Who would have ever thought of using bull riding as the vehicle for bringing a female into her God ordained ministry? No one but God. But that’s exactly what happened. Crystal had felt the tug of God’s call on her heart since early teens, answered that call and waited for God to do the “usual” that would train her for His purposes and bring her into the ministry He had for her. His thoughts and ways are definitely not ours. Little did she realize that her lifestyle WAS her school of ministry. Crystal was working sale barns, hauling cattle and riding colts “to get by”, and all the while her hunger to know God and His Word intensified. He began training her to not just KNOW His Word, but USE it in everyday life with its trials.
Out of curiosity…and maybe boredom…Crystal decided to enter an all girl rodeo in the bull riding. She had never been on the back of a bull before but borrowed some gear and drove 6 hours to get on. One time…that’s all it was going to be, but found she loved the challenge and the pure adrenaline rush of it. One year later, Crystal found herself being hired by PRCA stock contractor, Jim Sutton to ride bulls at different rodeos for promotional purposes. This put her right in the middle of professional rodeo and other western events where her ministry gifts and the training God had put into her, had a purpose, a place and a calling. It was like putting a fish in water.
Since that time Crystal has been privileged to minister to crowds in many states across America, once in Honduras and even a small Aboriginal village in Australia. She has a “homespun” way of communicating God’s truths, interwoven with humor that makes it clear and applicable to the common man. Crystal has a heart’s desire to see the body of Christ rise up, take her place and walk in Kingdom power. In these critical days, it is imperative that God’s people, “know their God, be strong and do exploits”. (Dan. 11:32)
Crystal has two sons. Tyger Tuff who is a cadet at West Point and Colt Wrangler who is still in high school, rides saddle broncs and bulls and is a gifted drummer. Crystal and Colt reside at Mason, TX.