The Christmas blizzard of 2009.....

It all began on the Wednesday before Christmas......our power went off at 6:30 in the morning and of course I had turned the heat down to 60 the night before. So it was a cold start to a long day. We have 270 head of cattle on the place so the generator was needed in several places...trying to keep the cows with water and us with heat was a busy job for Gary. The way the water system is set up meant that not only were the cows without water but so were we.

As cold as it was in our house ...... the beauty outside would warm anyone. We had hoar frost that was absolutely amazing. It stuck to everything. I would sit here and look out the window and couldn't believe the beauty.

Our power came back on Wednesday at noon... but went off again at 8:00 p.m. But it was 70 degrees in the house so we considered ourselves lucky to have a good temperature at the git-go.

On Thursday morning Gary woke up at 4:00 and his nose was cold and he wanted a stocking cap for his head.....47 degrees in the house and very windy outside. Out to the barn to get the generator.....and we had the furnace running by 4:45. The weather still wasn't totally nasty yet so at 1:30 we headed out for the Detention Center. We had wanted to go on Wednesday evening but there was a "no travel" advisory out so we obeyed. There were 12 kids at the JDC who were not allowed a Temporary Release for Christmas so we wanted to share a little bit of Christmas joy with them. We were there for 3 hours.....seeing 2 boys separately because they were in Max. When we got home our house was down to 42 degrees......but just as Gary got the generator up to the back door to hook it up.....the power came on and it hasn't gone out again since. However, many of our neighbors were out for 4 to 5 days....including our Pastor Tom and his wife Judy. We were very concerned for them because Judy's health isn't real good and being cold really gives her more problems than she needs.

We had hoped to have Christmas Dinner with my Cousin Dwight and Marvanne and their family. The pork chops were cooking but the weather was getting more and more nasty so we are still waiting for that meal.

We did end up with frozen water pipes but with a little help from a neighbor we were able to unthaw them.

As of Sunday, we got the two water tanks unthawed and producing water for the cattle. Dwight came last night with hay for them and so now everyone is happy. We still don't have our driveway (which we consider 1/2 mile long) plowed -- wondering if the snow plow has forgotten us.....but we can get out through the corn field if we need to. We did get the car out of the drift....in fact just as I was typing this Gary backed it out --- after a time of both of us shoveling. The other photo is of a drift about 8 feet tall just south of our trailer.

Today (Monday) is a beautiful sunny day and we are enjoying it. Yesterday we took a cross country walk (part of it on our snowshoes) to a neighbor for coffee. So we are doing fine. Seems like we totally missed Christmas -- anyway all the good food and family fun..... but Christ is the reason for the season and we didn't miss that.

May God bless all of you in the coming New Year.

Gary and Barb

November update

I feel like I need to apologize for not keeping this updated often enough. As I read the last update I had to laugh!!!! It seemed that I was complaining that the thermometer read 60 degrees but the wind was so cold. Good grief.........now I don't dare complain about the below 0 temperatures for fear that it might get colder. But winter has arrived ----and it is COLD!! For a couple of days we were afraid we might need our furnace looked at, but.....suddenly it started working right again. :-)

We have been keeping busy. Gary is putting up a workshop -- inside the workshop. Which means he is building a building inside a building. Are you confused now?!?!?! Anyway --he is looking forward to having his tools handy so that he can be more efficient. And it should be a nice cozy place to work as we are putting in a good amount of insulation and a heating system.

While we were home in Michigan over Thanksgiving our Pastor Tom Vander Ziel and Wyonne Walkling took over for us on Tuesday Release Time. That is a blessing to us that we don't have to worry about letting the Release Time kids down.

Last week Release Time did not happen. It was a snowy day with more predicted so the kids were released for home at 1:00. Now this coming week....on Tuesday the school will have their Christmas musical in the evening and the music teacher likes to practice with the kids all day so --- no Release Time. But ---- we are scheduled instead on Wednesday. That will be the last time for the year 2009.

Tonight the Lakeview CRC had worship service at the Detention Center. There were about 20 kids in attendance. Pastor Tom always does a great job. As the kids come in it gets worrisome that they will settle down and listen. But after the talking and visiting with each other has gotten out of their system -- they settle down and listen very well. I wish you could see some of the faces....they ARE hearing God's word. Now our prayer is that they will apply it and that they will put their trust in Him. We had 4 young people stay after tonight for a time of prayer. We are never in a hurry to leave....but give them as long of a visit as we can. We are so thankful that the officers are so open to our being there. And the Lakeview people that go along are so good.....so caring and concerned and prayerful.

Peer pressure is an issue at the JDC too. There always seems to be a ringleader or two. Some of the kids get taken in on that.....others try to avoid it. And of course as the group gets larger (which it has been doing) -- it makes it harder to get close to the kids. But there are several who listen so intently......who are so respectful..... Those are the kids who really make it all worth while. And when I (Barb) get in the "sermon giving mode" that mom's can get into --- they even seem to pay attention.... :-) Hope it sinks in !!!!!!

Now onto the ranch news. We have around 200 head of cattle living on the place with us and so we have the responsibility of checking that they stay in the fences and that they have water and seem to be healthy. If trouble arises -- we make a phone call to "the boss" :-) Yes, we did have some - about 11 - try to escape from the place but they were found out and put back in.....keeps things lively.

Love to all............Gary and Barb

Getting ready for Thanksgiving

What a beautiful day - finally!!!! The sun has shone all day - not a cloud in the sky....but the wind has also been blowing ------- so 60 degrees doesn't feel as nice as it sounds because of the wind. But we will take it and say THANK YOU!!! Gary - with the help of Terry and Jack got a start on his work shop today. More on that at a later time........ But then this afternoon we had Release Time with the 6th, 7th and 8th graders. We had been working on a Thanksgiving Wreath with each class The K-5 all did a little bit of cutting the leaves out (I did most of it just because it's always a "time" thing) and then we let the K-2 glue the leaves on the paper plates. They ALL did an awesome job......then the 3-5th grade group put the words "thank you" or "giving thanks" on the plates. Now today we let the 6-8th graders put them up around the community center.

