News from Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch spring 2010 THE CHRISTMAS PONY B Y M ICHELLE D ESAPIO

Being the mother of a soldier is never easy. Nor is being the Isabella is a black-and-white draft cross that Amaya connected seven-year-old sister to the same. It’s even more difficult with the first time she rode her. Somehow, this beautiful when the soldier is that daughter’s hero. mare always seemed to know exactly what Amaya The strain of our son’s deployment has weighed needed during each session. Whether their time heavily on each member of our family. During this together was slow and steady, or full of silly antics, time, and throughout the past three years, Amaya always felt confident and in control with Crystal Peaks has been our sanctuary. Isabella. For the past two years, she has worked The horses and staff have become our exclusively with her favorite horse. angels in disguise. It’s our special I believe most little girls dream place to go when we need to feel of ponies, but when Amaya peaceful and safe from all our dreams, she sees Isabella. worries. Both of our daughters, Nothing could have aged 7 and 9, love coming up for ever prepared me for a sessions and Round-Up game call I received in early times. They’ve said they feel December. God’s love at the ranch and find Kelsie, one of comfort in knowing so many the staff at Crystal amazing people are praying for Peaks, called to their brother’s safety. No matter tell me some thing what kind of a day my girls are astounding. She having, they always feel loved and and Kim had come special when they leave Crystal to the decision that Peaks. Isabella needed a Amaya, our youngest quieter life, due to daughter, once said, “Of some early arthritis course my family issues, to maintain her loves me… they longevity. They knew have to. But the that it was in Isabella’s people and horses best interest for her to leave at the ranch love me the ranch. My heart sank. just because they Why was Isabella being taken want to. I know I’m from Amaya—then of all times? special because God led us Didn’t God know how much she there to hang out with people needed this special horse? like Julie and horses like Isabella.” Continued on page 2 Setting a date, my husband and I told our girls we were all going to help the ranch. We planned to do some chores that would include taking our trailer so we could haul something (which was not entirely a fib). The night before revealing our surprise, I “When I ride Isabella I feel overheard Amaya tell her big. I think she might be an sister, Brooklyn, “Imagine angel God sent just for me. if we get to the ranch and Thank you everyone at they let us ride Isabella while Mom and Dad Crystal Peaks. I promise to helped with chores. That take good care of her. I will would be the BEST!” love her forever and ever.” Smiling, I thought, Not ~Amaya, age 7 The next statement I heard Kelsie speak will forever echo in quite the best. my heart. “We all know how much Amaya adores Isabella, and Once at the ranch, the we would love your permission to give to her to Amaya for girls set out to help with chores. As they finished cleaning Christmas.” In the silent moment that followed, I realized God Templeton’s pen, Kim arrived and asked Amaya & Brooklyn did care about a single child. He did care about how important this to assist her in moving some donated hay. They were excited at horse was in Amaya’s life. This was going to be a Christmas one the opportunity to help Kim, and they set off hand in hand. little girl would NEVER forget! Walking a few steps behind the trio, I overheard Kim ask them, For the next two weeks I arranged with Kelsie how this “Do you know how much God loves you?” “gifting” would occur and somehow managed to keep the Although I knew she was talking to surprise a secret. them, my eyes welled up as I quietly said, “Yes, I do.” Just outside the hay barn, Kim instructed the girls to get some gloves out of the shop. When they opened the tall wooden doors, before them stood the most beautiful horse in the world.

