The Shekinah experience began in 1992 at the former Bethany Christian camp ground now named Shekinah Western Ranch Camp . Thinking back we recall how several community leaders, family members and friends had such an outpouring of support to make this camp possible. Pastor Tom Ravsio, for so many years, had shared his vision of opening a horse camp to inspire children to have a relationship with God. In year one all those who supported the vision put their hands to the plow and made Shekinah a reality. As we opened up for the first time with a four week season and a total of 40 kids we were trusting God was to make this vision a reality. Seeing the kids positive reaction to the horses, the adventure, the camp fires, chapels and sports convinced us that we were on the right track.
Pastor Tom, one evening in particular, around the campfire read the story of the white horse named Shekinah that Jesus will one day return on. The story was the frist Book of the Lord of the Horses series, at that time it was only in paper form. Watching the intrigment of the kids as the story was read and the feedback they gave carried Tom through to continue writing, and so the Lord of the horses book series took flight.
I’m sure the highlight of the first year was the kids watching Tom weaving in and out of poles on a leased appaloosa as fast as the horse would go, when suddenly the horse out of nowhere slammed on his front brakes sending Tom flying over the head of the horse. Tom went face first right in the sand. His nose has never been the same sense.
Although the year was short compared to the ten weeks we have now and the kids who have attended have grown. It is always nice to reflect on what God has done in and through this ranch. Not only for the ranch but in the lives of each Child who has had the pleasure of staying at Shekinah. Thank you for making Shekinah the place it has been for Ten Years! Praise God!