Now we are "taking a break" - until this evening when we go to the PMO - Youth Ranch. We are going to be working out of the Book of Hope tonight -- put out by the Native American Fellowship. We have used this book before and it goes good....the kids seem to enjoy it even though the stories are hard to read. They are true life stories of Native people whose lives were in a shambles --- but turned around when they found Christ.

Thank you once again for your prayers that are lifted up for these young people on the Reservation. Pray that they will grasp how important it is for them to commit to knowing Christ and living their lives as He wants them too.

Gary and Barb

Past time to share once again.........

It's been a while since we updated our blog.....my sister had to email us and ask "are you still there?!?!" So I guess we had better get something on here again because maybe more of you are wondering. Below is a photo of our new home. We have many more trees here.....had none around my Aunt's home. There are pros and cons connected with the trees. They make a good wind break!!!, but they also cut down on the view. Another pro is the animal life......lots of birds - would you believe even a couple of squirrels, and we don't have to go far to view the deer coming out of the corn at dusk. So Gary has his eye on a couple of good sized bucks.We have been blessed with a lot of company this month. Not sure if they come for us or for the birds :-) :-) --- just kidding!!! It has been a LOT of fun. Each weekend this month we have had visitors (and more are on the way.) We thought we might be overwhelmed but that has NOT been the case!! They have really been a blessing.....LOTS of laughter. And even the Bible states that laughter is good for the soul. PLUS the work that was accomplished..... My sister and husband helped get us moved......the Van Malsens helped clean up around our place. Dan moved ?? a couple of acres... Dale and John got to help work with the cattle.....and give us a ton of laughs each day. And those who came for pheasants got to take some home with them.

And even though the view is different we have not been missing some awesome sunrises. The color can just be breathtaking!!

We have been busy with Release Time. We are doing crafts this year and that is going good. This week we worked on some Thanksgiving "wreaths" (on paper plates with colored leaves) and the one little guy who I thought would need "lots of help"...did just awesome. This past Tues. one of the little K-2 girls was concerned about one of the new boys....."he hasn't asked Jesus into his heart yet". That one little comment was enough to keep us going for a long time!!!!

It's so easy for me to get discouraged that we aren't doing enough...........There is such a need for follow-up. We have ideas but almost feel that we can't take anything more on our shoulders. We would appreciate your prayers that this can be worked out for the good of the kids out here and that we can handle it...... Don't know but maybe a prayer would be "send more workers Lord".

We have gotten started with the PMO (stands for Piya Mani Otipi) -- haven't figured out what that means (will try to find out and let you know).....so we call it the "Youth Ranch". We have had one young man pray to receive Christ. We know some of the kids from the JDC but lots of new faces. It's always a time before they feel comfortable with us. We haven't gotten into singing with them yet but one is asking....so next week the guitar will probably go along. We had tried to go on the same night that we go to the JDC.....trying to save on gas. However, we have had several RUSHED times and that DOES NOT feel good. Kids at the JDC want to stay after and pray with us. We can't let that stop!!! So we are now going to the PMO group on Tues. evenings and the JDC on Thurs. as usual. The travel distance is less now that we have moved so that is a good thing.

We have a weather watch for the next couple of days. We could be in for a good amount of snow. We are on a dead end road so we could be the last one to get plowed out. Yes! winter could be very interesting!! Good thing we have an adventurous spirit in us.

Ranchers are busy bringing in their herds and we have been part of that too. This past Monday we got into some really fantastic country. Some places were too steep for our quads but the views were wonderful. There were 2 on horseback to get into the places that we couldn't go. Believe we got the whole herd into the next pasture --- 400 pairs (cows with calves). Now next week the calves will be weaned and the whole herd trucked out. It's neat to be able to help out our neighbors.

Thank for again for your interest and your prayers!!!

Gary and Barb

Moved!!

Yes, our move has been accomplished. We are getting settled in and each day is better than the day before. Today, we unscrewed the kitchen faucet.......the pressure was "sad" to say the least..... But we now have really good water pressure at the kitchen sink. There is a sand problem that will have to be kept in check. Tomorrow I hope Gar will look at the washing machine.....cold water has a problem on that too.

My sister Linda and her husband, Dave, came for a couple of days and brought some of our belongings to make this feel more like home. Things like our couch, coffee table, pictures and so on. I will try to get a photo of our new place so that you have a visual.

Release Time continues to go good. We have larger numbers this year with the younger groups. And each time we have new kids. Which is great!! Our numbers will soon finalize as kids get their permission slips brought in. This week we will again have the K-2 and 3,4,5 groups. Our lesson will be on when The Wise Men Followed the Star.

We have been able to keep our lessons organized with Release Time and JDC and the PMO (at the Youth Ranch)....... Every other week at the JDC, Julie L. takes charge of the lesson and it has been going really good. The kids seem to enjoy a change of pace. We read a passage in the Gospel of Luke.....break into small groups and discuss the passage.

The other exciting thing is that we have been having between 3 to 5 kids stay after each week for prayer requests. Tonight the Lakeview Church had a worship service at the JDC and 3 girls stayed to pray- it was their idea --- they asked if we would pray with them. One of the 3 prayed outloud with the group. Numbers have stayed down at the JDC.....only 10 there this week. ????Is that a good sign -- don't know that for sure.

Winter has arrived here. We are hoping for a warm up this week. However, as of right now we are both saying "i'm COLD"!!.....and there is snow on the ground --- has been off and on ever since Friday evening. That also means that the furnace has been running a lot.....seems way too early for that!

