The Founders

Bill and Linda Baker

The life force behind Crossroads at Panadero Ranch consists primarily of Bill and Linda Baker. Bill and Linda own Panadero Ranch and lease the property to the Crossroads ministry that they helped to found. Having committed their lives to Christ, Bill and Linda sought a way that they could use their energy and talents to help spread the Word and also make a positive difference in the lives of deserving youth. Motivated by a very successful Houston program that introduces young men to Christianity and to the beauty of the outdoors, Bill and Linda founded the Crossroads program. Now in its second season, Crossroads and Panadero Ranch has provided a life-changing experience for dozens of young men and the program continues to grow and flourish.

From Bill and Linda

In 2005, we were living in Midland and were blessed with the opportunity to buy a ranch near San Angelo, Texas. At that time we had been involved with our church’s youth ministry for several years and were helping lead high school seniors. We saw many youth, particularly young men, growing up without opportunities to be in the quiet of the outdoors and to hunt, opportunities Bill had grown up with himself. This led to us seeking wise counsel and the beginnings of trying to put the vision of a ministry into place. Little did we know, God had other plans. In 2007 we moved to Austin and 2013 we felt led to sell the ranch in San Angelo and find another closer to Austin. In our search we were shown a ranch that had much of the needed infrastructure for our envisioned ministry. The Lord worked out the details for the purchase, and then we spent the following year updating and remodeling the buildings, as well as improving the quality and health of the deer on our now named, Panadero Ranch.

In 2014, as we were in the midst of ranch improvements, we were introduced to Todd Branson who founded The Children’s Refuge. He graciously brought us along side and shared the model of their wonderful ministry which was similar to what had been placed on our hearts so many years ago. We continue to be thankful for Todd and his board for their assistance and encouragement.

Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” This is the passage we were inspired by to name this ministry Crossroads.

Our prayer is that we continue to follow the path the Lord places in front of us, to do His will and to give Him all the glory.