God's Miracle of the Day

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Here are a few pictures and a message from and about our very first active missionary that we met at mission fest Edmonton this year. He stopped at our booth and after some questions and discussion he said he never heard of such a place. He came to learn about welding, small engine and motorcycle service and repair, concrete mixing and application, but left also knowing how to safely operate a backhoe, tractor, quad, do minor plumbing repairs and how to bring God's hope into his hands on work with everyday people in Thailand. And so God brought out Oliver and you can see the pictures and read all about it.

Battle River Ranch Camp

Well the atmosphere is a lot like the last day of camp when all the kids head back to their homes. The camp is quiet and empty and a bit of sadness fills the air. Today Oliver our trainee from Germany and a missionary to Thailand has completed his short term life skills training here at the ranch and now heads back to his wife and children in Calgary, then off to visit family in Germany for a bit. Then they will fly back to Thailand to spend the next few years living and being ambassadors for Christ with a few more skills and a way more confidence. God is so good and what an honour to be able to help God's workers out on the front lines to be better equipt to serve. No matter what the battle you are in, head knowledge is not always enough to get the job done. God gave us a heart, hands and feet to build the kingdom of God and we are very basic and to some irrelevant but we hope that to God and his kingdom builders we can be wisdom, strength and confidence builders. Matthew 6:33 "seek first the kingdom of God and ALL these things shall be added unto you."

Oliver Mayer

Calgary, Alberta

Missionary with OMF - Canada

Serving in Chiangmai

Thailand

Short term trainee

April 17 - 23 - 2016

Battle River Ranch Camp

My stay at Battle River Ranch Camp has been a blessed time of learning practical skills in many areas like welding, plumbing and backhoe operation just to name a few. In only one week I was exposed to a broad range of trade skills that I couldn't have learned anywhere else as far as I'm aware of. In this short but very busy stay with Harold, Diane and Larry I also learned and experienced Christian leadership and hospitality first hand. I very much appreciated them opening up their ministry and their hearts to me. I can definitely recommend to everyone who has an interest in being equipped to be a blessing in practical ways to others - be it on the mission field, right here or abroad - to come out to the ranch for basic life skills training and experience.

Thank you so much

God bless

Oliver Mayer

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Pot in the church, hmmmmmm!!!

Pot, hmmmmmmm

These days, there seems to be an ever-widening gap between what is right, and what is legal or permissible. As Canadians we treasure life, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness. As Christians, we seek to serve and glorify God in all things. But what happens when these ideals come into conflict, particularly when it’s in the “pursuit of happiness”? That’s a question more and more Christians will have to ask themselves as marijuana becomes legal, and alcohol more acceptable.

With the recreational use of marijuana (or pot as its more commonly called) now becoming legal and Alcohol so widely accepted in most churches in Canada, most people believe it’s only a matter of time before these substance are accepted even more in the church. However, many strong church leaders today believe the new law changes nothing, and that drugs like pot or alcohol have no place in a Christian lifestyle.

“Why should Christians flaunt their freedom in matters with such grave consequence for others?" It is hard to imagine a more direct application of Paul's admonition to the Corinthians: ‘Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak’ (1 Cor. 8:9).”

“Are alcohol & marijuana cultivated celebrations of the created world, that enhances and sharpens image bearing in all its dimensions? Or do they merely substitute for the consolations and comforts of life lived truly and honestly before God and other people? In our cultural context, the answer seems pretty clear, and the way to true freedom is clear as well.”

As Christians, our course is clear. As followers of Christ, it is our privilege to live in pursuit of Jesus and not chase after worldly pleasures. Though alcohol is so acceptable and marijuana may become legal in Canada it does not mean that Christians have to partake in them. Christ has given us freedom, let’s be sure we don’t use it foolishly.

What about you? What do you think about the use of alcohol or legalized marijuana?

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Where do we fit in?

The ride is great BUT the destination is important

1% ers. and 99%ers.

