Reflections On Our Ghost Ranch Mission Trip"There is a treasure hidden here at Ghost Ranch. Some have believed that this treasure is a pot of gold hidden long ago by cattle thieves; some...sought it in the form of oil and uranium; some...with finding beauty or old bones. But in the years we lived here in this wilderness, Phoebe and I believe that we found the real treasure–an understanding of the love of God and an overwhelming sense of His presence here." This is a quote from Arthur Pack, a professional writer and editor, who began coming to Ghost Ranch in the 1930's to help better his daughter’s health. It was Arthur who, after 20 years as owner and steward of Ghost Ranch, gifted the Presbyterian Church with this 40 square mile property! Ghost Ranch is now a national conference center of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and an important part of the church’s ministry since the Abiquiu site was given in 1955. One paragraph of its vision statement says that Ghost Ranch is called to be: A keeper and mender of creation and communities; An advocate for the care of the earth and its resources; A place to wonder, to challenge, to create, to explore; A sacred space for seekers and shepherds; A touchstone for light and leaven in a uncertain world.* Fifteen traveled in the group from Fairgreen, late in July, to the high desert of northern New Mexico near the small village of Abiquiu. We were surrounded on three sides, at Ghost Ranch, by red and gold, brown and white sandstone mesas, erosion-carved rock pillars, buttes and cliffs, mountains and harsh wilderness. We worked on a variety of projects including making adobe bricks which will be used in the construction of a home for a family of seven whose original home was destroyed by fire. We painted, created a rock garden, assisted with a project for area teens and helped with work at a school. The days were full but we still had time for morning worship, hiking, a trip to Taos to visit a UNESCO Pueblo Village, evening debriefing with a planned activity for the youth and our own group time before bed. Hosea 2:14 says, ―The desert will lead you to your heart where I will speak.‖ Ask any of us how this high desert, which nestles Ghost Ranch within its sandstone walls beneath a vast sky, has been an arena for God’s Presence to be felt and Voice to be heard! Gina Beauregard, Ryan Beauregard, Kayla Gotha, Pat Gibson, Mark James Emily Main, Beth Naki, Pastor Pat Shafer, Stacy Skinner, Emma Bosley-Smith Isabel Bosley-Smith, -Shannon Smith, Laura Stuphin, Aaron Winslow, Dan Winslow *If you would like to view a video or learn more about Ghost Ranch, just Google Ghost Ranch and many sites are available! |  |