The Christmas Pony team (from top left): Kim, Julie, Brooklyn, Isabella, Laurie, Kelsie, 2 Sarah, Amaya & Jeff. Adorned in bows and ribbons, Isabella longer the shy, self-conscious little girl was waiting for her girl. Spread across “Crystal Peaks is AWESOME! I knew. She was strong and empowered. her broad chest was a sign that read, I love all of the horses and I met her down by the trailer and gave “Merry Christmas.” The kids froze. everyone there. They teach you to her a big hug. It was then that she Time stopped. Tears flowed. whispered in my ear, “Can you believe Quietly, Kim said, “Girls, we fibbed a care about other people and to this, Mom? They want ME to have little. This day isn’t about chores or hay, love God. When my sister got to Isabella!” In that moment, my daughter’s it’s about a Christmas pony.” Amaya take Isabella home, it was great heart broke free. It soared above every blinked hard. She looked back and forth for two reasons. One, because I fear, every sorrow, every anxiety of being between the horse and Kim, trying to apart from her big brother. make sense of what was really like Isabella, and, two, because I Amaya’s life is forever changed by a happening. Seeing her struggle, Kim love my sister. It made me feel ranch, a day and an extraordinary horse. clarified, “Isabella is not dressed to be good to see her so happy. Crystal Peaks isn’t just a ranch. It’s ridden by you… Honey, she’s dressed to not just about kids and horses. It’s a ~Brooklyn, age 9 go home with you. Isabella is YOUR place of peace and love— God’s love. For Christmas pony. Would you like to take me, it’s where God revealed that no her home?” With huge eyes, Amaya nodded slowly. Still matter what happens, He’s always with us. We love our Crystal speechless, she led the large horse down the gravel drive with Peaks family and thank God every day for leading us to them. more confidence than I’ve ever seen. God Bless, Without a word, my daughter was transformed. She was no Michelle

HERO & T EMPLETON

B Y K ELSIE P ATKA

As the winter months have passed, it Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life has been a delight to watch Hero and of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so Templeton build a friendship. These two easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. horses, who have overcome extremely We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects difficult circumstances, are our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its such an example of choosing shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. joy no matter their horrific ~ Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) past. The two of them play, eat and live together, constantly reminding us to shoulder with one another to run the race set before us.

3 AwBaY B ETkH F ISeCHER ning

“So, you wanna come with us on our next pack trip?” Kim’s mouth curved into a dimpled grin. Her green eyes sparkled under the brim of her hat. I didn’t know it At the trailhead, we packed all our gear then, but my answer to that question and supplies into panniers. I was would inevitably change my life. introduced to by my packing buddy, a we explored, hiked, rode, laughed, ate good I hesitated. Didn’t she know what a gentle gelding named Lightfoot. Though food, and told stories around campfires. green rider I was? I barely knew how to still uncertain of what I was getting myself Through all of our adventures, a single saddle a horse—let alone ride one. Kim’s into, I couldn’t disregard the peace I moment impacted my life more than the rest. gaze held steady, and I heard my mouth felt—peace from the Lord. As though It sparked within my heart a flame of clarity, speak before my brain could stop it, “Sure! stepping into a world I somehow already release and utter joy. I’d love to!” knew, I was transported back into my One morning, as we readied our horses My connection with Crystal Peaks childhood, giggles and all. to ride, I silently struggled with my came while filming their video a few years Leading our fully packed horses, we inability to do what others seemed to do ago. To my delight, the Lord continued to hiked into the wilderness. Breathtaking so easily: saddle a horse. Unexpectedly, my grow my relationships with many who doesn’t even begin to describe the beauty insecurity became a foothold for many old, worked at the ranch. The awakening we saw. The South Sister towered beside secret doubts. The sense that I was a desire to be joined to this place in a deeper us, jutting more than 10,000 feet straight burden, a weight to others, crept in. way was galvanized the moment Kim into Heaven. This beautiful mountain lay Suddenly, I found myself questioning why asked me to go on their annual pack trip. dressed in all the fall glory she could I was even on the pack trip to begin with. This awakening was only the muster. Moving like a multicolored thread, My heart broke. How sad that in a time beginning. our little caravan wove a single file strand of reflection and beauty, I was so utterly through hills, lush derailed by a lie that sent me reeling backward meadows, towering forests to a place of doubt and fear. My deep, and lava rock highlands. personal struggle with rejection and failure After seven gorgeous miles, bullied its way forward into my mind. we came to our campsite. It In an awkward attempt to hide my rising was a unique peninsula of emotions, I reached out to gently run my land hugged between two fingers along Lightfoot’s soft nose. creeks. A large stand of The moment my hand touched his lodgepole pine welcomed expressive Arabian face, my eyes us. Like open-armed instantly filled with tears. Surprised friends, they reached by the emotional ambush, I quickly toward us with mighty withdrew my hand. Staring at Lightfoot, outstretched branches. I grappled with what had just happened. It felt like home. Holding back my tears, I curiously reached Once we settled in, out to touch his unassuming face once time generously slowed. more. Every moment became Returning my gaze, his soft brown eyes more precious than the held nothing but love. Again, my eyes last. In the days that flooded with emotion. At once, the picture followed, I bonded with my became clear. I was a full-grown woman, beloved friends. Together, standing before a small gray gelding, 4 Beth, Jenna & Kelsie un-rejected and loved. He didn’t know my story, the struggles I had faced or the fears I was pushing down. All he knew was the girl in front of him needed a reminder of something forgotten—something wonderful—something powerful. Lightfoot became the four-legged example of a greater truth. The Lord knows me, He receives me and He loves me… just as I am. Realization flashed through my soul like a bolt of lightning. This is the impact of Crystal Peaks. This is the symbol of hope it offers for damaged souls to know the love of God. My gelding was a rescued horse with a damaged past of his own. He, too, had known great rejection. The fact that I was so easily received by him gave me Instinctively, he encouraged me to let go of But, it wasn’t until my awakening with hope. Deep within, I experienced fears as we cantered across meadows, Lightfoot and the Lord that I realized the something I hadn’t felt in a jumped creeks and hiked steep, narrow full impact this ministry has. while—a twinge of true healing. trails. Upon my white steed, the Shortly after my wilderness experience, Throughout the rest of that unhindered little girl inside my heart I was invited to consider joining the ranch magnificent day, Lightfoot continued to threw her hands up to the sky and yelled as a staff member. With no doubt this reveal his acceptance of me. I felt for joy! On his back I could feel the ranch is where I’m meant to be; I’ve safe in his presence, and I loving freedom of the Lord. humbly accepted the offer. For the next grew more comfortable on Looking over my shoulder at that season of my life, I feel grateful to be on him and confident in my treasured time with my new ranch staff at Crystal Peaks. To join their fledgling skills as a rider. family and silvery friend, I’m commitment to serve broken children and deeply grateful. It’s amazing horses is the noblest thing I could do. the way God orchestrates I anticipate my time at the ranch with our lives. I went on the great hope, admiration and love. Not so pack trip believing that secretly, I also look forward to seeing my Crystal Peaks was Arabian friend each day, my sweet, special. endearing, Lightfoot. God is so good. He’s allowed me to experience the adventure of a lifetime. Through my wilderness journey, He took time to cradle me in His arms, heal me and strengthen me through a simple awakening… with a horse.