How did we get here? The American Motor Cycle Association (AMA) was founded was founded in 1924 as a motorcycle promotional agency of motorcycles manufactured in the USA. In order to promote motorcycle riding the AMA's sponsored motorcycle riding events and sanctioned regional clubs that rode together. As the story goes, in 1947

In Hollister California A member of the booze fighters motorcycle club made the headlines and life magazine

With an exaggerated news article about some rebellious motorcycle riders that was later made into a popular movie starring Marlon Brando called the wild ones. The ANA, wanted to protect their positive public image, wrote an article in their magazine shortly after this stating that 99% of all AMA members were law-abiding citizens and only 1% were outlaws. Some clubs rejected the clean-cut image promoted by the AMA, and started their own clubs separate from the AMA authorization and recognition. These new clubs adopted the term 1% as a badge of honor. Overtime within the biker world, the term 99% earlier was adopted to designate a law abiding MC and 1% or to describe an outlaw MC. Such is history.

The outlaw clubs became a society with in a society, with their own rules own code of conduct, your own ways of reacting to the world. The culture is kind of like entering a boomtown front tier city on the edge of the wilderness in the wild West. You were going to encounter strange new forms of life that you didn't know existed. It's not a place for the squeamish, tourist, the easily offended, or the stupid. In the words of a 1% or, if you're going to be stupid, you better be tough.

What would Jesus think of 1%ers ?

Fortunately we don't have to guess. Jesus told a parable using these exact same percentages; 99 and 1.

Before looking at the parable first begin by looking at who Jesus told the parable too.

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near Jesus to listen to him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble saying, this man received sinners and eats with them. Luke 15; 1-2

Jesus told the parable to the pharisees, scribes, elders and deacons the clean, law-abiding respectable religious leaders who didn't like him hanging out with the dirty rebellious 1%ers. The religious leaders were kind of like some Christian motorcycle clubs or ministries who will not wear their colors or show up at biker events where alcohol is served, for fear of having their clean public image tainted. Even many of our churches, you know, the what will people think? crowd.

However, we need to be careful here. We tend to glamorize and romanticize cheeses hanging out with tax collectors and sinners. We like that Jesus pursued, eight with, and went into the homes of people despised by decent people. Jesus even made a 1%er one of his 12 apostles Luke 5:27. 1%ers know what it is like to be judged and rejected by respectable society. But before you run around telling people that if Jesus were alive today that he would be a biker hanging out with people just like me, you need to understand who the tax collectors were. They probably were not people just like you.

Jeering the time of Christ, Israel was occupied by a foreign turnaround Nicole and oppressive government; Rome. The tax collectors were Jews that the Romans hired to collect taxes in Israel. Therefore, the Jewish tax collectors were traitors to their own country and people. The term selling outs, who were eating and abetting the enemy comes to mind. These tax collectors also would collect much more tax than Rome required, and therefore pocket the rest. So add extortionists to their list of virtues. One more thing; the tax collectors also acted as government informants for Rome. They kept the Roman government in Israel informed of all commercial activity, political unrest, and day today activity in order to enhance and protect their own lucrative position. So in short, these tax collectors were traitors, extortionists, and squealers. Would you be seen hanging out with these types? Would you welcome them into your club? Does anybody have a soft spot in their heart for the IRS? My point is that Jesus hung out with people that know patriotic 99%er or hell raising suspicious 1%er would tolerate. How do you like Jesus now?

To confront the mindset of this religious crowd, Jesus told a parable about a shepherd and some sheep.

3- So he told them this parable, saying, 4- what man among you, if he has 100 sheep and has lost one of them Comre does not leave the 99 in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? Luke15:3-4

What can we learn about God in the parable?

God grieves over lost sinners. The 85% of society that sees no need of God's love and hope.

The shepherd was grieved over one lost sheep. Just one. Gods predominant attitude towards lost people is more one of grief then anger. God values every person because all people they are his image. God's love is not based on our behavior, whether good or bad. God's love is based on what lies with in himself; I relentless, brutal, aggressive, sacrificial compassion and love for his own creation.

What else can we learn about God in this parable?

God searches for lost sinners.

The shepherd went looking for the lost sheep. He took the initiative to hunt for the one that wandered from the flock. He did not stay with the 99 and expect the lost sheep to find his way back to the fold (church) on his own. Just because 99 were safe in the folder, the shepherd was not satisfied with a favorable percentage. Imagine a father who had 10 sons, and one of them gets killed. At the funeral would you say to the father, cheer up, you still have nine sons left?

