8-11-2004
Dear
Friends,
First off,
an apology. I did not realize with my last newsletter just how discouraged and
negative I sounded. And an apology to the churches on the list as well. I know
you get bombarded with requests for help from every other ministry that comes
along, and for me to sound so petulant in light of that, was uncool. I
apologize. And I sincerely thank those of you who have given help already in
whatever the form. Without ya'll, this place would not be what it is already.
This is a
much shorter letter this time, but I did have just a couple of other things to
pass on as well.
I checked
out the propane system at the ranch today, and it works. I was able to hook up
a small propane tank, and guess what? I have HOT WATER for showers now! Yippee!
And Thankyou Lord! Also means that the propane lighting system is now
functional, as is the big commercial size stove that can be used for cooking
for LOTS of people. Huge step forward. Propane refrigerators aren't working
yet, but that'll come in time...
The
electrical system at the ranch continues to come together also. Am closer and
closer to having power 24/7. Thankyou for all the prayers.
Yesterday,
I splurged a little bit and bought a bunch of board games and stuff for
the lounge area here at the ranch. That felt good. Tangible process making this
place homey.
An object
lesson hit me with that little incident with my rock rabbit in last week's
newsletter. When I first moved up here several months ago, I got a kitten to
control the mouse problem in the house here at the ranch. The kitten did a good
job of doing just that as it grew up. The mice went away. Then a second
adorable kitten was given to me. This brought chaos to the house. The two cats
fought and played and fought and played, and the short story is that they were
so busy fighting and playing with each other that the mice came back. That's
when the rock rabbit rat thing showed up too. Now if the two cats had just
focused on their job instead of each other, they could have kept the mice under
control and dealt with the rock rabbit too. But they didn't. I have been
studying John 17 in my personal devotions where, among other things, Jesus
repeatedly asks the Father for unity among his disciples. And this cat, mouse,
rock rabbit thing just illustrated to me the need for positive constructive
unity on the body of Christ. The whole incident was just interesting
to me. :-) So you churches out there, let me know how I can
support you in your own ministries, with the tools I have here at the
ranch.
Pray for
the different people that God has me ministering too. There is so much to do,
and I am trying to open to being used by God whenever, to whoever. I have met
with several different people lately that God gave me wisdom and insight
to speak directly to some issues happening. And people are starting to seek me
out some for advice and input and help with conflict. Which just blows me away
because I, in myself, have so little to offer and am so broken myself still.
But when I just stop being human Tim, and start being Tim in God, then neat
things happen and people are touched. God is so good to choose to use me. I am
very thankful and humbled by that. And it makes me want to just walk with Him
that much closer. It's kinda cool actually. In Him, there is a source of
strength/wisdom that comes up inside that defies human logic. But God logic?
Makes perfect sense.
So wrapping
up, just pray that God meets my needs, continues to be my all-in-all, and that
I can be patient for His timing.
And as I
said before, I am always open to entertaining guests up here, for anyone
curious about what's happening, wanting to help, or simply needing to retreat
awhile to seek God (if so, just say so, and I will give you the space you need
while here).
Oh, a
short article about what we are doing was in this month's issue
of the Treasure Valley Christian News. I AM interviewing staff people to
work up here at the ranch, and interviewing single men that have
asked for mentoring, that can help me build/fix/cleanup the place in
return for room and board. We have already been getting calls from that article
asking if we are accepting pregnant women and/or children yet. What a
heartbreak to have to tell them that we are not quite ready yet. I hope to
be at that point within 6 months. The need is just too great for me to ignore.
And that is my prayer. That God make me ready, and make things happen quickly,
so that we can begin working with our other 2 target groups: pregnant women,
and children/youth needing homes. Pray with me in that.
Sincerely,
Tim
Benedict
Thorn Creek
Children's Ranch and Conference Center
208-392-6723
PS. As
always, feel free to forward these newsletters on, or if you do not want to
continue to receive them, let me know that too so I can take you off the list.