Episode 84: Kim Meeder [Stories of Faith & Transformation – Part Two]
Merry Christmas, friends! During the Christmas season, we are bringing you a super special series, “Stories of Faith & Transformation.” I cannot think of a better gift than this conversation today! Our guest for part two of this series is author, speaker, and adventurer, Kim Meeder. I have been so excited to share this conversation with you. Ever since I heard about Kim Meeder and started reading her books, my life has been so impacted. I am inspired by her faith, and I believe you will be too!
Through her own experience of deep loss as a child, Kim encountered the love of God in a profound way. Inspired by Jesus’ love, in 1995, Kim and her husband Troy transformed their 9-acre cinder quarry into a ranch for kids and Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch was born. This unique non-profit organization rescues abused and neglected horses and is a safe place for kids and families to come find hope. As they help nurture the horses back to health, they find healing as well. Something I find incredible is that their work with each participant is one-on-one, with one leader, one horse and one child . . . always free of charge.
Kim has written and released six books (Hope Rising, Bridge Called Hope, Blind Hope, Fierce Beauty, Encountering our Wild God and Revival Rising). Her radio interviews with Focus on the Family and Family Talk remain as some of the most requested shows in their broadcast history.
Kim has spoken across the globe in a variety of settings, and I am so grateful that she took time to share with us today. Kim’s life radiates the truth that your pain has a purpose. On today’s episode, she shares incredible stories from her own life as well as from Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. We get into some of the topics from her newest book, Revival Rising. Kim and I talk about faith and overcoming fear, what it looks like to rely on the Holy Spirit, and how God has designed you uniquely–for this time and season. I encourage you to check out the ministry of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch at crystalpeaksyouthranch.org
*Disclaimer: towards the beginning of our conversation, Kim shares her story which includes some heavy losses. I just wanted to give you a heads up in case you want to listen on your own first.
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About Kim:
At nine years of age, a little girl’s life was shattered when her father murdered her mother moments before he ended his own life.
On the day of her parent’s funeral, Kim experienced healing that only Jesus Christ can give. She also encountered unique emotional comfort through a horse. This combination became the restorative refuge and foundation for all that was to follow. Through the love of Jesus and a little mare, Kim’s life was saved. Fully redeemed by the hope of Christ, she rose through the ashes of pain to become a powerful and encouraging influence within the lives of hurting youth.
Inspired by Jesus’ love, in 1995, Kim and her husband Troy transformed their 9-acre cinder quarry into a ranch for kids and Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch was born. This unique non-profit organization rescues abused and neglected horses and with the kids help, nurtures them back to health. These same horses are then integrated into the ranch’s riding program for children. With the understanding that all kids are at risk in today’s cultural climate, the ranch remains focused on individual instruction for each participant with one leader, one horse and one child . . . always free of charge.
Having assisted in the rescue of more than 300 horses, CPYR currently supports an equine family of 30 to 35 horses and welcomes four to five thousand visitors every year. The ranch has also assisted into existence over 200 Similar Ministries across the United States, Canada and more than a dozen in foreign nations. These Similar Ministries are also committed to serving families in need toward the love of Christ.
Kim has written and released six books (Hope Rising, Bridge Called Hope, Blind Hope, Fierce Beauty, Encountering our Wild God and Revival Rising). Her books have been translated into five different languages and her radio interviews with Focus on the Family and Family Talk remain as some of the most requested shows in their broadcast history.
Also, an accomplished and enthusiastic speaker, Kim has addressed audiences from home groups to mega churches, high schools to universities, women’s conferences to missionary conventions. She has shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with villages in the poorest nations of Eastern Europe to the marbled halls of the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C.
Kim is humbled to have received multiple awards acknowledging her commitment to serve others. These include the Red Cross Hero’s Award, the Regional Jefferson Award, the National Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award and Woman of the Year for community service.
In addition to her responsibilities as the Co-founder and Chief Communications Officer at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, speaking and authoring, Kim is a deep wilderness adventurer. She and her childhood sweetheart, Troy, have been married since 1981 and enjoy living in Bend Oregon.
Links from the Show:
- Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch
- Focus on the Family
- Family Talk
- The Bible App
- Ignition Events
- “Sleigh Ride” by Logan Keller
Kim’s Books:
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch Website
Important Disclosure: The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You pay nothing extra; any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you.