God is actively searching for lost people. Where are you? A more active interest is aroused by objects when they get lost then our neighbors that are lost. You take your bike keys for granted or your cell phone until they get lost. Then you go into a panic mode and are consumed with finding them. Most will do almost anything at any cost to find these items.

Just how determined was the Scheppert find the lost sheep?

God searches for loss centers until he finds them.

The shepherd did not give up the search until the lost sheep was found. He never called off the search because it got dark, dangerous, or difficult. God never gives up on the 85% of people in our communities. It's God's nature to save. The cross of Christ say's that God will go through hell and high water to save our rebellious carcass. Are you a part of a church that it reflects this purpose and vision for God's lost people?

What was the shepherds reaction when he found the one sheep that was lost?

God rejoices over restoring lost sinners.

When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, rejoice with me for I have found the sheep which was lost; Luke 15; 5-6.

When the shepherd found the sheep, did he schooled, beat, discipline, reject, or ridicule the phone sheep? Did he start rumors, Sean or tell him he wasn't tithing properly? No, the shepherd rejoiced over finding the lost sheep. He actually threw a party; God rejoices over restoring lost people. This was uncomfortable news to the Jewish religious leaders concerning God's attitude towards lost people. Then, just to make sure His main point, his love for the lost was not missed, Jesus interpreted the parable for His audience.

Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. Luke 15; 5–6.

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous person who believe they need no repentance. Luke 15:7.

That Jesus would hang with the likes of tax collectors is why his message is called good news. It means that Jesus wants to hang out with people like me and you; regardless if we are 99% or or 1% are. I remember when we lost our daughter one cold winter day, we panicked, call the neighbors and the police and for several hours we desperately searched for her. Until she was found. If we were that obsessed with our daughter, how much more is God obsessed with finding you and I, regardless of our attitude and behaviour? God is searching for our neighbours, fellow workers and many people in our communities, that are lost and could go to hell right now without hope in Jesus. Where are you?

Monday, December 1, 2014

Our Strong Foundation

Out for a walk today as Diane helps Shirley with paper work. Had to head over to a new construction site just a few blocks from the condo. No sooner got ther and an elderly gentleman Don stopped to tell me a bit of what was happening. A year ago this was grass and an empty lot. Today we have a huge hole ready for the new 42 story high rise. Then along came a lady and started to talk to Don and I soon realized he was a guy who knew most everyone around these parts and with a goodbye and a wave Don was gone. As a plumber and a part time contractor it was an interesting place to stand and watch the ongoing development of a strong foundation. Things like the outside hole was cut straight down, reinforced and will be use as the outside form for the foundation concrete. Hmmmm dirt to build a strong foundation against go figure ehh. Well as I watched all the action way down that hole at least 50 or more feet I could see all the different trades working together to build that strong foundation. As I stood there along comes Josee a site worker and she also took some time to tell me that they were actually over 70 feet in the ground and the four track hoes down there dug it all.

Josee says water has been a huge problem on this site and that they have pumps running all the time and she showed me the pipes that carried all the water away from the site. Josee used to word as a babysitter till one day she was directing traffic at an event and a guy asked her if she was looking for a job. She checked into it and the offer turned into a twenty year job with a great company digging and building high rise foundations. She said that today thier big trucks are away but tomorrow they will be back so for now she knows that there is lots to do to keep busy.

The smell of form oil and green concrete is great and brings back a lot of memories of the many construction sites the boys and I have worked on over the years. It is almost overwhelming the amount and size of rebar that goes into a strong foundation but very necessary. I guess it's like the word of God that becomes the rebar in our foundation. There is always extra rebar for earth quake protection, that may hit the building unexpectedly. hmmmmm. Well time to head back up the hill to Shirley's place and replace some old flooring.

Thank you once again for taking the time to view our blog. 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. A strong confident man or women of God will impact the darkness in our service industry in many ways.

