Teen Ranch Ministries

God isn’t finished yet.

Regret, Remorse and the Only Cure

If only I had not not said that, if only I had stopped sooner, if only I had listened. This is not the “oops, I goofed “ scenario that can be quickly righted. This is the irreparable, the final, the forever.

REGRET implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

REMORSE suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

Sometimes people are drowning in the sea of regret and remorse that is beyond comprehension. Could have, should have, I wish I had, all can add up to a deeper pit than anyone could have anticipated. If only.

For believers, actions which lead to regret are not always classified as “sins”, like breaking the 10 commandments, but rather “missing the mark” which is the origin of the word sin. Not heeding the prompting of the Holy Spirit, to do or not do a certain thing, can lead to unforeseen consequences, and thus regret.

We have all met them. People locked in regret and remorse, chained to the past and drowning in self condemnation. We have a message for them. It is repentance. God knows everything, and prepared a remedy to be applied to these serious situations, in His incomparable compassion He offers healing. It is called repentance, and difficult as it is, it is the only freedom for the frailty of the human condition.

REPENT to feel regret or contrition
the action or process of repenting especially for one's sins

Look what the Scriptures say, It is overwhelming to know a God who provides a way.

10 “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. 2Corinthians 7:10
What an apt description of the difference!

12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:12

Only God in His mercy can bring such assurance!

28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28

No matter the situation, God can and will work it out!

17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him”. John 3:17

Self condemnation is a major disease in our culture, but God does not condemn, he shows the way out! Such mercy!

Now, it is up to us, to live in the truth of His word and promises, and most vital, to share these promises to those we meet who need Jesus. Once again,that is why Teen Ranch exists, to bring the message of freedom to any and all who need to know, every day and everywhere!

Only nine months until our 60th Anniversary! Your stories are important! Please send your God Moment stories to
sharon.koeslag .com

God’s Word lights the path.

There is a Recipe for That!

Recipe
: a set of instructions for making something from various ingredients
: a formula or procedure for doing or attaining something

God has a way with recipes, and He is happy to share with any who will listen and follow.
Take 2 Peter 1:5-7

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

The goal here is not a great entree or a cake, it is the recipe for a godly life. Really .Living a godly life is a pretty high call, for new and even seasoned believers in Christ. But, there is a recipe for that!
⁹
Faith is the given, see verse 5.

Then look at this list of “ingredients” and note the order.

First, add goodness. Without goodness, nothing works right.

Next, knowledge. I suspect Peter was referring to knowledge about Christ; of the foundational prophetic Scriptures about Him as Messiah, but also knowledge of His works and character while on earth. One really cannot go far in any area without knowledge.

Self control. Well then, there is a topic! In our “anything goes as long as you are happy society,” self control is a much maligned quality. For the believer, it is to be desired and practiced, in all areas of life. Putting goodness, and knowledge ahead of our human desires can save a lot of heartache.

The next mention is perseverance. Winston Churchill’s most legendary words; "Never give in, never, never, never “ were given to students in 1941 during WW 2 , and have been repeated often. Persevere. Through the ages countless Christians have stayed the course, and chosen Christ despite persecution and even death.

Our next “ingredient" is godliness, and that is the forerunner to mutual affection and love. God ties this all up with His unique and all encompassing characteristic, love.

Aside from the personal benefits of building a life on this “formula”; there are dozens of people in our own personal spheres who need to know the love of our God and the kindness and goodness of His people. We do not need to wait for summer camp to share this precious news!

Blindside

Sometimes life offers up a blindside, a sideswipe, an “I did not see this coming”. Suddenly everything changes, in an instant, or a day. Shock, paralysis of mind and heart, shame, confusion, pain and grief, can land in a life unexpectedly.

Countless counselors, self help books, youtube videos, and group meetings are offered to assist humans to deal with the burdens of life and have some success.

As believers, our great advantage is that we know a God who is constant, unfailing and forever faithful to His Word. But, are believers meant to smile their way through the angst, the blows and the tragedies of life? Maybe not. Some days it is sufficient to stand firm, other days it is necessary to put one foot in front of the other, some days, drawing the next breath is all that can be expected. In any event God has a promise, well more than one!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness”
2 Corinthians 12:9:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Faithfulness. That is our God. He says what He means and means what He says. No matter what blindside comes our way, we can trust Him, He will hold firm when we cannot, and we always know that we can stand confident in the goodness of God, what a blessed people we are!

Great Is Thy Faithfulness Austin Stone Worship Live from TGC Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

It’s Me Again Lord!

I am personally in an “It’s Me Again Lord” moment! It is only ten months until our 60th Anniversary!

God Moments is a project that we at Teen Ranch Ministries believe will bring honour to the Lord, highlight the history of the ministry and encourage seekers, new believers and the long time faithful. We would like to have it ready and published on time for our 60th anniversary.