Lightfoot became the four-legged example of a greater truth. The Lord knows me, He receives me and He loves me… just as I am. 5 B Y T ROY M EEDER In order Child riding for us to look program. Some forward with of these little clarity, we must ones wait as begin by looking long as six back. weeks for a From the very session. Hope beginning, the for the Family core of Crystal as well as Peaks Youth Empower the Ranch has been Ministry have to create a place surged nearly for horses, children and families to find healing, hope beyond imagination. Our need to expand these programs and freedom. Over the past 15 years, our foundational has been met with substantial resistance due to facility principles, the pillars that have given us focus and size. purpose, have remained the same. Although we would never leave our beloved ranch, we Rescue the Equine, Mentor the Child, Hope for the have certainly outgrown it. Of all the obstacles to Family and Empower the Ministry. challenge our ministry… this is a good one. What began in 1995 as a simple rescue facility for Recently, a latent solution has revealed itself. Just two desperate horses has grown into a pioneering across the street lies a potential answer, a property called ministry with global influence. Through our Three Peaks Ranch. Once a 1940s dairy farm, it has been Information Clinics, the outreach of Crystal Peaks has transformed over the years into a beautiful horse property. gone nationwide and beyond, into seven foreign The 63-acre ranch comes with 32 acres of irrigation, a countries. With this exciting growth comes 25-acre hay field, a barn big enough to hold 500 people, responsibility and progressive planning. an indoor arena for kids to play in, hay storage, a For years, we’ve been very aware of the limits of our swimming pond, several workshops, and a home. This current nine-acre facility. With much love and potential expansion has come up for sale. determination, we have pushed against our borders Within this new season of looking forward, we ask until bursting. The size of our property has now you to please join us in prayer as we carefully consider the become the fulcrum by which we balance our ability to possibility of pursuing this opportunity. Rest assured, further grow the ministry. friends, that conservative stewardship has been—and The limitations of our facility have challenged each always will be—a foundational principle that governs our of the four cornerstones that support the mission of planning. In no way will we ever risk what God is doing Crystal Peaks. Rescue the Equine has been on 9 acres, simply to add 63 more. If you have any limited to the maximum of our current questions, please feel free to contact Troy 30 horses. With an annual increase in Meeder at: tmeeder @cpyr.org children, we are consistently placing Again, thank you for keeping us in your kids on a waiting list for our Mentor the prayer.