God Bless! Gary and Barb

Prayers from the teens at JDC!!!

First of all -- we should say that we started at the "Youth Ranch" this past Tuesday. We came away thinking --- "that could have been better". But it is started. We really don't know any of the 4 kids well at all.....and so the relationships need to build. Pray for that, please.

Another side note is that our move to a new place is a process....that is moving along slowly at times. We need some septic work done before we can move in, in addition to a few other repairs. Some of the workings in a Mobile home can be puzzling to say the least.....so pray that things can get figured out and then fixed properly.......

What a wonderful night at the JDC tonight.

It's been a smaller group of kids that are "incarcerated" at the JDC..... and so that really makes for closer relationships. We have been teaching the story of Jesus and, of course, that begins with his birth....so we are talking about Christmas in September. Tonight Jesus was born and the Shepherds shared the wonderful news with those around them.

We sang a bunch of songs tonight. Amazing Grace, When I am Afraid, Victory for Me, I am a C, and finally to end it all -- the Banana Song......oh yeah---we even tried "Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah"....need to work on that one!!! That one was done without preparation....so......

Then after our snack we said that if anyone would like to stay afterwards -- for a time of prayer or to receive Christ --- they could. One boy and 4 girls stayed. They all stayed because they had prayer requests.

"Pray for my Grandpa, my Grandma -- he's/she's having surgery, pray that my mom can complete treatment, pray that my family can stay strong and safe, pray for the family of the Officer we just lost (Officer Earl Horse Looking of the JDC passed away this week - the victim of a car accident), pray for my cousin who had a heart attack and had a procedure done and now needs to exercise, pray for the rest of the kids that didn't stay, I pray for myself that I can stay strong and complete treatment"......and on it went. Tears were shed as we ALL lifted a prayer up to God. YES --- each one of these kids prayed as we did a circle prayer.

What a joy to have witnessed this. We praise God for the awesome thing HE is doing with these young people. Keep them in your prayers please......Jeremy, Kendra, Miki, Autumn, Kathy and all the others "who didn't stay".

Thank you for your awesome support.
Gary and Barb
ps. The house is shaking from the wind outside!!!!!

One just never knows.............

This past Sunday as we visited at the JDC..... we were blessed once again in a special way. We had visited with all the kids who wanted a visitor....and it was 3:40.....still 20 minutes til 4:00 (when they usually send us out). The guard that had been attending to the cubicles seemed (to both of us --- we discussed this on the way home).....not real appreciative of us being there.....just a look in her eye. WELL, she asked other visitor (a teacher) if he would wait "right there" for a while. She then came in to our little cubicle and asked for prayers for herself. She said that she so appreciated us coming there and that as we prayed with each young person -- she prayed along with us. She has personal problems (that I won't share here but they mean that she has to move with her 2 little girls)....and just needed prayers to keep her head straight. We went home in awe of the fact that -- 1. we had so misjudged her..... 2. that God put us together at that time. Please keep this officer in your prayers......God will know what she needs and He will know who you are praying for.



Last night we were again with the JDC kids and what a blessing they are. There were only 9 --- 3 boys and 6 girls......but they are so attentive and LOVE to sing. We read a passage out of Luke --- Jesus' birth announced to Mary---- and then broke into small groups and answered questions. Gary had the 3 boys and was done way before the rest of us .........girls talk more than boys..... :-) .....so he wondered what was going on. Well my girls got to talking about how hard it is to forgive someone...... We had taken a globe along to show the kids just where all of this took place....let them know that it WAS a real place. And so it was a good night.

We just received an encouraging note from the Director of the JDC......thanking us for the impact we are having with the youth. Good things are happening there-----others are volunteering-----one man brought in 4 horses for the young people to ride and he also gave them God's Gospel message.....another gal is interested in helping out with their Library. We do feel that this is the place where we are to be. We see God at work. I did a Bible Study one time ...?Blackabee...?? And he said something like...."if you see God at work....go there. That's your invitation to work alongside Him".

We do have a big prayer request. We are in the process of moving to a different place. We are struggling with it, but as Gary says "we will make it." However, we would appreciate your prayers concerning it.

Thank you -- without your prayers where would we be!?!?!?!
Gary and Barb

Fish bait........and more.

Gary went fishing yesterday and came home with his limit of bass and 2 real nice perch. Below is his live bait....YES! live bait. These were the favorite bait of the day. He caught this grasshopper out there in the field and this rascal was still alive when he got home. As you can see the thing is HUGE !!

Meanwhile back at home.....I "enjoyed" a day of canning. Actually if I hadn't forgotten an important part of my pressure cooker --- the "jiggler" (those of you who use a pressure cooker will know what I mean by that term).....the day would have been totally enjoyable for me too. But it was rather stressful until I found a dear neighbor lady who had one that I could borrow.

So we now have carrots, and salsa and some stewed tomatoes to enjoy this winter. I really love seeing those jars lined up on the shelf downstairs.

Hope you too are enjoying the fall type weather.

On another note......There is a gal by the name of Victoria that we grew to care about very much in the Detention Center. Upon release we would hear from her via email once in a while and we stopped in at her home once or twice. Her little niece is in our Release Time at Lakeview. Well, Tuesday at R.T. Gayle said "Vicky went to school in Oregon". We were pretty sure that Gayle was wrong and that Vicky had really gone to an Indian School in Oklahoma (that had been in the plan for a while). However, after several phone calls we located Victoria in Salem, Oregon at an Indian School there. So we can now keep in touch with here there. GOD IS GOOD!!!

With love, Gary and Barb

To Michigan for a "Reunion" and then back.........

