MIRACLE NEEDS
-Monthly diesel donars or any amount of fuel.
-Flooring materials for all three levels of lodge ceramic tile, linoleum or laminate
-Light fixtures for entire lodge.
-Labour help for - carpentry, electrical, plumbing, yard work, equipment operation.
-Financial 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

New hope is borne

Christmas is the time of year that the overflow of Gods love pours out of our lives. It's a time to raise the hope standard, as we often need to force ourselves to look beyond our immediate lives and families.
In the past few weeks we have seen lives changed and hope renewed like never before out here at the ranch as the hope of our saviour Jesus Christ burst out of his children to build hope into lost lives.
Diane and Harold at the ranch need your help to give a struggling generation the opportunity to experience their gifts and talents, than move on to productive lives.
Together we can make a difference. Please consider a donation to the Battle River Ranch Camp.
Thank you and God's blessing on each of you.
Yesterday a child was born to Blaine and Elisa, Ethan William Stephan, another plumber boy to channel goodwill and help each of us to see God's love for mankind. Love those miracles with more to come.

RANCH NEEDS
-Monthly diesel donars or any amount of fuel.
-Flooring materials for all three levels of lodge, ceramic tile, linoleum or laminate, 5600 sq ft
-Labour help for - carpentry, electrical, plumbing, yard work, equipment operation.
-light fixtures
-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.

PLEASE take some time to come and see us as we don't get out much these days.

**************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

Road map of HOPE

This past weekend was an adventure as we were travelling to promote the work of the ranch.

Our first stop was with friends who graciously fed us and blessed us with
a warm bed and some wonderful sharing time.
Beautiful home schooled family, excited to hear about the options we have at the ranch for their children after they graduate.
Then to find out their son is living and working near the ranch & looking for a place to volunteer to help make a difference in people's lives. God is so good!

Rock Solid Refuge was the next stop, and there we were able to see a great work happening. Excitement rose as our vision unfolded and young people realized that Battle River Ranch offered another choice for the future.
Another amazing ministry we are able
to partner with and share hope for
young men who have no vision for
their future to be able to find where
they are gifted at in the trades.
So encouraging to see the hope
in their faces as we explain how
the ranch works and how this could
be the next step for them if they
stick with the program.

Then over to Golden Prairie and spoke with friends there who offered an opportunity to share with their friends about the Ranch vision. Also more wonderful hospitality and amazing food & some much appreciated R & R time. It is so amazing to watch how God continues to use regular everyday people to accomplish His purposes and to instil hope for so many. We are so blessed to meet these wonderful people God has put into our lives everywhere we go.

Sunday was an opportunity to share with a church community there. We were very blessed with a time to have coffee and goodies afterwards and to answer many questions.

A snowy journey and then got to visit with family overnight on the way back. What a wonderful blessing!

Then we had a great conversation with Joe from Joe's place in Moose Jaw as we travelled. Always so encouraged as we here of the many incredible stories of lives being changed and seeing how God opens the doors so we can partner together with these ministries. Allowing so many of these young people to see the hope there is for their future.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Meanwhile, back at the ranch......................................
drywalling, carpeting, plumbing, electrical, installing pine, and lessons in how trades can work together to get a job done.

Between the lodge and Whitefire Construction RTM, a hub of activity shows progress everytime a visit to the ranch comes up.

Saturday work parties can be fun as well as work, so if you can participate, call 780-870-7343 to get more details.

Donated cupboards for the lodge are coming soon, and more electrical supplies have been donated. We are so thankful!

Some finishing items are needed to complete some rooms, so if you can be a small contributor to a big cause, call Harold to find out how you can help him complete a project or two.

The Ranch now has set up a pre-authorized donation plan, which makes it easy if you would like to contribute on a regular basis. One time gifts are always welcome, too!

Snow Birds--Alberta definition-if you happen to be a retired couple that doesn't like to put sunscreen on daily for the winter in the States, here is an opportunity. It would be great to have a retired couple to live out at the ranch to make the house a home during the transition time until Diane and Harold are completely moved out there. If you like baking cookies and mentoring people and being an ambassador for the ranch, call and hear the vision! It might be just what you are looking for to re-fire your life.

Until next time-----------------Battle River Ranch update