11/09/2026
Spirit in the Sky; farm name Spirit - Farm arrival January 31, 2016 - 11-8-2026
Spirit was not the leader of the herd, but she was certainly not at the bottom either. She found her place quietly, confidently, and with a calmness that made her special. She was level-headed, respectful, and gentle with people. Qualities that made her such an important part of Purpose Farm.
We named her Spirit because we believed she was a gift from God, just like the Holy Spirit.
Her journey to Purpose Farm was nothing short of a miracle. Spirit was one of the horses saved directly from a kill pen in Pennsylvania. She had been purchased by a kill buyer and was headed toward slaughter. She had only hours left to find someone willing to save her.
And the heartbreaking part was that no one was coming forward to purchase and save Spirit.
We had already agreed to take two other horses, but then we were asked if we would take Spirit as well. We knew taking on another horse would be a huge commitment, but we also knew we couldn't turn our back on her.
So we said yes.
And then, once again, God made a way. People stepped forward and paid the costs to bring Spirit to Purpose Farm, making it possible for her to leave the kill pen and begin a completely different life.
During those days, we were reminded over and over of the words we had heard:
“You do what you can do, and I will do the rest.”
And God did.
Spirit didn't just survive. She became part of the heart of Purpose Farm.
Over the years, she mentored many of the youth who came to the farm. She had a quiet way about her that allowed children to simply be themselves around her. She didn't judge them, she didn't ask questions about their past, and she didn't need anything from them. She was simply there, steady, patient, and accepting.
And when her own time began to come to an end, Spirit was a fighter right to the very end. She did not want to leave Purpose Farm. She fought to stay, just as she had fought to survive the kill pen years before. In her final days, it was as though she was telling us that this was her home, these were her people, and she wasn't ready to let go.
But eventually, even the strongest fighters have to rest.
Today, our hearts are broken because she is gone. But we are also incredibly grateful that she was given the chance to live, to know kindness, to have a home, and to make a difference in the lives of so many children.
Spirit's life is a reminder that sometimes one life is saved because someone is willing to say yes and that one life can go on to touch so many others.
Spirit, you were a gift from God. You were rescued, you were loved, and you mattered. You helped children find hope, while quietly leaving a piece of your own hope with each of them.
You fought to come home.
You fought to stay.
And you were loved every step of the way.
Run free, beautiful girl. Your work here is done. Until we meet again.