We had a grand time visiting with all of our family in Michigan the past 2 weeks. It was great to see the grandkids and our own kids!!! We got to help Marti and Tim with their home renovations....Gary got to help Mike with some baby chicks..... We spent one week at Mike and Julies and one week at Holly and Dennis........ We also got to visit with lots of our friends and do some fun stuff! The time went way - WAY - too fast!!

And now we are back in South Dakota and back into the swing of things. We visited with the JDC group and then the Lakeview CRC had a worship service there this evening. Pastor Tom always does a great job of relating the message to the kids and their culture! They are very attentive to him and respectful! We had four boys (young men) stay ---- not really to pray to receive Christ ---- but rather for prayers for themselves. One of them will be leaving the juvenile facility for the "big jail" this evening at midnight because he turns 18 tomorrow. We really had a nice talk with these four. It's neat to have more then one at a time because they can see that they really aren't alone and have others that WON'T be mocking them.....(sometimes you can see as they look around the group that they are wondering if anyone is looking at them as they sing or as they act interested).

And now we want to share some photos of what our garden looked like upon returning....it was NOT a pretty picture!! We thought the grasshoppers were bad last year --- but this makes last year look like nothing!!!

This is our rhubarb plant -- when we left there were leaves!!! They might have been rather "holely" but you COULD definitely see the leaves.....

That little green row of "plants" ---- that would be our carrots.....nice and full like carrots should be when we left. We will be digging them up and taking whatever we get. But we are thinking these will be OK.

Now this would be a good "what is it?" question. Luckily we got most of the ears of corn out before we left and then Marvanne (cousins wife) came and got the rest. But as you can see.....nothing but sticks left!!!

The grasshoppers got into the tomatoes too but they don't look to bad. And they must not like green pepppers at all.... Our squash (butternut) are rather naked too -- but I think they will be good eating anyway.

And that's how it is on the prairies. As my Aunt Melva would say "it's a harsh country". We're beginning to see what she means.

We love all of you!!! Gary and Barb

So very neighborly.........

I just wanted to share this "precious" neighborly moment that I had last night. The phone rang and I answered it... "Pauline??" ---- "No, this is Barb - I think you have the wrong number". She told me who she was trying to reach...."I wanted to see if she could use some pickles."....."Do you have a garden?" She asked me. Now this person - whom I could tell was elderly --- did NOT know who I was at all!!! "Well, yes" I said "We do have a garden but we didn't plant any pickles." So she asked me "would you like some?"

Now you tell me........is this neighborly or what?!?!?!? I'm sure she knew she had called a local number and so it must certainly be someone nearby. And so she told me where she lived....and I know just where that is......so I will be going over there to meet a new "neighbor" and get to share some of her produce!!!

YUP!!! Life is like that out here on the prairies!! :-) The place is chock full of good people!!!

I'm thinking I should be more neighborly!!!!! You too?????

With love for all of you!!!! Barb

Lots of encouragement......

We have some really good things to share with you......

Tyler Left Hand Bull will be making profession of his faith in Lakeview Church on August 23....that's next Sunday. It's just so awesome to see God at work!! Tyler indicated at camp this summer that he wanted to ask Christ into his heart. We remembered that he had done so last year....... So we talked with him about the fact that he was doing the "g r o w" Go to church and Sunday School.....Read your Bible......Obey was the Bible says......Witness So we said maybe making profession of faith is the next step for you. This has been a wonderful community affair....so many people working with Tyler and encouraging him in his walk with God. Please keep Tyler in your prayers.....and his family. They will be bringing him to church next Sunday and this will be the first time for them in our church.

Also ---- we have started up again at the Alcohol Treatment Center in Rosebud....with teens. When we arrived this past Tuesday evening we were given a wonderful reception. We knew all of the kids from being in the JDC previously. It was so much fun to see them again. They were eager to sing too.....we really made a joyful noise!!!! There was a sign on one of the doors "please be quiet - class in session"...... I'm afraid we were NOT very quiet!!!

And then ------ this past Thursday at the JDC we had 3 boys pray with us to receive Christ. Riley, Thomas, and Jeremy. Then on Sunday we found out that Riley has a little one year old daughter. In fact, we got to see little LaShay --- she was there with her Gramma and Auntie. However, she didn't get to go in to see her daddy --- there needs to be special permission for a little one like that. PLEASE pray for his very young father!! He told us that he wants to take her to Sunday School. And we will be giving him a Toddler's Story Bible - just for her!

And then on another note.......just at the right time we received an email of encouragement from one of the directors of the Treatment Center. God knows what we need !!!!!

Thank you for your continued support!!
Gary and Barb

Canoeing at Merritt Dam..........

On Monday we took 6 kids along for a canoe adventure to Merritt Dam......the same place that we went for our "get-away".......Hillary, Dakota, Ethan, Robert, Shylo and Jon----- the first 3 listed are from our Lakeview Church (and kids that have been in our PLYC at some point in time) and the last 3 are Native kids (that have also been in camp). We had a grand time and we think the kids did too :-) !!

We picked everyone up between 9:30 and 11:00 and headed out to Merritt with 4 canoes on a trailer. We picked a camping spot in the same campground that we stayed in the 1st time....but this time there was a beautiful sandy beach, which meant they have been letting water out of the dam for irrigation purposes.

Gary gave some canoe instructions ---- different paddling techniques, parts of the canoe and so on. Some listened -- some were indifferent.....

When we got to driving out to our "put in" spot some of the kids got a little nervous ----- "how far are we going?!?!?!" As it turned out we didn't go far enough for Gary but just right for some of the group. For the most part the canoeing went pretty good.....a couple of boys did have their trials......round and round in circles---zigzaging across the lake....couldn't make that dumb canoe go straight for nothin'.!!!! Finally Gary got in the front of the canoe with one of them and gave instructions. There WAS improvement. Then the other boy got his turn for instructions...... The comment was "it's not as easy as it looks!"

