It’s not unusual for visitors to report feeling immediately at peace upon driving through the gates of The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. As they leave the traffic of Interstate 40 behind, guests enter a 1,200-acre mountain retreat center where they’re invited to take a break from life’s noisy distractions and spend time with God.
New this year, hundreds of people who attend a seminar at The Cove will get to experience the peaceful respite overnight, without paying for lodging.
Six seminars have been selected to include a free two-night stay at one of The Cove’s two inns. Guests only have to pay the $279/person program fee, which includes all meals.
“This is one thing I’m really excited about,” said Will Graham, executive director of The Cove. “Our reservations department says our phones have lit up over this.”
In fact, the free lodging seminars are so popular that several are already sold out.
The Cove’s promotions director, Jill Gottenstrater, hopes to see the remaining four seminars sell out as well.
There are currently spaces available for a February event with Jonathan Falwell called “Pursuing Holiness in a Broken World,” a March seminar called “From Fear to Faith” with Jim Henry and an August event,”The Overcoming Life: How to Thrive Instead of Survive,” with Herb Reavis, Jr.
The fourth seminar with free lodging is something new for The Cove—a three-day retreat with Sean McDowell that will teach high school students and college freshmen (and their parents or pastors) how to strengthen and defend their faith in college.
“There’s something for everyone,” Gottenstrater said. “This is an opportunity for people who might not be able to afford to come for a full program to experience the Cove for less money.”
Several thousand people drive through the gates of The Cove every year as they take part in concerts, Bible studies, personal spiritual retreats and seminars led by some of the country’s best Bible teachers.
Gottenstrater says this year’s free lodging seminars offer guests a chance to grow in faith and knowledge of the Bible while taking advantage of The Cove’s warm hospitality and cool mountain air.
“We’ve got 10 miles of hiking trails throughout the property, so a lot of times people will go out in the woods and hike, or go out on the deck and have fellowship at the Training Center,” Gottenstrater said. “So whether it’s through the seminar and the teachings, or the fellowship they have with the other participants, it’s just a really special place.”
It’s also a place that’s been covered in prayer, starting more than 25 years ago when Billy and Ruth Graham walked the property, committing it to the Lord.
Today, their dreams for The Cove and its guests continue to come true, as one person after another experiences God’s refreshing presence on the mountainside.
“People say they are transformed,” Gottenstrater said. “We hear story after story where people are transformed here, and God has just done a wondrous work.”
See below for a list of the six seminars offered with free lodging this year. To learn more about The Cove, click here.
2014 Seminars with Free Lodging
Pursuing Holiness in a Broken World with Jonathan Falwell on February 25-27
From Fear to Faith with Jim Henry on March 25-27 – LODGING FULL, SOME SEMINAR-ONLY SEATS AVAILABLE
The Peace of God: Experiencing Mental and Emotional Freedom with Neil Anderson on March 28-30 – LODGING FULL, SOME SEMINAR-ONLY SEATS AVAILABLE
Last Days Living with Ron Hutchcraft on April 28-30 – SOLD OUT
The Cause: Strengthen Your Faith for College with Sean McDowell on July 11-13 Note: Pastors or leaders bringing four or more students are eligible to attend at no cost. Student rate also available with this seminar.
The Overcoming Life: How to Thrive Instead of Survive with Herb Reavis, Jr. on August 25-27
Call The Cove to reserve your seat at one of the free lodging seminars.
Toll Free: 800-950-2092
Local: 828-298-2092
