Coming Full Circle

Coming Full Circle

There was a time when the idea of bringing hurting kids and horses together to share the hope of Jesus was just a dream - a dream that we didn’t quite know what to do with or where to begin in saying yes to this calling God had placed on our hearts.

But we had read a book by Kim Meeder and heard about Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, so in May 2010, we went out to Bend, Oregon, for an informational clinic to learn from a ranch that was rescuing horses, mentoring kids, bringing hope to families, and empowering similar ministries.

The moment we stepped onto the sweet, peaceful property, I was overwhelmed - both by the confirmation that we were headed in the right direction and by the enormity of what lay ahead. This was not something we could do in our own strength or wisdom- and certainly not in isolation.

We soaked up every second at Crystal Peaks, taking in every informative session, praising the Lord in each element of worship, and continually asking Him what we were supposed to take forward with us.

This vision of a ranch had been on my heart for many years, and I understood that the timing still wasn’t quite right to launch a ministry. But I struggled with what I could even begin to do in those days to cultivate it further.

And then I was able to take a moment with Kim.

She and I talked, and she shared that the Lord had put a word on her heart to share with me:

“Soon.”

My heart was racing. Soon? Soon, what? We will be able to start the ranch soon? We will have property soon? What did this mean?

She said she had no idea - only the word.

I had no idea either, but that word became a lifeline for me in a dry season of waiting on the Lord.

Three years later, Devin and I moved our family to the Charlotte area and began taking steps toward starting the ranch while we lived in an apartment - and our one horse lived in another state. Shortly after, we purchased property in York, South Carolina. In 2014, Bright Side Youth Ranch officially became a 501(c)(3), and programs began in 2015.

Throughout it all, Crystal Peaks continued to be a source of encouragement, and Bright Side is blessed to be listed as a similar ministry.

While we aren’t able to make it out to Oregon, we’ve been thrilled to connect with the Crystal Peaks team over the last several years at the International Ranch Ministry Conference in Virginia. We always walk away feeling refreshed and strengthened - and empowered to continue lifting up the name of Jesus. To remain ministry-focused rather than therapy-focused. And along the way, a couple of their team members, Evan and Stephanie, have become dear friends.

Well, Evan and Stephanie also lead another ministry, which brought them to our church in Charlotte this past weekend. We were blessed to have them stay with us, and we had the opportunity to share Bright Side with them.

And that’s when it hit me.

They were standing on the ground of Bright Side Youth Ranch.

Sixteen years ago, we stood on the ground of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch with little more than a dream, a calling we didn’t fully understand how to walk out, and one little word to hold onto:

Soon.

And now, members of the Crystal Peaks team were standing here.

On the ranch that didn’t exist yet.

On property we didn’t have yet.

In a ministry we didn’t know how to begin yet.

What a full-circle moment.

There have been a lot of years, a lot of prayers, and a lot of steps of trusting the Lord between there and here. And we know God still has so much more in store.

But right now, we are so thankful for this moment the Lord gave us to look back and see a little more clearly what He has been doing all along.

Wow, is God good!

(If you don't live near Bright Side Yotuth Ranch and would like to find a Similar Ministry in your area, please go here for more information)