It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we had plenty of time to pull off on the beaches and swim and cool off.


At the end of the day there was fun to be had just playing in the sand and in the water with the canoes. It was really neat to watch the kids play.....especially Robert -- who got buried in the sand with GiJoe taking him down......

We had a thunderstorm that evening......but in between rain showers we were able to have s'mores around the campfire..... And then every one was tired from a big day in the sun and water.

We woke up to a cloudy day --- but had an awesome Dutch Oven Hungry Man Breakfast - that got devoured along with bread and jam and juice. Then pack up the tents and head back home.

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On a different note........ My cousin Dwight and his wife Marvanne and son Rob left for a vacation with family in Montana and left us with ranch duties. We have been VERY busy.......but enjoying it very much. And now my sister Linda and her husband Dave are out here for a few days and so we have some company to enjoy and entertain. Life is good!!!!

God Bless!!

Gary and Barb

Took a much needed break..........

This past Monday we packed up our old camping equipment ---- 4 man tent, backpacking stove, cooler full of steak and burgers, charcoal grill, etc and headed to Merritt Dam. We had never been there before and we were in for a treat. It's a beautiful spot 26 miles south of Valentine. In the 60's the area was seen as a possible irrigation project and now it's a beautiful reservoir. Not a cottage on this huge lake --- love that! ------ primitive camping for the most part but you can take your big rig and have electric hook up too. This is "the darkest spot in North America" and so while we were there ---- there was also a "Star Party" going on. Nebraska star gazers come and set up their huge telescopes and check out God's awesome creation. HHHmmmm......I hope they know Whos' stars they are looking at!!!!

We had a wild start to our camp out......NASTY looking clouds and just as we got our steaks finished the rain started ...... So we took our plates and ate in the truck while the hail pelted our windows. It didn't last long but we never did get our tent put up.....just put our lawn chairs (recliners) in the back of the truck and went to sleep. Sleep fairly good too.

The next two days were beautiful sunny days. We wished there were trails to walk on but no such luck. We did check out the lake and have hopes of bringing some young people for a canoe adventure.

Now back in our home and we have been doing "some ranch work". Gary is having fun working with a BIG GREEN tractor (8300). Right now he is putting new brake pads on his quad. Seems there is really never a dull moment....which we are glad for.

We also want to share a GRAND time that we had at the JDC on the last two meetings....... The verse for a Thursday night meeting was I Corinthians 15:3-4. So we did this verse with motions - to help the kids remember the verse. Boy oh boy did that ever work. Here are the motions: Christ died (pointer fingers in cross form), for our sins (shake fist), according to the scriptures (palms of both hands open as a book), that he was buried (both hands palms down toward the ground), that he rose again (both hands palms up to the sky), on the third day (three fingers), according to the scriptures (hands as a book). The kids really enjoyed doing the motions and so we were able to do it several times. WELL!!! And this is the best part..... On Sunday when we visited with the kids (there are only 7 at the present time)we asked some of them if they remembered the verse from Thursday. ANDRE -I hope you are reading this because you will love this part!!!! Jeremy knew the whole verse --- where it was found too!!!!!!! and only missed a little bit of it. Then we asked two more and they were able to get most of it too. We went home just praising God!!!

Thanks for your interest and prayers and support!!
Gary and Barb

An awesome week.....PLYC 2009

Another Prairie Light Youth Camp has come to a close.....except that tonight we have a Family Night Supper and Music and Games....and a "give away" of slightly used items. It was a wonderful year. The kids were so well behaved.... and not just our group...... We heard that the kids were well-behaved in all age groups. Thanks for the prayers!!!!

On Thursday each kid in our group made a stepping stone.....with a design all their own.

Then on Friday we gave the kids a Kayaking adventure. I don't believe any of them had ever been on a kayak before. They really had a good time. Of course, some had better skills than others and so the kayaks were spread out a pretty good distance. A few tipped over along the way....but Sue said there were others on the river that were there to help right the kayak for them. And so we thank God once again for his protection for the campers on the water. The 5th & 6th grade group went tubing along the same river but at a different "put-in spot".

We have to admit that there were a few klinkers along the way that produced stress but for the most part I think we all (anyway in our group) agree that this was the best year yet. And it was also grand to have family members involved with the camp along side of us. My sister, Sam (really Ethel - but everyone calls her Sam) and her husband Jim were here (along with their church group) as well as our son Mike, Julie and 3 kids (Austin, Sidney and Colton).

And so now as many, many volunteers will be leaving soon (Mike and Julie this morning) , we ask for your prayers for safe travel. And too, we pray that what the kids heard this week will sink deep into their hearts and be remembered and built on.

Thank you once again...... Gary, Barb, Sue, Mike, and Julie

Day Three -- Wednesday at PLYC

Today, once again was a really good day with the kids.... and by the way we DID compliment them on being such a wonderful group of kids....attentive, respectful, fun...... We still have one young lady who we wish we could get more of a smile from. She is very shy and reserved! She just might turn out to be the one that will tip Gary off his kayak on Friday..... you know you have to watch those quiet ones :-) :-)

This was a "hot day game"..... The kids were broken into 3 teams and each team was given a 2 cup size ice cube. The goal was to be the first team to melt the WHOLE cube. Kids rubbed the ice on their arms, legs, under shirts, ....breathed on it...... One team was called on for cheating.... they broke the ice cube on a tree.. OOPS They were done first but had to take a penalty (which by the way they didn't agree with------).

This was our craft. They were given the "Footprints" poem and made a plaque out of it. As we read the poem before starting the craft --- one young gal had tears in her eyes. What a special sight.

