Death came swiftly to a young girl’s parents — killed in a murder/suicide. The crushing devastation of this loss threatened to destroy the child’s heart.
Yet, through the unconditional love of a horse and the mercy of God, her life was saved. This restorative template would reach far beyond the girl’s own loss and bring healing and hope into the lives of thousands more.
That girl was Kim Meeder, who, with her husband, Troy, founded Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Oregon. Meeder will be guest speaker July 15 at Sure Foundation Puna. Meeder will speak at 7, 8 and 10 a.m. Then, at 5 p.m., she will share her heart with women of all ages.
In 1993, the Meeders purchased the only piece of property in Central Oregon they could afford — a 9-acre, abandoned cinder mine. The land was so completely ruined that no one else wanted it. Together, they began the rehabilitation process by collecting organic waste materials from neighboring ranches.
For two years, the Meeders spread moldy hay, using stall shavings, and manure over the rocky floor of the mine to help create a nutritive base that would once again support life.
Troy Meeder brought home broken and discarded trees, and in 1995, Kim Meeder brought home the first two broken and discarded horses. One was starved to the point of near death, while the other was beaten so badly that a veterinarian was needed to suture her beautiful face.
Shortly after the horses’ rescue, children began to find their way to the Meeders’ home. The children came not for what they could get, but for what they could give.
In their efforts to help the horses recover, something miraculous took place in the heart of each child. As they cared for the horses in need, healing began.
Lives were being transformed by love.
After witnessing a mute girl speak freely to one of the rescued mares, the need to build a ranch where horses and children could help each other heal became vitally clear. Watching this powerful redemption of children and horses inspired the Meeders to build Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.
Founded on hope, the ranch is a place where broken children are healed through bonding with horses, giving them a sense of wholeness, belonging and trust. This richness is expressed through the healing embrace of God’s unconditional love.
Sure Foundation Puna is located 16-1592 Pohaku Circle in Keaau.
For more information about Kim Meeder’s upcoming appearance or the church, call 966-6489 or email info@surefoundation.tv.