Celebrating 20 Years at The Cove

PG16&1 Š2008 BGEA

An Advertising Supplement to The Asheville Citizen-Times

CMYK

Celebrating 20 years

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MAY 2008

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

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Dear Neighbor, I would like to invite you to the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove today, Saturday, May 17, to help us celebrate our first 20 years of ministry. Since you are a special friend and neighbor of this ministry, we would be honored if you would join us for an open-house event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..

S

ince 1988, more than 850,000 men, women, and children from around the world have discovered this life-changing getaway in your own backyard. Come experience it for yourself as you tour our training center, country inns, and grounds with miles of wooded walking trails. You can also visit the mountainside Chatlos Memorial Chapel, which my father has called one of the most beautiful in North Carolina.

From the time The Cove was merely a vision shared by my mother and father, it has been surrounded with prayer. You can read in the following pages how they walked the undeveloped land decades ago, praying that it would be used to help people study the Bible. When my father asked me to oversee The Cove’s development, their burden of prayer for this center became mine as well—and it continues still. We praise God that He is answering these prayers.

On behalf of my father and the entire staff at The Cove, we would like to return the favor and extend our hospitality to you.

We welcome you and pray that you will give us the opportunity to serve you here. May God richly bless you.

Sincerely,

Franklin Graham President Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Today, gifted leaders, speakers, and authors guide people from all walks of life in reading and applying God’s Word. Our programs range from midweek and weekend seminars to special one-night worship and music programs. We welcome you to join us for a Bible seminar or other event scheduled throughout this summer and fall.

Our purpose is to honor Jesus Christ in all that we do. In addition to our focus on Bible-centered training and the beautiful facilities, the biggest attraction for visitors is the refreshing setting of the North Carolina mountains and the people like you who make our guests from across the nation and the world feel so welcome in Asheville.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

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Discover the Wonder of

his Presence Nearly 30 years ago, Billy and Ruth Graham hiked up to a pristine mountainside east of Asheville and stopped by a shimmering creek to pray. There they asked God to use the surrounding beauty for His Glory, to make it a place of rest and spiritual renewal. Today, in it’s 20th year of seminar ministry, the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove continues to be a haven for those seeking to get away and meet with God through His Word, His Spirit,

By Billy Graham (1988)

B

y the end of the century, just twelve years from now, over half the world’s population will live in the great urban centers of the world.

To reach them for Christ will require Christians who have discovered God’s plan for their own lives, within His plan for the world.

It is my vision to see Christians who are spiritually equipped move out of the pews and into action where they live and work.

That’s why we are developing the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove.

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MAY 2008

For a number of years, my wife Ruth and I and members of our team have shared a vision of establishing a training center where lay men and women can come and study the Bible in-depth, and nothing but the Bible. I believe that it’s imperative for the laity to have a thorough and workable understanding of God’s Word.

The property where the center is being established, just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, was truly a gift of God. It is located in a secluded, yet easily

Located within the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Cove property reflects the splendor of its surroundings.

Photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

PG12&5 CMYK The Cove was envisioned by Billy and Ruth Graham Photos courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

accessible 1,500-acre natural mountain cove. Ruth and I are convinced in our hearts that it is the place for the fulfillment of our long-time vision.

The property is beautifully wooded, with rocks, streams and trails where people can walk, reflect and have fellowship. The buildings and facilities will be surrounded by breathtaking beauty. Here, amongst God's creation, men and women will receive some of the finest Bible training available.

Courses of study will be designed to impact the participant's life so that personal evangelism and discipleship become a part of their everyday life and witness.

Husbands and wives will receive in-depth training in the strategies of life-style evangelism, and pastors and lay leaders will be able to participate in training focused on ministry within the local church. Practical input into the lives of pastors and their spouses is designed to enrich, restore and encourage them personally.

Our goal is to be a vital training center concerned not just with information, but transformation of individual lives through spiritual diciplines.

1988, DECISION MAGAZINE

for questions, call us at

1-800-950-2092 828-298-2092

9:00 a.m–5:00 p.m. EST / Monday–Friday

online reservations and resources:

billygraham.org/TheCove

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MAY 2008 | PAGE 5

The Cove's Training Center building on the day of the property’s dedication. Photos courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Dedication of

The Cove In a setting that takes one's breath away, visitors to The Cove find themselves surrounded by the beautiful, hazy Blue Ridge Mountains. The fragrance of pine floats on the air; mountain flowers are everywhere.