We have "asked" (could say "advised") the kids to say Thank You to the cooks at dinner time. At that time they get their name tag "punched"......that and participation......will be looked at to see whether or not each person "wants" to go on the kayak adventure. So far -- everyone wants to go....some do need a bit of encouragement (on the "thank you")....but Julie is real good at that job. She's had lots of practice :-)

Today we handed out permission slips for our kayaking adventure on Friday.....so the excitement is mounting.

We would ask for prayers for safety for the kayak adventure......for safety for our travel time and....... time on the water and...... time at the cabin having fun and games.

AGAIN-thank you!!! from the 7th & 8th Grade Crew-Gary, Barb, Mike, Julie, Sue and Kathleen

Onto 3rd day.....of PLYC

KEEP THOSE PRAYERS COMING !!! We can feel them! The kids are so well behaved and attentive. And we see smiles from one who came looking so dejected!!
We had a contest with the A-Frame Walk------ the kids loved it .....AND our equipment held up once more...BONUS!!!

This is Diondra - isn't she cute!?!?!? This was called Tape-Head. And Oh Man! I had to apologize to the volunteers....I forgot an important part of the whole deal. We were supposed to supply each "tapehead" with a large baggie to put over their hair..... OUCH!!!!! (the tape WAS put on sticky side out but still caught their hair!) I am so sorry!

The kids are even singing along this year. And that is so cool! We are singing "I am a C (CHRISTIAN- spelled out)" I am a CH, I am a CHRISTIAN, And I have CHRIST in my HEART, and I will LIVE ETERNALLY".......start out slow and then increase and increase and increase the speed. WOW! can we go fast! The other song is "There is Victory for Me". We also sang "When I am afraid"..... Our lessons are the story of Daniel - chapters 1 - 6. Each one of us are doing a different lesson each day and we also start out with a Bible Verse for the day and a "Gospel Activity".

Thank you for your awesome support!!

My cousins daughter Hillary - one who went with us to CYIA training this past June....has had the awesome experience of praying with a 1st grader and a 3rd grader to ask Christ into their heart. She, of course, was thrilled. GOD IS AT WORK.....blessing the worker and the camper!

Gary, Barb, Sue, Mike, Julie, and Kathleen (a former camper who has helped us EVERY year since the time she was with us the first year :-)

Prairie Light Youth Camp begins.......

Today is the day........PLYC begins. Sue Pfnister arrived on Saturday after a 13 hour drive.....but she as usual arrived SMILING!!! Mike and Julie (our son and daughter in law) and Austin, Sidney and Colton arrived Sunday afternoon. My sister Ethel and her husband, Jim arrived Sunday ...... Everyone else (as far as we know) had a safe trip. There are MANY volunteers ----from Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, Nebraska.......

There have already been those Monday morning klinkers....but we are used to them by now.....but we still don't like them AT ALL!!!!

We have a LOT of kids ready to come! Camp will be full!

Please keep all of this in your prayers. God is in control and so all is well.

Gary and Barb and ALL!

Wild Flowers ..........

Before we share the wildflowers with you --- we want to share this little tidbit. We were talking to a young man at the JDC this past Sunday and we asked him if he went to church. Yes- He did. He went to the Carpenter Shop Church. But -- we said -- you live in Rosebud and that church is in Mission.... how do you get there? I walk or I catch a ride. WOW -- that's at least an 11 mile trip....and he walks! He said that church starts at 11:00 and Wednesday night starts at 7:00. Any one of us willing to start out walking to a church that far away?!


Have to remember how to put pictures in order....... any way --- that was an awesome end to a beautiful day!!

Our streets are lined with flowers!!! Love those sunflowers!!!

We took a side trip to Rapid City -- right after the ORC Youth Group left us.... Visited Mount Rushmore, my Aunt Vernona, and the Mammoth Dig.... very interesting!

This is THE flower of the Rosebud Indian Reservation. These little prairie roses are the most fragrant roses around!!! They grow everywhere!!

This is the Meadowlark...... love hearing these little guys sing --- especially as you drive past them in the car!!

And this little treasure --- we found out thanks to Aaron Klanderman --- is the Orchard Oriole. He and his mate have a nest in a tree in the middle of our garden and we see him every morning.

Even cactus have a beautiful flower. I missed the Prickly Pear flower -- didn't have our camera along on a recent cattle drive. Each flower is only out for one day.....such beauty for such a short time.

And then THIS pesky weed..... Constantly pulling them out....and yet God gave them some beauty too. Cute little white trumpets and some with a touch of pink.

Ah!! The Cone flower....the pastures are full of them. And I got to catch this butterfly resting on one. It's a beautiful time of the year. We are told that soon the grasses will be turning brown as they "head". The ranchers are VERY busy haying and so we enjoy the smell of fresh cut hay also. We have totally enjoyed what God has blessed us with.

Hope you enjoyed some color on this blog. I believe we are ready for Prairie Light Youth Camp. Have a few more items to pick up at the store.....cement for the stepping stones, and so on. And now we await the arrival of all the volunteers and THEN ..............the kids!!!

Please keep all of this in your prayers!

Gary and Barb

ORC Youth Group has headed east....

This magnificent thunder head was the object of a lot of photos last night. And as the night worn on into midnight the lightning show was awesome. You get to view such things when sleep escapes you. Gary missed it all --- he was busy snoring!!!

We had a grand time with the ORC Youth Group. We are sure that the Detention Center kids will have many memories of the fun times they shared and the Bible Lessons heard. It had to be hard for ALL of them - ORC and JDC to say good-bye! We thank you Overisel Reformed for your support of this trip and all the prayers lifted on behalf of everyone. The group headed east this morning for more adventures on the Mississippi.

We know that you were hoping for a good update from the Youth Group. Andre' was planning on coming to our place to "steal" our internet.... But things can get very busy and hectic working with a group of that size and it just didn't happen. So we want you to know that --- all is well !! They had a lot of fun experiences but I'm not going to share something that belongs to them....and spoil their stories. So you will just have to wait.
:-) Sorry!

