Hope delivered on four hooves

Newberg ministry links kids, horses

By JOHN FORTMEYER
CNNW publisher
   NEWBERG — As hundreds of children find fresh hope and love through interaction with some of God’s special four-hooved creatures, Michelle Nash readily gives glory to the Lord.
   But she also reserves a little credit for Wayne Newton.
   It was the famed entertainer who gave then-little Michelle Price her first horse after she lost a leg to cancer at age 8. As outlined in Carolyn Phillips’ book, titled simply Michelle — which can still be found on Amazon.com, e-Bay or other web sites — the young girl started horseback riding and skiing despite her handicap, beat cancer despite overwhelming odds, and developed a desire to help others through equine — or horse — therapy.
   Today, decades later, that desire is being fulfilled through Haven of Hope Ranch. Operated by Nash and her husband, Eric, who live in St. Paul, the ministry utilizes about seven acres of property owned by Eric’s parents Dave and Kathy Nash just west of Newberg and also at a horse arena in the Springbrook area just east of the city. Now with about 14 horses, Haven of Hope also partners with 5 Rock Ranch, a Christian ministry near Yamhill.
   Haven of Hope will hold its first fundraising banquet 6 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Klages Dining Hall on George Fox University’s Newberg ccampus. The event will be hosted by Pete and Brenda, morning personalities on KFIS “The Fish” 104.1 radio. Families and children will share how the ministry has touched their lives. “It’s just a celebration of what God has done,” said Nash.
   She founded Haven of Hope in 2005 after she took six horses to a Royal Family Kids Camp, a program for underprivileged children that was locally arranged by Shirley Turner of Newberg Christian Church. The positive results from the children interacting with the animals confirmed to Nash that a full-time ministry was worth pursuing.
   Haven of Hope reached about 350 “disabled, discouraged and underprivileged” children and individuals last year. Intercessory prayer is a key component of the ministry.
  “It’s been incredible to just be available and see what God does,” said Nash.
   She believes horses are designed by God to bless children’s lives.
  “Horses are extremely sensitive animals,” she said. “By our moods and by our emotions, they read that very quickly. They are such huge, powerful animals, but when a child can direct that horse in a kind, loving way and see how that horse will obey, it is a special gift.
  “They are incredible companions, extremely loyal, and majestic.”
   Nash acknowledges that her ministry is very similar to that of another in Oregon —the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Central Oregon operated by Troy and Kim Meeder. Like Nash, Kim Meeder found solace through contact with horses during a time of turmoil in her childhood. When she was 9, Meeder’s parents died in a murder-suicide incident. A popular author and speaker, Meeder tells a compelling story of how God used horses to ease her deep pain and provide purpose in ministry.
   Nash greatly appreciates the friendship and support of the Meeders, who welcome other equine therapy outreaches because their program alone can’t handle the demand for such outreaches.
   Nash seeks those willing to sponsor a table of eight for $300 at the upcoming banquet. For more on the event, contact her at 503-516-8444 or michelle@havenofhoperanch.org.
   For general information on Haven of Hope, go to www.havenofhoperanch.org.