Seminar offers free getaways for couples

By Staff Sgt. Steven A. LivingstonJuly 15, 2014

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FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 16, 2014) -- If you are looking for a couples retreat, look no further than the seminars given at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina.

According to its website, The Cove is designed to encourage, refresh and empower believers who want to grow and deepen their faith.

"Nearly 35 years ago, my grandparents hiked up a mountain side in Asheville, North Carolina, and asked God to use the surrounding beauty to renew his people and transform them through his word," said Will Graham, executive director of the Billy Graham Training Center. "Today, God continues to answer that prayer through The Cove."

The center offers two getaways each year to military Families free of charge and includes everything from rooms to meals. The only expense to the service member is the transportation to get there.

"Military members or their spouses can come to any of the Cove's events twice annually," said Jill Gottenstrater, promotions manager at the Billy Graham Training Center. "We understand that not all military members are married. We encourage single members to take advantage of the program, as well. Service members can log onto www.thecove.org for more information and to register for various events here at The Cove."

The latest event designed for military Families was the Military Marriage Seminar June 27-29 and featured Gary Chapman, author of Five Love Languages. The Military Marriage Seminar was free for military personnel and their spouses.

"Gary Chapman was an awesome speaker," Sgt. Chris Myers. "He was funny and preached on subjects relevant to military Families. Between classes, my wife and I had plenty of time to spend together and enjoy the premises. We especially liked the Chatlos Memorial Chapel."

Speaking about the chapel, Billy Graham said there are two gorgeous chapels in eastern America, one is at Duke University and the other is at The Cove.

The building is constructed using blue granite stones hand hewn by local craftsman. The chapel's steeple soars 87 feet above the roofline and the antique pews are from the Royal London Society for the blind. The chandeliers are handcrafted from wrought iron and accentuate the high cathedral ceilings.

The Cove provides three meals a day from professional food service personnel during their seminars.

"When I heard the food was free I was expecting a cafeteria-style of food," said Chief Warrant Officer 3, David Marriot, who is stationed in Korea.

"The food here was great, it was like eating at a five-star restaurant."

To show thanks for their military service, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association offers a range of financial resources to active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members and their spouses who have deployed previously or may deploy in the future to attend a seminar at The Cove.

If you are on active military service or serve as a current military chaplain with the North American Mission Board, call 800-950-2092, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday to inquire about the financial resources provided to attend a seminar.