As far as the meetings with the released JDC kids goes...... The program put together by the tribal group has to be OKed by the South Dakota Alcohol and Substance Abuse and so we are on hold until we hear that it is a go. You can keep that in your prayers.

We have gotten into HOT --- 90 degrees the past couple of days. The countryside is so lush and green that it is truly beautiful here!! And we are enjoying all the sightings of new life. Baby antelope, pheasants, turkeys, killdeer, colts, have all been added to our long list. YUP!!! This is God's country :-) :-)

Continue to keep the youth group in your prayers as they travel and spend time on the river.

And now I am going to try to post this...... have really been having problems with this lately. Not even going to take time to proof read it this time!!!!!!

Gary and Barb

Power outages and computer freeze up......

I am on my third try to update..... It's been far too long! My first attempt was zapped by a power outage and the second --- the computer froze and I just finally shut it down. :-( Now I feel like all my news is too old to go there anymore.

Our Christian Youth In Action training camp went from very stormy (and not the weather) to very good. That update is going to have to come by word of mouth...... too long and too much...... And it's all over and things ended on such a positive note that we aren't concerned anymore about what the devil tried to do. He failed --- God's plan won. So we will just leave it at that!!! Two from our group --- Ethan and Bobby---- stayed for the second week and went out as groups for Five Day Clubs and VBS. They said they "want to do it again next year!!"

We can home to an email asking if we would do a "service of Hope" at the Alcohol Treatment Center -- for 12 adults. We didn't really feel prepared nor adequate to work with adults... But Ed said "use the same format as you did with the teens".... So we agreed to do it. We were blessed in wondrous ways again. Eight of the twelve prayed to receive Christ as their Savior. The four women asked for Childrens' Bibles for their little ones at home......so those are on order. We talked to Ed a week later and several had reported what had happened in their "highlights of the day." So they are receiving more materials from Ed and discussing the need to find a good Bible believing church.

Our Overisel Youth Group has arrived in fine shape. They left in a storm (and that WAS the weather).....actually they left the morning after all the rain....and arrived late Saturday night. I won't tell about what all they experienced yesterday --- will leave that for them ----- but it was a big memory maker I am sure!!!

Today is a beautiful day and the group will be going for their "work" at the Juvenile Detention Center. It should prove to be a wonderful experience!!

The country side is in glorious array!!!! The pastures all so green....sometimes brown is the shade -- but not now. The rains have been a blessing. The ranchers are busy with haying.

Thank you for keeping everyone and everything in your prayers.

Gary and Barb

So very cool!!!

It can be so neat going into the JDC to visit with the kids on a Sunday afternoon. Today we really only had 2 kids to visit --- ones that had previously asked Christ into their hearts. So we said -- "send in anyone who would like to visit with us." One young man came in carrying a Bible -- like the ones we give out....but we knew we hadn't given it to him. He said he found it in Booking and he was lonely and depressed and so he picked up the Bible and started reading in the Psalms. The Bible also had a sheet in it that we had handed out with "helps" of where to find certain passages - like .....if you are afraid...or angry....or lonely , and so on and he said he liked that. I guess that first appearances made us think - a hard case......but what a different view you get - once you get to talking to someone. We really shouldn't just assume things by what we see on the outside! We were blessed by getting to know this young man just a little bit in the 20 minutes we had.

Well, it has been raining lightly for the past few days....did get about 1/2 inch the other night, so that made the roads a mess again. Now today - right now -- it is pouring down rain. (The ranchers are VERY thankful - the rain is needed badly!) We are glad we are back in for the night......HOWEVER, tomorrow morning we need to be out bright and early to take some kids into Mission for a Basketball, Running Camp with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.....could be very interesting...anyway for the first 3 miles of dirt road.

Then on Tuesday morning - earlier yet -- we will be heading out for our week of CEF training with the young people from the Lakeview Church. We will be there thru Saturday.

Thanks for keeping all of this....JDC, CEF, FCA, and US :-) in your prayers .

Gary and Barb

A Place to do Bible Study!!!!!

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10........."Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."Psalm 27:15

Barb and I have been searching and praying for some time for a place to have a Bible Study with kids that have gotten out of the Juvenile Detention Center. We looked at the Veterans Building in Rosebud but it's kind of out of the way and they want $50 a night.

I thought we should get ahold of Ed Parcells and see if he had any ideas. We could not get ahold of him and gave up after a couple of tries. Last night Pastor Tom called and asked how our search was going. "Nothing so far.....we need someone who's favorable toward us." Pastor Tom started to give a few suggestions and then mentioned the name "Ed Parcells" ---- I said, "did you say Ed Parcells?!" Yes! Now with a different phone number we called Ed. He said he has been trying to get ahold of us but had lost our e-mail address and phone number. He was glad we called because the kids that get out of the JDC are still on probation and need to go thru a 12 week program with part of the requirement being "Spiritual Development".

That's us!!! Ed said he would fully endorse our program as the spiritual development requirement. (They could go traditional, or AA....) WOW!! God works in wonderous ways. The program should start in a couple of weeks and that works for us because next week we will be gone to CEF Training in Atkinson, NE.

THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS for a place to do this Bible Study!! We know that you have been praying....because God has answered your prayers and ours!! Now keep praying that we give the right message and in an understandable manner.

If you would keep next weeks CEF Training in your prayers - that would be great. We will be a group of 10 -- 7 of us from the Lakeview area (three adults and 4 young people)and 3 from Sioux Falls. And, of course, many other young people from around Nebraska.

