I'm Casey, and here's what I'm seeing

Good Day Fellow Friends of Cono,

What fun to witness the opening of the new pool at Cono. Summer camps and conferences have kicked off at Cono. You're looking south from the Gardner Gym.

Then about the grass. . . There is a remnant of former Conoites and newbies who are actively involved with Ridge Haven at Cono. I call them the Nehemiah Crew. A couple of days ago, my wife Victoria was heading home to Walker. She was traveling south on Quasqueton Avenue between Cono and Walker and passed Shannon Meadows driving their lawn tractor northbound for Cono. Shannon was on her way to mow the campus.

Mike Rehberg, (Cono Class of 2000) trailers his lawn mowing equipment to Cono so he and his two oldest daughters, Lilly and Sofie, can mow. The newbie's Meadows, Mike, Shannon and their five children, and long time Conoites, Rehbergs, are keeping the grass on campus under 4 inches while one of the originals of Cono, Dan Gardner, (Cono Class of 1962) heals from shoulder surgery. Dan took over the mowing all last year and if the Lord allows, fully intends to again be the chief lawn man this year.

Mike Rehberg’s wife, Rose, a certified teacher, teaches Math and assists with organizing the program for the home schooled children who come to campus every Friday during the school year. This year the program began with 13 students and ended with around 45. (I’ll share more on how that came about in a later post.)

Victoria Reinkoester, former Cono teacher, dorm parent, and cook and bottle washer, is on campus 2 to 3 hours a day Monday thru Thursday continuing her lifelong speciality of teaching little ones to read, and giving older students the tools to be above average lifelong readers.

God for His glory, has brought life back in the prairie of Iowa where we spent a portion of our lives. There were many obstacles to getting the ministry of Ridge Haven running. This summer the ministry will be at full capacity. To God alone belongs the glory!

God has allowed me to remain nearby and witness His work. He is not finished with using this little piece of dirt to train children and adults to be faithful lifelong servants. The ministry of Ridge Haven at Cono is WORTH your prayerful and financial investment.

Love to All; My Fellow Conoites,

Casey Reinkoester, Cono Class of 1973

And then these thoughts:

Giving a little for a long time.

Florence Myers, grandmother of two and great grandmother of three former Cono students faithfully gave a small amount monthly to Cono. I don’t know for exactly how long, but I was told it was many years.

Following her example of faithful giving, I am forming the “Florence Faithful.” I am humbly asking that grandparents and parents of former Cono Students become a "Florence Faithful." Former alumnus, staff, teachers, cooks, and bottle washers are welcome to join them.

Consider what amount you can give regularly, faithfully over the long haul. The amount isn’t important; giving it regularly, faithfully for many years does. God has graciously placed me nearby to witness the rebuilded Cono, now known as Ridge Haven at Cono. The new ministry on the former Cono’s location is WORTH your prayers and financial support.