O

ne rainy morning the hills came alive with singing.

The hymn "To God Be the Glory" echoed across the valley as a thousand voices, led by Cliff Barrows, were raised in praise to tell what God has done. It was Tuesday, May 25, 1993, and the occasion was the dedication of the Billy Graham

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MAY 2008

Training Center at The Cove--this special place where thousands have come to study God's Word.

In his address, titled "The History and Vision of The Cove," Billy Graham told guests assembled in an

“

Welcome to prayers in progress and still progressing and dreams on the drawing board. The Cove is a place of retreat, rest, relaxation and renewal, where we can meet with the Lord Jesus personally and privately--and we'll never be the same again.

-Ruth Bell Graham

”

area just a few steps from the Training Center and the Shepherd's Inn: "Scriptural foundations have guided my life. I said when we started The Cove that we would have one textbook: the Bible. From the first, our primary vision has been to establish a training center where lay men and women can come to study the Bible

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

PG10&7 CMYK Franklin Graham sits with his mother, Ruth, and father, Billy, in prayer during the dedication ceremony.

Photos courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

in depth, and to be equipped and trained in evangelism and discipleship, and where ministers can come for renewal and refreshment. I pray that we will never lose sight of our primary focus."

The theme for the dedication was the same as the theme for The Cove--its reason for being: "Training People in God's Word to Win Others to Christ." From The Cove's beginning in 1987, when the first building was erected to today with its several beautiful structures and its seminars held throughout the year, people from around the world think of

this peaceful and picturesque 1,200-acre setting as the place to go for study and spiritual growth, a time to be with God. From the day that Billy and Ruth Graham prayed on the undeveloped site, this has been a ministry bathed in prayer. It is a place where people's lives are changed

for the strengthening of the Church, and to the glory of God. A Personal Word From Billy Graham "My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Jesus Christ. Early in my ministry

I learned the importance of the Scriptures as the enabling source of spiritual might and life. Today the Bible is still the absolute cornerstone of my faith.

"For Christians to make a significant impact in bringing the world to Jesus Christ, it is essential that they be equipped with the knowl-

“

When I was 16 years old, my mother and father had a vision for this property. Today we dedicate The Cove to God's glory. We pray that it will be here for many generations to train men and women in God's Word and in evangelism.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

”

- Franklin Graham, President and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse

edge and the power of the Word of God. It is the primary purpose of the Training Center at The Cove to train people in God's Word so that they can win others to Christ.

"We thank God for the talented and gifted teachers who are a part of our training sessions. All are deeply committed to training men and women in being more effective for Christ in the world.

I personally invite you to come back to The Cove for a seminar. It can be one of the high points in your spiritual growth."

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the

Cove Today

Set in the tranquil mountains of western North Carolina, the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove has been a place of prayer and Bible study for tens of thousands of people over the past two decades. Billy and Ruth Graham’s dream has been a vibrant reality — a place where people take a break from the demands of daily life, study God’s word and are trained to share their faith in Jesus Christ.

Franklin speaking at a Cove ministry seminar.

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ach year, thousands participate in a wide variety of life-changing seminars. The program for this season is no exception — featuring internationally known speakPAGE 8 |

MAY 2008

ers such as worship leader Darlene Zschech (writer of “Shout to the Lord”), psychologist and author Dr. Larry Crabb, and NBA chaplain and pastor Tony Evans.

Photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Recently a longtime resident of Asheville attended his first seminar at The Cove and was moved by the experience. “My wife and I have lived in Asheville for 10 years, and this is the

first time we have been to The Cove,” the man wrote.

“The moment you drive through the gate, you feel like you are on a different planet because of the love of God shown by everyone

who works here. We came here to restore our faith, and this has helped us so much.

I hope we don’t wait another 10 years to come back.”

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

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“

We see it as our ministry to remove everyday distractions and provide Biblical ministry tools, so that each person coming to The Cove can tune their heart to the Savior’s voice and share His redeeming love.

”

- Scott Holmquist, The Cove’s Executive Director

A serene night at the Cove.