Also keep Prairie Light Youth Camp in your prayers. Plans are being worked on. And there are always those many little things that need to be done. We have the Bible Lessons all planned out....the activities planned.....the songs worked out......a special speaker, Frank Love.....the volunteers to help us...... So things are in pretty good shape --- it's those little things.... like remembering the easel, the paint brushes, the glue, the words for the songs, the camera, the flannel figures, the water jug.............and on and on.

THANKS ! we know you are praying!! :-) Gary and Barb

PRAYER REQUEST !!!!!!!!

I didn't go along to JDC last night --- because of my cold. I am getting better!! that is not the prayer request.

Pastor Tom and Gary went and they were really blessed. Five young people prayed to receive Christ!!!

On the way home Tom and Gary were talking about "follow-up" for all of these young people.....there have been 38 just from JDC alone who have asked Christ into their hearts. YES! Praise God for His goodness and love!

We really need to find a building to have a Bible Study for these young people.....a building located in the right area....... (These young people are spread over many miles...) And so that is our prayer request for now....finding the right building in the right area.

Thank you --- we know you are wonderful supporters and great prayer warriors. God will guide us if we seek His will!

Gary and Barb

Beautiful Wedding........May 16, 2009

We can't have the wedding pictures without the SHOES!!! they were a VERY important part of the day.....don't ask me HOW they were important --- just know that they were!!!! Yes!.......the groom, the groomsmen, the father of the bride....father of the groom, and the ring bearer.....ALL wore THE SHOES! Thank you Chuck Taylor!!Clayton and Zoie did their part without a glitch!!! They were adorable ....and I think they both knew it too!!

Tim and Marti beamed the whole day and we thank God for another wonderful son-in-law....it was a beautiful day....a slight bit chilly --- well OK it was down right cold once the reception got started.

But there was a tent with heat inside and so we all got warmed up and the dancing started. They had a totally awesome band---- sorry I don't remember the name of the band but they were good. Marti and Tim looked wonderful together (dad and daughter did too) as they danced -- those lessons paid off!
We had a wonderful time while we were "home" (we really don't know where home is at this point). Our whole family was there for the wedding and we got to spend time with all of our grandkids.....especially getting to know the youngest ones - Halle and Sawyer. And shucks - we know they won't remember us when we see them again.......but when we left we were good friends.

We got back in time to have Release Time with the older group and found out that next week we will still be able to meet one more time with the K-4 graders. That's so neat because we really hadn't said good-bye to them for the summer.

We did get back in time to move some cattle....this morning we moved 300 yearlings..... That age has a reputation to be unpredictable......but they behaved themselves very nicely and the move went good. One day soon we will be moving the cow/calf pairs to their pasture also. That is always interesting ...because when those little calves lose mama --- they sometimes turn tail and run back to where they last saw her. Hopefully we won't lose any of them either.

Gary and Pastor Tom will be going to the Juvenile Detention Center tonight. I came back with a NASTY cold!!! And we don't want to pass that on to everyone at the JDC - so I will be staying home this time. Hopefully I will be on top of it by Sunday because Lakeview church is scheduled to have the service at the JDC Sunday evening at 6:00.

It was also great to see all of our supporters and friends at Overisel. Your prayers are so very important to us. Thank You!!!

Gary and Barb

Sign off until we get back to SD.

Decided this was a rather interesting picture...........

JDC tonight and then we will pack it up and head out in the early morning hours.

We probably won't update again until we return from our Michigan trip. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers and thoughts.

Gary and Barb

Andre' and John.....

Well, Andre'(Youth Pastor) and John DeNeef have left for home. It seemed to be a VERY positive trip for them.....He's planning on taking the youth group out to minister to the young people at the JDC for several days in June. Andre' left very excited. And we are excited as well. They will be traveling straight thru to Michigan so we would ask that you lift them up in prayer.

Of course, no trip is complete without checking out the ranch life and Andre' had a good time there as well.

We will be leaving tomorrow morning (Friday) and hope to arrive in time for a bridal shower for Marti on Saturday afternoon. Prayers for that trip would be appreciated also.

Thank you! Gary and Barb

Three Day change.........

Out here on the prairies we have gone from 90 degrees on Thursday......YUP you guessed it - there was a hint of complaining going on...."man! it's hot". Then on Friday it was about 47 degrees tops.....Now this morning (Saturday) there is about an inch of snow on the ground. Oh well, keeps you on your toes! DON'T put those winter coats away yet!!!

Yesterday evening Gary went to the neighbors to help with some branding. It was one of those ---- round 'em up, rope 'em, cut 'em, brand 'em--- type of events. About 7 cowboys roping, 4 branding (12 irons in the fire), 2 vaccinating and so on. Gary and Vern vaccinated the 330 calves... Lots of little boys got to get their hands in there too and try to hold those tough little calves down. Lots of fun. Then afterwards the rancher feeds all the help.....there were probably 30 people there or more. And the food was magnificent.....ribs, scalloped potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, salads......and about a dozen pies. No that meal fixing was not loaded on one poor tired gal.....lots of food was brought in by the other neighbors.

Gary and Barb

ORC has arrived!!!!!

Our friends from Overisel arrived early Saturday morning after 16 hours of driving and this is how they greeted us. What Fun!!!!

When we finally got to our place we put the men right to work on the ranch. The Hereford bulls were being ultrasounded and there was a job for just about everyone. And of course, us girls had to come and check out the progress. As you can see the dust was really flying. The bulls had to have their hair cleaned and they (the bulls) weren't too sure that they liked it. While the guys went out hunting - the girls were busy making a tote bag....thank you !!!! Margo. What a cute idea.
The muddy roads were very possibly an experience they will remember for a long time. We have had a great time together and the time has really gone by way too fast.

Tomorrow morning our ORC friends will be leaving us so you can lift up a prayer for safe travel for them.

Thanks!!!! Gary, Barb and Ken, Sally, and Bruce, Glenda and John and Margo