Largest Man-made Waterfall in Oklahoma

Dedicated to the lives of persecuted Christians, the Missions Memorial and Memorial Gardens of the International Missionary Center (IMC) is a place for visitors to reflect on economic, political, and spiritual conditions around the world. The memorial includes a 10,000 square foot museum that honors those who have carried the Christian Gospel all over the earth as well as extensive gardens made of indigenous foliage. In the heart of these gardens is the largest man-made waterfall in the state of Oklahoma. The waterfall is over 35 feet wide and 80 feet long with a vertical drop of 15 feet.

To make this all possible, George Shafer, founder of Pleasant Valley Youth Ranch for abused children and pastor of Midwest Agape Chapel, donated the nineteen truck loads of architectural stone worth $150,000 that it took to construct the waterfall. The stone was found on the youth ranch property when it was purchased and Shafer felt it could be put to good use. Instead of hauling the rocks away, they now provide a peaceful and restful environment within the context of the gardens. "There is such a peaceful feeling while standing within the gardens, listening to the continuous flow of water splashing on the stately rocks," exults Shafer. "George Shafer recognized the need of landscape stone in order to create the waterfall and add character to the gardens at the IMC. His contribution was made to underscore the true sacrifices that missionaries have made so that others could enjoy religious freedom," says Cathy Straton Robertson, Vice-President for International Relations and Missions Memorial at the IMC.

"This donation gives back to the Tulsa community more than a grand waterfall. Such a contribution demonstrates the results of teaming together to provide a quality educational, and reflective environment," says Robertson. The benefits of having such a large waterfall are to provide a key design element and to create an outstanding landmark for the entire garden as well as the state of Oklahoma. The Gardens will be open to the public and free of charge allowing all to enjoy their beauty and their message. This collaborative effort provides a new and far reaching experience for the individuals who will visit this campus from all over the world.

The Pleasant Valley Youth Ranch came into contact with the International Missionary Center through mutual friends and strong relationships. Together, and with the help of several volunteers, architect Aaron Rogers, engineering consultant Dick Pembroke, equipment operator Bob Bridgeo and excavation and piping by Jeff Abbe, they created a monument to their cause of ending religious persecution around the world. LASN