Be Our Guests Although it is best known for its soul-lifting seminars, The Cove is also host to a wide variety of guest groups who take advantage of the setting to hold their own meetings and activities. Numerous Christian churches and non-profit ministries have benefited

Photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

from the superb staff, the award-winning auditorium and facilities and The Cove’s convenient location in Asheville (off I-40).

One group organizer from Richmond, Va., recently commented, “As a conference planner, I recognize efficiency and excellence when I see it. No detail was

overlooked during our time at The Cove. The staff and facility deserve a five-star rating in my book.”

This commitment to both inspiration and excellence is intentional, says The Cove’s executive director Scott Holmquist, “We see it as our ministry to remove everyday distractions and provide Bib-

lical ministry tools, so that each person coming to The Cove can tune their heart to the Savior’s voice and share His redeeming love.”

Billy Graham Events In addition to outside groups, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

hosts a number of special events at The Cove each year.

In June, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will host an event at The Cove called "Fresh Encounter" for US Army chaplains and spouses. This will be a weekend of emotional and spiritual refreshment to support continued to p10

“

My first impression of The Cove is that it is absolutely beautiful. It is warm and inviting, the way you are welcomed when you walk in the door. It is a special place and obviously it is all to the honor of the Lord.

”

-- John MacArthur, president of The Master’s College and Seminary, and pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

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their call for ministry in the military.

Two Billy Graham Schools of Evangelism will be held this year at The Cove, offering training for pastors and church leaders on local church evangelism concepts that work today, with special attention to the needs of medium and smaller churches.

One person who attended a previous School of Evangelism at The Cove wrote, “This is by far the best retreat facility I have ever been With its wooden rocking chairs and breathtaking views, the Training Center back porch is a to. The hospitality was the favorite of all Cove guests. best.”

Photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Finally, “SeniorCelebrations” hosted by longtime Billy Graham team member met dinner followed by an average attendance of 300 tors more flexibility and afCliff Barrows have been a uplifting concert program people. Many women have fordability, The Cove has inhit among the 55 and older put on by national recording shared that they came alone troduced “The Cove Select” group, by addressing the artists, for $50. The 2008 but left with a host of new pass, which allows the holder specific concerns of seniors schedule features gospel sing- friends and their lives trans- to attend up to five sessions today and offering teaching er Larnelle Harris, comedian formed. during some of the three- or from God’s word to help Chonda Pierce, CCM artist In order to offer local visi- four-day seminar events anparticipants live for Christ.

Steve Green, vocal group Selah and worship leader Special Treats Charles Billingsley. for Local Started in the early Folks 1990s, a “Women’s Bible Besides hosting groups Study” group provides an and individuals from across opportunity each year to the country and around the study God’s word at The world, The Cove is also do- Cove, Tuesday mornings ing some very special things from January through for the local community in March. A lunch buffet is Asheville and the surround- also offered following the ing area. “Evenings at The meeting by reservation.

Cove” offer a delicious gour- This year’s group had an

nually for $175. Simply call The Cove two weeks in advance of a seminar and check on availability. You can even share your Cove Select pass with friends or family members who join you for one of the morning or evening sessions.

In addition to these opportunities, The Cove is open year-round to visitors Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Visitor Center at the Chatlos Memorial Chapel is free, and thousands of visitors take advantage of this each year. Volunteers provide guided tours for individuals and groups. Most important, hundreds of people each year make commitments to follow Jesus Christ at The Cove — and that is perhaps the greatest testimony to the beauty and power of this enduring ministry.

“

I want to congratulate The Cove on 20 years of God-honoring, effective ministry. Thank you for all you have done and all that you do for all of us.

”

Chip Ingram, president and teaching pastor of the ministry Living on the Edge

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MAY 2008

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

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Day After Day Cliff Barrows, long-time associate of Billy Graham, talks about his experiences at The Cove.

Q A

: What are some of your favorite memories of The Cove? : I have great memories of it, because it was such a dream of Billy and Ruth Graham to have a place where the average layman could come and feel comfortable in a study situation. It wouldn’t have academic requirements, but you could study the Word of God and concentrate on it. [Billy] often said, “I want them to come and learn the English Bible — learn how to study it, learn how to apply its truths in their daily life.” It has been exciting to me to see that dream and vision develop through the years. : What is your favorite part of leading sessions at The Cove? : I love to lead the worship; that’s one of my favorite things to do. We’ve experienced great times of praise at The Cove. For years I loved to teach the Scriptures as best I could, but with my eyesight gone for reading I don’t have that latitude now. But I do try to take periods during the week to make application to a message or to plant a seed of meditation and devotion and preparation. I can do that by the help of the Lord as He aids me in my Scripture memory. I’m living proof that at 85 you can still memorize Scripture. : Why is The Cove so special for you?

