The Revelation Ranch Story
Peri and Ricardo Pardo are the directors of Revelation Ranch Equestrian Ministries in Letcher County, Ky. Each of them has owned and operated successful businesses, but like Matthew, they were called. They had enough of life's material things; in fact, so much they felt it was time for them to give rather than receive. Ricardo speaks of how rapidly their life changed: "In four days, we had sold everything and were headed to Kentucky."
The Pardo family formed a non-denominational ministry operated entirely on faith--funded by donations as they came from the community. No child is turned away because of the financial hardship his family may face. Every child is welcome, regardless of church affiliation. Every child is urged to attend whatever church he and his family call home.
The Revelation Ranch offers opportunities for children and youth to learn responsibility, cooperation, teamwork, and God's love. They learn from the Pardos, from one another, from their friends the horses, and from the whole world around them. Their confidence is boosted by these learning opportunities--so much so, that they use their own talents to share the gifts they have been given. Peri describes how the teens began a drama ministry: "It was so hot that summer, when the temperatures went into the triple digits, we urgently needed to find an activity that could take place in the air-conditioned barn." The drama group called itself Revelation 22. Excitement built on success, and now the group performs at churches and outdoor events throughout the county and beyond as resources permit. Enthusiastic audiences attest to the drama team's power to convey the love of God.
Props and costumes are sparingly used; the group relies mainly on mime and performs in black t-shirts, blue jeans, and bare feet.
Last spring, Revelation 22 competed at the Campbellsville University Fine Arts Competition just for the experience (like Rich Mullins said, "you can't really set art in competition against itself!") and much to Peri's amazement, placed in their category. Based on their faith and level of confidence, I'm not sure if the members of Revelation 22 were at all surprised. They were awarded the opportunity to go to the national competition in Louisville in August. Funding for this unexpected opportunity was not forthcoming--but not because of lack of community support. The Pardos have the gift and responsibility of caring for horses, but Letcher County is not to be confused with Bluegrass Kentucky. A remote rural mountain area, Letcher's normally depressed economy depends primarily on coal mining. This year, the industry has been hit especially hard by layoffs. Resources within the community are at a low ebb, and on the Ranch, even transportation to local events has become difficult.
At the same time, despite economic challenges and uncertainty, God has called the Pardos to set down the roots of Revelation Ranch in Letcher County. The ranch will be moving to a permanent location to become self-sustaining. Up until now, the work of the Ranch has rested on two people alone. Better stewardship of resources on the ranch will depend on farming activities. Occasional opportunities for more work and more workers will arise--and this is where the rest of us with our talents can make ourselves useful.
October 19, 20, and 21 will be our first Faith Works! Weekend in support of the Ranch's move to a permanent location.
Even those who do not live near Southeastern Kentucky can arrange to come out for a long weekend, enjoy fellowship and the beauty of nature, and contribute our gifts of carpentry, giftmaking, and more. We anticipate days filled with productive work and fellowship, hot meals on the premises (fast food is a ways off!) and nights filled with live music and the contributions of the Revelation 22 Drama Ministry. We plan to worship in the outdoors where all creatures--including horses! will be welcome.
If you feel God's call to use your talents at the Ranch, please contact us here:
The Pardo family formed a non-denominational ministry operated entirely on faith--funded by donations as they came from the community. No child is turned away because of the financial hardship his family may face. Every child is welcome, regardless of church affiliation. Every child is urged to attend whatever church he and his family call home.
The Revelation Ranch offers opportunities for children and youth to learn responsibility, cooperation, teamwork, and God's love. They learn from the Pardos, from one another, from their friends the horses, and from the whole world around them. Their confidence is boosted by these learning opportunities--so much so, that they use their own talents to share the gifts they have been given. Peri describes how the teens began a drama ministry: "It was so hot that summer, when the temperatures went into the triple digits, we urgently needed to find an activity that could take place in the air-conditioned barn." The drama group called itself Revelation 22. Excitement built on success, and now the group performs at churches and outdoor events throughout the county and beyond as resources permit. Enthusiastic audiences attest to the drama team's power to convey the love of God.
Props and costumes are sparingly used; the group relies mainly on mime and performs in black t-shirts, blue jeans, and bare feet.
Last spring, Revelation 22 competed at the Campbellsville University Fine Arts Competition just for the experience (like Rich Mullins said, "you can't really set art in competition against itself!") and much to Peri's amazement, placed in their category. Based on their faith and level of confidence, I'm not sure if the members of Revelation 22 were at all surprised. They were awarded the opportunity to go to the national competition in Louisville in August. Funding for this unexpected opportunity was not forthcoming--but not because of lack of community support. The Pardos have the gift and responsibility of caring for horses, but Letcher County is not to be confused with Bluegrass Kentucky. A remote rural mountain area, Letcher's normally depressed economy depends primarily on coal mining. This year, the industry has been hit especially hard by layoffs. Resources within the community are at a low ebb, and on the Ranch, even transportation to local events has become difficult.
At the same time, despite economic challenges and uncertainty, God has called the Pardos to set down the roots of Revelation Ranch in Letcher County. The ranch will be moving to a permanent location to become self-sustaining. Up until now, the work of the Ranch has rested on two people alone. Better stewardship of resources on the ranch will depend on farming activities. Occasional opportunities for more work and more workers will arise--and this is where the rest of us with our talents can make ourselves useful.
October 19, 20, and 21 will be our first Faith Works! Weekend in support of the Ranch's move to a permanent location.
Even those who do not live near Southeastern Kentucky can arrange to come out for a long weekend, enjoy fellowship and the beauty of nature, and contribute our gifts of carpentry, giftmaking, and more. We anticipate days filled with productive work and fellowship, hot meals on the premises (fast food is a ways off!) and nights filled with live music and the contributions of the Revelation 22 Drama Ministry. We plan to worship in the outdoors where all creatures--including horses! will be welcome.
If you feel God's call to use your talents at the Ranch, please contact us here:
