Just a few weeks before Christmas, more than 200 people are attending the Military Chaplain Retreat at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina.
Hosted by the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT), the conference is held specifically as a reprieve for military chaplains and their spouses from December 2-5.
Focused on the theme of "A Fresh Encounter with God, Your Family and Your Calling," Will Graham shares an inspiring message.
Jack Munday, international director of the RRT, has ministered to those facing crises for more than a decade.
In the midst of a bustling luncheon, an attendee and staff member pause to pray together.
Surrender in its most beautiful form. >> Have you given your life to God? Receive His peace today.
U.S. Army veteran Edward Graham now works in leadership with Samaritan's Purse, but at the retreat he took time to remember his past experience in the military.
Worship pastor and singer-songwriter Clayton Ring plays the guitar alongside vocalist Christina Freeman.
Dr. Gary Chapman speaks on his own life experiences, including 35 years of pastoring and marriage counseling. Military couples often face unique challenges in their marriages due to time apart during deployments and emotional trauma.
As the executive director of The Cove, Will Graham enjoys getting to know the variety of groups that attend conferences in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains each year.
Old friends unite and new friends are made at the retreat. >> Interested in attending a conference at The Cove? Learn more.
Prayer is a way of aligning one's heart with God.
From 1994 to 2019, Dr. Tom Webber, Capt., served as a chaplain in the United States Navy. In addition, he held several command and staff positions with the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Today, he is the Director of the Operation Heal Our Patriots program, a veteran ministry organized by Samaritan's Purse. Here, he relates to the crowd of military personnel.
Attendees joined hands to pray for those in the Pearl Harbor shooting that killed three, including the gunman, on Wednesday.
Brothers Will and Edward Graham enjoy a time of fellowship while at the conference, helping fulfill the vision Billy and Ruth Graham had for the property as a place of retreat, rest, relaxation and renewal.
Participants breathe in the chilly mountain air and relax during a break.
While receiving teaching from a variety of influential speakers, attendees are ultimately pointed to God's Word as their greatest source of knowledge.
"I pray that this time will encourage and inspire you to continue serving as an ambassador for Christ while performing your military duties," Franklin Graham wrote in the booklet given to attendees. "You and all those who faithfully serve our nation are in our prayers."
