A Bridge Called Hope
by Kim Meeder
Published by Multnomah
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Reviewed by Caron Smith
Subtitled: Stories of Triumph from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is a nonprofit organization that saves
abused and neglected horses and pairs them with children who
need similar nurturing. Since its opening in 1995, three hundred
horses have been rescued as well as numerous children. There is
never a charge for any service provided by the Meeders, Kim and
Troy, who receive blessings from God for all their efforts, but
draw no salary. Both of them have outside jobs that provide
their income.
This collection of true experiences offers detailed descriptions
of tragedy, determination, triumph, love, and ultimately shows
God's handiwork in the lives of children and horses who share a
common need for healing.
Whether you know a lot or nothing at all about horses, the
stories are written so that adults or children can easily
understand. In addition, each story is inspirational with
uplifting endings.
The twenty-two stories stand alone, but are told with heart-
wrenching emotion and unconditional love and woven together with
God's love, special children, and exceptional horses. Several
are about children who have been abused or abandoned, and need
psychological and emotional healing. Blended into each story are
accounts of horses, some wild that have been adopted, then
abused or left to die a horrible death, while others are tame
but have broken spirits due to either mistreatment or neglect.
Each child is always paired with one horse and the bonding and
healing process is never hurried.
My heart was broken by the cruelty and suffering, but by the end
of each story, my soul was lifted and my spirit renewed by the
heroic rescue efforts of the Meeders as they salvaged with love
and devotion, those in need, whether human or animal, assisted
by the unconditional love of God.
Armchair Interviews says: A must read for those who have an
outpouring of compassion and love for the suffering of others--
and a desire to read about the miraculous healing of God's love.