Heading for Michigan July 23 - 30

Just a quick note to let you know that we will be heading for Michigan tomorrow morning at 9:00. We will be taking 4 young people from the Lakeview CRC to a Middle School SERV camp in Byron Center, Mi. When we were asked if we would be willing to drive a group of kids to a SERV camp we said "yes"......where are we going?? !!!!!Byron Center, MI??????? Seems rather strange for kids from the Rosebud Reservation to be going there for a work camp. But there are needs everywhere!

We aren't required to stay with the group --- because we are only coming with 4 (5 would have been a different story).....so we will be able to enjoy our friends and family during the week.

We would ask that you pray for-----JaeLynn, Brayden, DonShay and Rebecca. They will be a long ways from home and in a different environment. Also, if you would pray for safe travel coming and going, we would appreciate it.

Thanks!!!!! Gary and Barb

More photos and ........Boo Hoo.........

Once again I put the pictures on "backwards" --- the ones I wanted last are on here first.. Oh well. . . . I will try to get the days with the right story - that's all that matters.


We took our group kayaking on Friday. In a way we made them earn it. The kids had to say "thank you" to the cooks every day at the noon meal. You just don't realize how little we hear those words - close to never. And some had a hard time doing it. But Sue got after them...... :) in her own sweet way she made them do it. We also took note of their attitudes and how well they participated in all of our activities. When some were close to not receiving the two "punches" (on their name tag) ......we would let them know. We didn't have to leave any behind when it came to the kayaking day........however - there were still some that were "on the edge".
We played LOTS and LOTS of silly games!! One was the "banana relay". Team members had to decided who would eat the banana at the end of the "foot to foot relay".....that person had to eat the banana and get to the front of the line first. Oh My!!! One girl and one boy stuffed that banana down their throats in record time and then wanted to do it again!!! Girls won :)

On Thursday we made "J E S U S plaques". The kids did a real nice job. We had to battle the wind wanting to blow our little pieces away but we managed to save them all. Anthony didn't want his picture taken..........??why?? who knows!!
On Thursday we also had the kids decorate aprons for the three main cooks. We all signed our names-with some putting a little thank you note on it too. They are very nice looking aprons (designed by Sue) and the one cook - Vicky - who had received one 3 years ago and said she still had it hanging on display in her kitchen at home.

We had the privilege of Chad V.G. joining us for the week. He's one of those hyper adults that have a blast with the kids. He was a nut and we all thoroughly enjoyed him! He was a bonus. I think he was with a group from Iowa -- in fact I think he is the Youth Pastor. Sad that I don't know all these things for positive!!! ....we just know we had a lot of fun with him.

We had such a good time with my two sisters and Jon and Sue and now (Boo Hoo) they are all gone. It's just me and Gary and Toby. We miss our company already!!! It was a good week as far as the weather goes.....warm to hot --- no rain --- no storms ----.... We did have one gal sprain here ankle during basketball and one little boy got sick and had to be taken home. But considering the numbers....that's not bad.

And speaking of numbers ------- I don't have the total for camp this year..... will have to find out later. I do know that the numbers were "down" from other years. But in many ways - it was for the good. Too many young people and it gets harder to do "quality" ministry.

Thank you so much for remembering us in your prayers!!! And now we just ask that you continue to pray for the children.

Gary and Barb

2nd Day of Prairie Light Youth Camp - 2010

Our Pastor Tom had a problem with his lawn mower this morning....so Gary helped him out with that.... (after telling him that he couldn't get his hands and pants dirty).










Sue had the early morning devotions.....the "Three Crosses". Jesus Redeemed us....one thief Refused Jesus......and the other thief Received Jesus' free gift of salvation.









The boys made wooden "treasure" boxes yesterday and finished them up today. We had a couple of new boys today.....but Gary and Jon had that all figured out and the new boys were able to take theirs home today also.









The girls worked hard on some really pretty "boxes". They get into decorating the tops and there is no stopping them. Standing is one of our helpers, JaeLynn, who is from the Lakeview church.









And this little gal --- so VERY quiet and shy......but what a gorgeous job she did. And this wasn't even her finished product. She went on to more and better. CLASSY!!! Oh....that is her name - Anpo means Morning Star in Lakota.