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 CORP./BRRC (Battle River Ranch Camp) or visit our website for direct-donating and more information. Thank you very much. We cannot do it alone. Please consider becoming a $25.00 a month donor today.
"Be a blessing to someone everyday."

Saturday, September 6, 2014

JUST CAN'T IMAGINE !!!!

BLOG - Can't imagine!

Just can't imagine living life without my wife and best friend, Diane. Just can't imagine life without our children, just can't imagine life without our grandchildren, just can't imagine life without friends, just can't imagine life without purpose, just can't imagine life without challenges, just can't imagine life without hope, just can't imagine life without waking up in the morning and knowing I am heading somewhere, just can't imagine life without helping someone, just can't imagine life without some one loving me unconditionally, just can't imagine life without forgiveness, just can't imagine life without sadness, the list goes on and on. (Ephesians 1:6-8)

Noah was chosen to build an ark to save lives and his challenges were greater than most of us will ever know or understand, but he didn't give up even though he was ridiculed and mocked day after day. "You are wasting your time, are you crazy let's just have fun, why build a stupid ark when there is no water? Just do what everyone else is doing and stop this ridiculous idea. Are you really 9sure you are listening to God?"

There are days that we out here at the ranch feel that way but like Noah we draw strength from a God who provides. One day the road seems too hard to travel, the load too heavy to carry and by morning everything has changed and there is a new light that shines on the tasks at hand. There is not a lot that Diane and I have not experienced or seen in the lives of others around us and the joy and peace that is always there never comes from something bought, built, or developed by the hand of man. In fact most of these things draw us farther from the real sustaining hope that every living human being needs to survive. Several days a week I get to be a service tech for a great plumbing and heating shop as part of the ranch training program and get to meet a lot of great people every day I work. Every day I see more and more people desperate to buy hope.

When I phone our ranch engineer and he provides the info we need and then says, "hey do you need some corn? " We have lots of fresh corn and I will bring some out and we can look over all the projects. That's Hope 4 More.

When we need a public bathroom and shower building for Hope 4 More outdoor festival and the call comes in from John, the owner of a local trucking firm, that he is heading our way with a washroom trailer and need help to unload it, the pay loader lent to the ranch years ago is ready to unload the large bathroom unit off the huge semi flat deck and not just to use for a few days but to keep for good. That's the kingdom of God at work!

When a church building is donated and the cost to move is unattainable by the ranch budget, a few phone calls and a group of neighbours and friends with hearts for hope join together to move this blessing with the gifts each one can provide also builds hope 4 more. Then the miracle of the day, a call from a rough and tough building mover with many struggles of his own, and a new believer in Christ, operating his business hours away from the ranch and never met or heard of us before, offers to move the building at absolutely no cost to the ranch. There is real hope 4 more.

Plans are to close the church building in for the winter and secure it as best as possible, but God had a different plan and he puts it on the heart of one of his children to tell us dig the hole and build the basement and all will be provided. So we start digging the basement for the church building. Friends passing through from Moose Jaw have their plans foiled in going up North to be with their children and due to heavy smoke, turn back homeward but are directed by God to stop at the ranch and see if we need help. They work on digging the basement as he is an equipment operator. That's Hope 4 More.

As Al is digging the basement our old and frail pay loader drops a ram pin and parts are broken bringing all to a halt. Forbes, an incredible man of God, and one of the best mechanics in the area sees the pay loader sitting by the shop and drives up to it and sees the problem and without a moment to spare drops everything and three hours later we are back digging a hole. That's God's children using their gifts and working towards Hope 4 More. When all hope seems run out and gone, there is Hope 4 More, IF that is what you are really looking for! Your marriage, your children, your job, your health, your finances, your loneliness, your future, your weakness, your relationships, your dreams, it's never too late to Hope 4 More!

Cutting grass on 80 acres with small mowers and others who help when they can. Then another miracle of the day as a local implement dealership donates a high 15' mower that fits on our ranch tractor just right. That's cutting edge blessings that proves God knows our needs.

Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ, the rock of our salvation, and all the Hope you will ever need. Check it out, there's a best selling book with all the details. We got a few extra copies in case the book store ran out, so if you need a copy give us a call and let us know we will send you a copy.