Feeling hopeless?

If so, the Venetian Theater and Women in Need Ministries are sponsoring a conference called Hope Rising.

The conference will be held Nov. 6-7 at the Venetian, 241 First Ave. N.W.

Kim Meeder, co-founder of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, will be the featured speaker. At Crystal Peaks, Meeder and her staff help abused children by teaching them to work with abused horses, with incredible results not only the children, but for the horses as well.

Dee Bingenheimer, owner of the Venetian and a pastor at Plainview Church, said the time is right for Meeder to come and speak.

"People are facing all kinds of negative circumstances," she said. "If I would had been able to schedule it two years ago, I don't think it would have been as impactive."

Bingenheimer said Meeder has experiences and stories that can touch people's hearts and give them hope.

"No matter what circumstances you are in, there is always hope," Bingenheimer said. "Sometimes God can use very negative circumstances to bring hope to someone's life."

The conference will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, when Bingenheimer and her band will lead worship music, followed by Meeder's talk. After her program, Meeder will meet with people in small-group settings.

The conference picks back up at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, with a continental breakfast. Meeder will again speak at 10 a.m. and be available afterwards.

Tickets are $25. Proceeds will go to the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. For those who cannot afford a ticket, scholarships are available, according to Bingenheimer.

For more information, or to order tickets, call the Venetian at (541) 926-1946 or send an email to dee@plainview.org.