6 Yes! I would like to shoulder with
2010 R ANCH EVENTS  Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch to support If you’re planning a family vacation or traveling in Oregon this next year, children, horses and families in need. we’d love to have you stop by and say hello! Here are a few different Please use my donation for: ways that you and your family can be involved:
Where it is needed most
Rescue the Equine Round-up Tours
Mentor the Child Before your visit, please give our office a Round-Up Thursdays are a legendary call at 541-330-0123 for our tour schedule. ranch tradition of hilarious laughter and
Hope for the Family play. There’s no better place to experience
Empower the Ministry Ranch Fellowship summer fun than coming to the ranch on
Potential Property Expansion Our twice-monthly Ranch Fellowships a Thursday afternoon! Bring the entire
Endowment Fund are a beloved combination of sharing a family (and maybe a change of clothes) to meal, worship and an encouraging engage in a thematic event of outrageous Payment Method: message. We cherish these wholesome games that often include water and food. A check payable to Crystal Peaks Youth evenings and would love to invite you and Starting Thursday, June 24, and Ranch or CPYR for $______your family to join us as we come together running through Thursday, August 26, to be refilled, refreshed and restored. Please (with the exceptions of July 29 & August 12). Send donations to: Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, check our website calendar for dates. Round-Up begins at 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 19344 Innes Market Road, Bend OR 97701. You can also make your donation at Information Clinics Hoe-Down www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org May 19-22 & June 2-5 Saturday, July 31, 4 – 9 p.m. with your credit card or PayPal account. Since 2005, Crystal Peaks has hosted Don’t miss our annual old-fashioned two Information Clinics a year. These Hoe-Down. This Wild West event Name ______events are designed to assist others who encourages all relatives and kin to arrive at Address ______are passionate to start a similar ranch or the ranch dressed in their finest hillbilly ministry. Each four-day clinic is a attire. Come join our clan in an evening of City ______comprehensive, step-by-step experience crazy family games, western contra intended to assist participants in creating a dancing, BBQ, worship, a simple message State ______Zip ______strong foundation upon which to build and ice cream sundaes. We hope to see Phone ______their own ministry. ya’ll in July! e-mail ______There is still opportunity to register for our 2010 clinics. For more information Please make my donation a gift and registration, please visit
In honor of: our website. ______
In memory of: ______
Please send gift acknowledgement to:

Name ______

Address ______

City ______

State ______Zip ______

Phone ______

e-mail ______7 BLIBNOOKD #3 is almHost hereO: PE An unwanted dog & the woman she rescued

An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind How YOU can take THE MESSAGE Hope reveals poignant life lessons qwOF wHOPE wFURTHwER e Laurie experienced from her ailing, yet The release date is scheduled for July 10. courageous, canine friend. Reaching out aYou ca n hel p take the message of hope fudrther to save a dog in need, Laurie, a Crystal by pre-ordering your books and viewing the Peaks staff member, soon realized that promotional video on our website: awww.c rysta lpeaksyouthranch.org/blinddhope. the dog was saving her. Pre-ordering books for personal use or gifts Despite the blindness of her dog—and her drives the print run higher, which compels own heart—Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, anation al re tailers to carry books they mdight unconditional trust, and true acceptance—faults and all. not previously consider. The end result is that the hope of Jesus Christ is shared on a much Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they abroad er sca le. d couldn’t see. In the process, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God’s Thank you for shouldering with us in this selfless love even for imperfect and selfish people—and she experienced a greater unique opportunity.

love than she has ever known. zxxx xc

g r o . h c n a r h t u o y s k a e p l a t s y r c . w w w

1 0 7 7 9 R O , d n e B

d a o R t e k r a M s e n n I 4 4 3 9 1

3 2 1 0 - 0 3 3 ) 1 4 5 (

. o C h c n a R h t u o Y s k a e P l a t s y r C

# T I M R E P 3

R O , D N E B

D I A P

E G A T S O P . S . U

T I F O R P - N O N