Sarah Wilson

I first heard about the Ranch when I was twelve years old through one of Kim Meeder’s books, Bridge Called Hope. During this time I was facing one of the hardest seasons of my life and hope was something that had become foreign to me. I had become so numb to life and had even thought, “I have nothing to offer this world.” As I poured over every page of the book and read story after story of God bringing redemption to seemingly hopeless situations, I remember beginning to feel this immense relief – I wasn’t alone. I didn’t have to carry this burden of pain alone. God was with me and He was gently mending my broken life back together. God used Kim’s books to confirm how very precious and SEEN I actually was, and from that point on I KNEW Crystal Peaks would be more than just a book in my life.

Years drifted on and life took turns I didn’t expect, but Crystal Peaks never left my heart until, FINALLY, twelve years later, I felt a strong nudging to apply for the 2019 internship. The timing in my mind couldn’t be more wrong! I was settled in Virginia and had a GREAT paying job, but the nudging grew stronger and I knew I needed to take this leap of faith and trust God with the rest. I applied for the internship (not even believing I would get accepted), and, boy, did God outdo my wildest dreams! God literally made the impossible possible and brought to life a childhood dream.

Long story short: I was ACCEPTED to be a 2019 intern and THEN, 3 months into my internship, God opened up the doors for me to be hired on staff as the Administrative Coordinator. I am still constantly amazed by God’s goodness to me and how He turned my ashes to beauty as soon as I trusted Him with my whole heart and my whole life. I think of the verse that has been the theme of my life in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT): Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

One of the MANY things I enjoy about my job is the people I get to spend time with and do life with: session kids, parents, mentors, volunteers, visitors, etc. I love hearing all their different stories and being able to be that person that is just fully there for them, loving on them and showing them how truly valued and seen they are by a God that knows every hair on their head.

What do you love about Central Oregon?

The dry heat and the little-to-no mosquitos! I also love how the most breathtaking and raw nature I have ever seen is just a few miles from where I live.

What is one life lesson you have learned from working with a kid in a session?

The kids teach me something new every day, but what really sticks out to me is how little I actually know and how much I need God/Holy Spirit to help guide me in the best way to love the broken little hearts I have been entrusted with.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Anything that includes being in nature and exploring all it has to offer, especially through hiking and riding horses.