The National Law Enforcement Retreat, hosted by the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, was held at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. Law enforcement officials from Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States attended the three-day retreat aimed at helping officers refresh spiritually.
Trooper Kirk Hensley of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol spoke during the first night of the retreat and especially helped the spouses in attendance by shedding light on what their officers are seeing.
"We've been praying for you by name," said Will Graham, executive director of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. As he welcomed the attendees, he reminded them they weren't there by accident. "There are no accidents with God."
Free time in between classes gave attendees a chance to enjoy the beautiful afternoon.
Worshiping the Lord together.
Kelly Burke, manager of emergency response and logistics for the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, takes a moment to encourage and pray for the officers and their spouses.
Spending a moment together in prayer.
The retreat helped bring perspective to many, including Steve McGilvray, a veteran officer with the Graham (North Carolina) Police Department. "It gives perspective that you’re not on an island by yourself. There are others out there, and you can find peace, and you can find resolution within yourself to move forward and not carry all this yourself."
Relaxing before the second day of the retreat started on Thursday.
“If you want to see people clearly, keep your eyes on God,” Dr. Richard Blackaby encouraged the officers and their spouses through Psalm 73.
“This is as safe a place you’ll find to say, ‘But for me,'" Blackaby said, referencing Psalm 73. "This place (The Cove) is loaded with people who will weep with you, who will pray for you.”
Vulnerability is not a strong suit for many law enforcement officers, but the speakers and veteran attendees encouraged newcomers to be receptive to the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible verse Psalm 73 stayed with many during prayer and throughout the day Thursday at The Cove. Jordan Chapman, a deputy sheriff with the Rutherford County Sheriff Office, said, "I've been there. I've stumbled. I'm not perfect. ... It's hard sometimes, but at the end of the Scripture, God opened up and let them see their [opposition's] end. You can't expect to keep reaping rewards when you don't sow good into your field."
Philip Clark, a deputy sheriff in Saskatchewan who just completed his rookie year, was encouraged by the chance to be open with fellow officers. “It gets to you after awhile,” Clark said, noting many officers around him don't share his Christian faith. “I think just being the age that I am, I look for guidance in other officers, in senior officers. They’re great. They know their jobs and everything, but having that Christian perspective really helps.”
Jeff Naber, manager of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team's chaplain development and ministry relations, talked candidly about his story with those in attendance. He shared how his identity used to be wrapped up in his badge but went on to point to various verses including Ephesians 6:16 for the true meaning of this shield that officers carry.
Many spouses attended and afterward said they were enlightened to learn what their officer encounters.
Enjoying a picturesque view of the Asheville, North Carolina, mountains from The Cove's back porch.