And then we filled the rest of the day with some very crazy games. The kids loved them all and really participated well. We have a helper - Chad - I think he is from Sioux Falls.....he's a "30 something guy"..... and FULL of energy. We are having a lot of fun with him and he is having a lot of fun with the kids....one of those competitive type that REALLY works hard at winning and having fun at the same time.





We did several versions of the bag race....singles - doubles - triples - backwards - half the group together - the whole group together..... Loads of fun!!!!










We wondered if today was going to be a first......the weather threatened rain...... but it never came. So that meant the roads were good too. It wouldn't be good to have a lot of folks here that have never experienced our roads when they get muddy.....would send everyone into a tizzy!!!!

We really had a good day with the kids that came....but there are still some that were registered that haven't showed up yet. And now it's Thursday (tomorrow) already. So it gets to the point that it would be best if we finish with the ones we have.

Jon and Sue did both Bible lessons today....Jon having the main one after lunch. They are such a bonus to have as helpers. We are BLESSED to have them here with us.

Oh and our dog Toby would say " I am blessed too!!!!" He has a bunch of 12 teenagers on the yard with him and every-once-in-a -while he gets away with a flip flop to chew on. But I really think they are a forgiving bunch........anyway he sure is up there a lot!!

Hope your days are going good. I know that Overisel Reformed Church is having VBS also this week.

We will try to keep you posted!!
Lots of Love to you all!!!
Gary and Barb and for a short time......Jon and Sue

First day of PLYC for 2010

Prairie Light Youth Camp began today - Tuesday. We had the funeral of and elderly gentleman, Bobby Tinant, from our Lakeview Church on Monday and so camp was delayed a day.

It seems to have been a pretty good day for the most part. Our group was smaller than anticipated --- but that is usual for the 1st day so no surprises there. As you can see from the photos the games seemed to be a hit.

The photo in the middle was beach ball volley ball and the other two are a game called "Table Top". We got this idea from a young man in the JDC who had played it at a team building event. We tested it out the night before and if us "oldies" could do it - we knew the younger set would be able to. The little gal in the yellow shirt was VERY small but she did a grand job. Both of these groups held their "pose" for 2 minutes. You start out with everyone sitting on a chair --- and then you pull the chairs out from under them.

















The boys also did a good job with the Table Top game....and it was a tie with the girls in the end.















We made "treasure boxes" today..... sorry :( we forgot about the camera until the games....but we will get some photos of them tomorrow. Tomorrow we will be finishing them.

On Thursday we will be making a J E S U S plaque ---- that one where you have to look at it just right in order to see JESUS. And then we will be decorating some aprons to give as a THANK YOU to the cooks.

It was VERY hot today ---- balloons popped on the hot car..... but we all made it OK.....

We have to admit that we have a couple of kids that are "high maintenance" - if that's the right phrase. But we have found that many times these come around and we have a good time with them. So we ask for your prayers in this.

It's been GRAND to have my two sisters, Ethel and Linda, here for the week. Ethel figured out the problem with not being able to put photos on the blog -- what wonderful timing :) :) :) !!! We are also having a lot of fun with our friends (and helpers for the week) Jon and Sue Pfnister. We will hate to see all of them leave!!

Thank you !!! We know that prayers are being lifted for camp.....everyone arrived safely so right there we had an answer to prayer!!

Gary and Barb and "the crew".

Garage and great helper

We have been blessed in grand ways!!!

We had a wonderful time visiting with family and friends in Michigan --- we were gone for 10 days. We got to help our daughter Marti and her husband Tim move to a new home in Kalamazoo and even got to spend a night in that new home. We were also able to watch Clayton and Sawyer in their swim lessons. Sawyer was not a happy swimmer that day but they really both did great. Then we were also able to enjoy watching Sidney and Austin practice for their Age Group Swim Team. It's fun to see kids excited about something like that and to do so well also.

It's always good to visit with our Overisel Church friends too. You are so supportive and we thank God for each one of you!!

Then back to South Dakota for a FUN Box Social --- a fundraiser for some dear neighbors. Barb S. is battling cancer and this was a way to help them with all the cost of travel and meds and so on. It was a grand success!!! and we were glad we didn't miss it.