Q A

Q

A

: There’s something about a mountaintop that enlarges your vistas. It helps you to see. There’s an overlook at The Cove where you can look over the whole valley and into Asheville. You can see a vastness of the beauty of God’s creation.

In the fall, with the colors, I don’t think there’s a more beautiful place in the world.

That’s a picture to me of the God who created it all, who created it for us to enjoy and to see His presence in it so we will worship Him. Another thing I appreciate about The Cove is that we are there to serve people.

Jesus Christ Himself said, “I came not to be ministered unto but to minister.” Our staff at The Cove is marvelous. They’ve got a giving spirit about them, and they reach out. People can ask them any kind of question any time, and they’re willing and ready to serve. : What do you see for the future of The Cove?

told “the rest of the story.” I don’t believe we’ve begun to see what the rest of the story is for The Cove. One of the great outgrowths of The Cove is the multiplication ministry. That’s one of the great ways the Gospel is

advanced. You tell one, and then two of you tell one, and then four of you tell one, and in no time at all, as the little song says, “we’ll win them one by one.”

Q A

: I just know that miracles are being performed there day after day. I think about Paul Harvey’s radio program for many years that Cliff Barrows Photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

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The Cove: Miracles...

A New Generation on the

Ne xt 20 Years

By William Franklin Graham IV (Will)

I was just 12 years old when my grandparents opened the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville.

Growing up, I watched first hand as The Cove developed into

a

premier

Christian

retreat center. I am now proud to call the Swannanoa Valley home, and I’m humbled to be the assistant director of The Cove.

O

n the occasion of The Cove’s 20th anniversary, I would like to take a moment to share The Cove’s vision and purpose as we look toward the next 20 years. First and foremost, we are thankful. As my father, Franklin Graham, recently said, “We are thankful to God for enabling us to celebrate 20 years of ministry outreach to laymen and clergy, young and old, new believers in faith and seasoned servants of the living God.” I like to refer to The Cove as the discipleship arm of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).

Every year God is using the BGEA to reach hundreds of thousands of people around the globe who are in need of hope and peace. Because we are an evangelistic organization, our predominant goal is proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. However, there is also a constant need to uplift, refresh, teach and empower Christians who want to grow and deepen in their faith. That is the role and purpose of this retreat nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

As was my grandparents’ vision, we’ve worked for the last 20 years — and will continue to work for decades to come — to bring

Will Graham, assistant director of The Cove Photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

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MAY 2008

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

”

– Greg Laurie, author, radio and TV host, and senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, CA

the brightest thinkers and speakers in the evangelical Christian community to The Cove where they can share their wisdom and experience with pastors and lay Christians for the purpose of training people in God’s word to win others for Christ. The Cove is honored and humbled that week after week, such gifted Bible teachers make themselves available in this way.

We will continue to use these grounds as a respite from the insane pace of everyday business and life. As my father has said, “My parents envisioned a place where men and women could ‘re-

treat’ for a week or weekend for the purpose of refreshing their souls through the study of God’s word in a part of America that Billy and Ruth Graham called home.” Cell phones don’t work well here.

The rooms in our lodges are not equipped with televisions. The whole purpose of The Cove is for people to study the Bible and spend time in quiet solitude with God. The only “text book” that will ever be used is the Bible, because it speaks on how to live day by day in this present world.

In the coming decades, The Cove will continue to be a place where Christians are

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“

I don’t know of a training center anywhere in the world like the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, which is specifically geared toward equipping believers to bring the Gospel to our generation. That’s Billy Graham’s heartbeat.

equipped with the tools they need to impact the world for Jesus Christ. For instance, in June several hundred people with a burden to bring hope in the midst of tragedy will join together at The Cove to learn how to minister following tragedies like the shooting at Virginia Tech or the fires in San Diego. Training that begins here in Asheville results in an ongoing impact across the country during our nation’s darkest hours.

Finally, The Cove will continue to be a benefit to the people of our area.