In order for this to happen, we need stories of when God showed up for you at Teen Ranch. Here is a list of possible categories which may jog your memory, or help you to see an event as a God Moment.


The first of course is when you understood God is real and that Jesus is God in human form.
Perhaps your salvation experience happened at Teen Ranch.
Another, when God showed up as protection for you or another Rancher.
An all of a sudden answer to prayer when God’s wisdom became clear, is a God Moment.
Perfect timing. A situation becomes critical, and right then, God shows up, with a word or another person.
The Holy Spirit prompts and awakens an action which changes the course of the day, or even your life!
God’s love has a way of interrupting a bad day. That is a God Moment!
God has a tremendous sense of humour which comes as refreshing God Moments!
There are so many more possibilities, because, well it is just like God to do something new!
It is critical that we get stories from every generation and every decade, so, please, pass this along to friends and use it as a tool to reach out to people you have not seen for years! God is in the business of reminding, prompting, and reaching His people, through His people! Please join us in this exciting project!

Your God Moment story should include a brief intro, who you are, where you were on the Ranch, the situation, and how God showed up. Please include a Scripture that fits or highlights the event. Then, please put it in an email to
[email protected]

Whether you were at the Ranch for one week, one summer, one year, or for your whole life, your story matters! Please share, and encourage others to share as well!

PS. A story!
Nico and I are privileged to be involved with Christian Camping International, and we get to visit and meet many different camps, and their people. We met a woman who had started her extensive camping ministry at Teen Ranch and the song “It’s Me Again Lord” came up. She asked if they still sing it there and we said of course! She was pleasantly reminded of it and said she had never heard it in any other camp, nor had others at the table! How precious that this standard song at the ranch is unique and brings back fond memories, even decades later!

It’s Me Again Lord!

I am personally in an “It’s Me Again Lord” moment! It is only ten months until our 60th Anniversary!

God Moments is a project that we at Teen Ranch Ministries believe will bring honour to the Lord, highlight the history of the ministry and encourage seekers, new believers and the long time faithful. We would like to have it ready and published on time for our 60th anniversary.

In order for this to happen, we need stories of when God showed up for you at Teen Ranch. Here is a list of possible categories which may jog your memory, or help you to see an event as a God Moment.


The first of course is when you understood God is real and that Jesus is God in human form.
Perhaps your salvation experience happened at Teen Ranch.
Another, when God showed up as protection for you or another Rancher.
An all of a sudden answer to prayer when God’s wisdom became clear, is a God Moment.
Perfect timing. A situation becomes critical, and right then, God shows up, with a word or another person.
The Holy Spirit prompts and awakens an action which changes the course of the day, or even your life!
God’s love has a way of interrupting a bad day. That is a God Moment!
God has a tremendous sense of humour which comes as refreshing God Moments!
There are so many more possibilities, because, well it is just like God to do something new!
It is critical that we get stories from every generation and every decade, so, please, pass this along to friends and use it as a tool to reach out to people you have not seen for years! God is in the business of reminding, prompting, and reaching His people, through His people! Please join us in this exciting project!

Your God Moment story should include a brief intro, who you are, where you were on the Ranch, the situation, and how God showed up. Please include a Scripture that fits or highlights the event. Then, please put it in an email to
[email protected]

Whether you were at the Ranch for one week, one summer, one year, or for your whole life, your story matters! Please share, and encourage others to share as well!

PS. A story!
Nico and I are privileged to be involved with Christian Camping International, and we get to visit and meet many different camps, and their people. We met a woman who had started her extensive camping ministry at Teen Ranch and the song “It’s Me Again Lord” came up. She asked if they still sing it there and we said of course! She was pleasantly reminded of it and said she had never heard it in any other camp, nor had others at the table! How precious that this standard song at the ranch is unique and brings back fond memories, even decades later!

The same faithful God—yesterday, today, forever.

The same faithful God—yesterday, today, forever.

Abundance!

Here is a question for you. Why do “Ottawa Valley” people only lock their cars when they go to town, in the fall?

Give up?

If they don’t, their car will be full of zucchini when they get back!

One can barely go anywhere in the valley without being offered apples, cucumbers, potatoes or yes, even zucchini! In tiny hamlets it is not unusual to see a basket of produce free for the taking at gas stations, post offices or convenience stores.

The abundance is noteworthy!

Jesus saw an abundance over two thousand years ago, an abundance of souls!
37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

We have just wrapped up an extraordinary summer at Teen Ranch but the job is not done! The seedlings and saplings birthed this summer need attention and as a ministry we have plans to keep in touch with them over the next few months. However, the most important thing we can do is to pray for each of our campers and their families over the ensuing months; it would be wonderful to have a high percentage return!

So, here is the call again; we need harvesters to pray! Pray the prayers of Paul from Ephesians and Colossians for everyone who was involved in Summer of 2026!

Growing fruit that lasts.