On Saturday we received a phone call --- caller had to leave a message...... It was rather hard to understand so we played it over about 3 or 4 times and finally realized it was a young man that we had gotten to know at the JDC. We had told Jeremy that he should come to the Lakeview church when he got out and he said "Oh, I'll be there." Jeremy had gotten out on Wednesday and called to say he wanted to come to church and needed directions. YES!!!! I hoped that my directions were easy to follow....Sunday morning - they arrived before we did. :)
Jeremy, his mom, little sister and younger brother. As it turns out Jeremy and his mom know several of the ladies in our church from school days. Mom said she had been looking for a church in the area and they would be back. The two youngest ones are signed up for PLYC. PRAISE THE LORD! He is faithful!

Having gotten to know Jeremy quite well--- we decided to ask if he would like to come and help with the garage that Gary has been working on. Yes! Jeremy wanted to!! I have tried to post photos and for some reason I can't :( !!! But Jeremy is doing a great job!! Yesterday they put the trusses up and today the siding goes on. A couple of band aids this morning --- but then one was for Gary and 2 for Jeremy. Working with sheet metal --- sharp edges.

There are still things - those last minute things - to do for Prairie Light Youth Camp, but we do feel that for the most part we are ready. Please keep camp in your prayers!! Travel for the volunteers coming from so many places - Michigan, Wisconsin, Colorado, Sioux Falls and other areas of South Dakota, Iowa, Montana ........... But most of all - please remember the children. Pray that God's Good News will go out to them loud and clear, and that camp will be a fun and safe week.

If anyone has an idea why I can't post photos - please let me know. It's very frustrating and will be even more so when camp starts!!!

Thank You once again for your prayers and support is so many many ways.

Gary and Barb

I have to apologize........

......to our faithful supporters. I didn't realize that it was more than a month since we updated this spot. SORRY!!!! As you can tell we have been very busy!

Well, I've tried two times to put some photos on here but for some reason it's not working today. So another apology.......... I wanted to show you what we have been busy with but now will just have to tell you.

We put a deck on the back side of our trailer. There are sliding glass doors in the dining room -- but they were not used because it was a 5 foot drop out the doors. There was a deck slab laying out in the trees -- in good shape --- so we started with that and then enlarged on it. We now have the deck going from the back door (out of the laundry room) and the sliding glass doors so that makes it 15 1/2 feet long by 8 feet wide. We are really enjoying it!!!! Well actually for the past several days we haven't ----- had 4 1/2 inches of rain since this past Wednesday and this is Monday. Today is still cloudy but no rain so far. Of course, that means our roads are horrendous!

Our other project has been our garden. We have been eating radishes, spinach and lettuce already. We have: corn, beans, peppers, zucchini, butternut, tomatoes, carrots, onions, watermelon, muskmelon and potatoes. Sounds pretty impressive doesn't it. Everything is up and doing good except for the potatoes - we got them in the ground late....but we think they are coming - saw the ground cracking around them before all the rain came. We have an electric fence around the bottom - 6 inches up and then at about 5 feet. So far we have kept the rabbits and deer out. And there are plenty of both around.

Gary and my cousins husband, Jerry, have been trying to get going on a garage. This will be next to my Grandparents house --- just to the east of our trailer. The rain has really put a stop to their work. So far, they have the holes dug for the posts (it will be a pole barn type)and the cement pads in the bottom of the holes. They are now just doing odd jobs around the place --- waiting for the ground to dry.

Our puppy - Toby - is doing great. He did get under the front deck and got tangled up in the Dish cable for the TV and did some chewing......but that's been his worst trick --- so we are very pleased with him. He found a mud puddle the other day and boy did he have fun. We will have to take him to White Lake and let him really play in the water!!