Not only is there a positive economic impact brought about by the thousands of people who travel here every year, but those who live so close to The Cove are offered wonderful opportunities.

For instance, Christmas at The Cove with Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea is an annual treat for area residents, and The Cove’s Women’s Bible Study is enjoyed by hundreds of local women every year.

Along with my father, and on behalf of my grandfather and the entire Cove and BGEA staff, we want to thank the great city of Asheville and the citizens of Western North Carolina for welcoming us many years ago with southern charm and hospitality and for being our most hospitable neighbors.

Will Graham preaching at an evangelistic outreach event.

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Photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

2008 Events at The Billy Graham Training Center at The C o v e

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MAY 2008

Date

Speaker/Artist

Title (scripture focus)

May 19–21

Cliff Barrows and Friends

SeniorCelebration

May 23–25

Chip Ingram

Becoming a Romans 12 Christian

May 27

Jeff and Sheri Easter

An Evening at The Cove

June 3–5

Darlene Zschech

Worship Seminar: Changed to Be the Change

June 14

Larry Crabb

Hard Questions, Honest Community, Change Real Change—Foundations for Spiritual Formation

June 23–26

Various

Billy Graham Chaplain Training Conference

July 11–13

Voddie Baucham

Walking in Truth in an Age of Doubt (2 Timothy)

July 11–13

R.T. Kendall

God Meant It for Good (The Life of Joseph)

July 14–16

Cliff Barrows and Friends

SeniorCelebration

July 17–19

Tony Evans

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

July 19

Larnelle Harris

An Evening at The Cove

July 27–Aug. 1

Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.

Intensive Bible Training: The Power of God’s Promises (Joshua)

Aug. 1–3

Lloyd John Ogilvie

The Dynamic Dialogue of Prayer

Aug. 8–10

Gary Chapman

What to Do When You Disagree (Ephesians 4:26–27)

Aug. 15–17

Wayne Barber

An Overcoming Joy (1 John 2–3)

Aug. 22–24

Ken Ham

Genesis: The Key to Reaching Today’s World

Aug. 26–28

Various

Billy Graham School of Evangelism

Sept. 8–10

Cliff Barrows and Friends

SeniorCelebration

Sept. 11

Chonda Pierce

An Evening at The Cove

Sept. 12–14

Chip Ingram

Balancing Life’s Demands (Matthew 5–6)

Sept. 15

H.B. London

Leadership Forum: The “Role Call” of a Ministry Leader

Sept. 16

H.B. London

Pastors’ Institute: The Stress of Ministry and the Clergy Family

Sept. 19–21

Tommy Nelson

Living a Real Life in Our Far-FromIdeal World (Ecclesiastes)

Oct. 3–5

Michael Easley

Living Life From the Heart (Psalms) CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

Think Right, Live Right (Psalms)

Oct. 9–10

Franklin Graham (host) with World Medical Mission

Missionary Medicine Seminar

Oct. 10–12

Franklin Graham (host) with World Medical Mission

Prescription for Renewal

Oct. 13–15

Erwin Lutzer

One Minute After You Die

Oct. 15–16

Erwin Lutzer

Leadership Forum: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Ministry

Oct. 16–18

Don Wilton

The Biblical Ministry of Angels

Oct. 18

Steve Green

An Evening at The Cove

Oct. 27–29

Skip Heitzig

Rumblings of War and the Prince of Peace (Matthew 24)

Oct. 31–Nov. 2

Bob Coy

Which Way Do I Go? Discerning a Clear Direction From God (Proverbs)

Nov. 5–7

Steve Brown

The Scandalous Gospel (Galatians)

Nov. 10–12

Woodrow Kroll

The Unveiled Christ (Revelation 4–22)

Nov. 13–16

Anne Graham Lotz

Filling Up to Overflow

Nov. 17–19

John Ed Mathison

Navigating Life’s Roads, Pursuing God’s Purposes (Jeremiah 31)

Nov. 21–23

Crawford Loritts

The Power of Waiting (The Life of Joseph)

Dec. 4, 5, 6

Cliff Barrows and Friends

Christmas at The Cove

Dec. 12

Selah

An Evening at The Cove

Dec. 19

Charles Billingsley

An Evening at The Cove

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE COVE

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Joe Stowell

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Oct. 7–9

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