Our plan is to come back to Michigan in about 7 days.....we will stay for about a week. Then we hope to be back in time for a "Box Social" for a neighboring couple. Barb has cancer and they make trips to Rapid City every week for treatment. So this is a fundraiser to help them pay for gas and etc. I remember "box socials" from my very young days. If you never made up a box and hoped for that special boy to bid on it --- then you haven't lived long enough :-)

We are still thoroughly enjoying JDC. When a young man asked for a Bible the other night....our hearts just soared. He has been in JDC before and just a quiet young man. But we know that his home life is really bad. Last night Gary gave the group a "history lesson" - kind of a REAL short version from Abraham to Moses. You can imagine the shortness of it -- we were only with the kids for less than an hour and part of that was singing and visiting. Anyway....they were told that this was in preparation for Thursday night. Gary will be telling them the story of the Red Sea crossing....and then we will share some photos of the chariot wheels they have found in the Red Sea....proving that this is NOT just a story....but true Biblical facts. We told them they should read ahead and know the story when we come back Thursday. Many of them have a Bible in their room. So when the young man asked for a Bible after that --- we are hoping he is just reading away!!! :-)

Other lessons have been in answer to some questions that the girls gave us. "Where did the Bible Come from"....."How can I know God is real"....How old is the Bible". Thankfully the girls who asked the questions were there to hear our thoughts. The boys and the girls have gardens at JDC. We are skeptical on how they will fair.....will they be overcome with weeds or will someone be there all summer to take care of it.?? But we were glad to see about 5 boys out in their garden spot with hoes the other night.

Well, perhaps we will see some of you during our return to Michigan. We are going to be helping our daughter Marti and husband Tim move to a new home. But will also be in the Overisel area.

Love to one and all.
Gary and Barb

Release Time coming to a close and MORE!!

We have two more Release Time days...... today with the K-2 and then next week with the two older groups. Below you see the 7th and 8th graders with their "Mothers Day" craft. At first my idea was just a fun "spring time project"-----flowers. However, we finished them just before Mothers Day --- so we all thought they would make a nice gift for mom or gramma. The kids really made some nice "bouquets" ! Today we will be telling the story of Zacchaeus and I will attempt to teach them our old Sunday School song too. Then we will watch a Veggie Tales movie on "Telling the Truth"

JDC has been good. We have a young man there now who signs his prayer request card with his nickname...."Lunch Boxx".....and his prayer request is this: DON'T PRAY FOR ME! Two weeks we got that.....then on the third week --- he read a passage out of the Bible for us.....he asked questions and participated nicely. He doesn't sing - but that's OK - a lot of them don't. The third week -- he sat in the front row......his eyes are always on the speaker!!!......and this was his prayer request: DON'T PRAY FOR ME.....(and then on the very bottom) ....unless you want to. :-) :-) :-) We got such a laugh over that.....how God is so at work and we don't even know it.

And below is our newest addition to the Peters household....a little Yellow Lab. The poor little guy needs (NEEDS!!!) a name yet. I could come up with all kinds of names but he's Gary's dog so I feel he should name him. He arrived a little ahead of schedule so he is without a permanent place to call "mine". We didn't expect him until May 26 .......so we are scrambling to get his kennel done. And when it rains every day ...... it's not easy. We even have snow in the forecast for this week. Man do I hope they are wrong!!

We have also been very busy helping the ranchers with cattle. We moved one herd (maybe about 200 pairs) about 13-15 miles on Saturday. It went really good....considering it was cow/calf pairs. I have learned a few new "arts" in the process. It's always fun to be asked to do something new.....bobbing tails or giving shots or whatever. You can't imagine all that goes on with raising beef cattle. It's fun to learn!!! We also got in on an old fashioned branding a couple of Saturdays ago. Gary vaccinated them and I gave them the "squirt" up their noses.....all 350 of them. I should have put a photo of that on here.....but it's too late now. ( I have more troubles when I upload pictures......they're either in the wrong place or somehow I delete and have to start over......have done that once already on this update......so.....sorry.) There were a lot of young boys who went home tired that night. Some of those calves are pretty big and don't like the idea of being man handled. One boy just about lost his grip on the calf and went for a short ride ---- :-) arms around it's neck and leg over it's back..... he didn't let go!!!! The young man won the battle (with a little help) :-) It can get pretty intense when you have 4 cowboys roping and dragging the calves into the branding area.....luckily every body stayed out of harms way.

We are looking for people to pray specifically for a young person in the JDC.....if you are willing -- please let us know. You can contact us at petersgb@juno.com We know that this is the best thing that we (and you) can do. There will not be a picture for you as we are not allowed to take any photos......we have signed confidentiality papers and so we might not even give you the last name. However, God will know who you are praying for....... The needs are so great!!

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Gary and Barb
p.s. The little guys name is Toby --- came like a flash!