Cove 1
(kōv) n.
1. A small sheltered bay in the shoreline of a sea, river, or lake.
2.
a. A recess or small valley in the side of a mountain.
b. A cave or cavern.
3. A narrow gap or pass between hills or woods.
4. Architecture
a. A concave molding.
b. A concave surface forming a junction between a ceiling and a wall.
The month of May finds us serving at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove located near Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Center exists to train Christ followers on how to share the Gospel or "Good News" of Jesus to an ever changing culture. One of the dictionary definitions of "Cove" is a recess or small valley in the side of a mountain. This place is definitely a beautiful hideaway in the side of a lovely mountain. In architecture it is a concave surface forming a junction between a ceiling and a wall. The Cove is also a junction between the truths of God's Word and it's practical application to a desperate world around us.
They have four RV sites for volunteers that were built by Sowers. Each site has full hookups and a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. There are laundry facilities and a pavilion that we can use for group times.
Ruth Graham wanted the Cove to have the same feel as the Blue Ridge Parkway that passes nearby.
There are plenty of hiking trails across the 1,200 acres.
There are several groups of wild Turkeys wandering the Cove
The Chapel and Visitor's Center
Two of us spent the first week power washing the decks and scrubbing the railings that surround the Chapel. There are about 800 feet of railings. We had great weather with highs in the 80's and no humidity. This week we applied a sealer on the decks. These simple tasks are a huge help to the maintenance staff. One guy helped with some carpentry and one is a mechanic and spends his time repairing the vehicles and machinery used by the ministry.
Jane is back in her favorite place, the laundry. She also helps out with housekeeping as well.
We climbed Mt. Mitchell (in the truck of course)
When I behold the beauty of Your Grandeur, who am I that the King would bleed and die for?
6,684 Feet. Didn't know eastern mountains were that far up. We can see for miles and miles!
Fireplace in Training Center Lobby
Our team mates. Millie and Russ and Gloria and Homer are from the Poconos in PA. Tony and Amy are from the twin cities in Minnesota. Amy was away the first week and joined us on Thursday. We were about to have dinner in the lovely dining room.
Asheville is just a few miles across Interstate 40
This street mime had an amazing act. Not sure exactly how he did it. Must be an apparatus that allows him to sit back this far.
Street musicians on lots of corners
This hay loader is from the farm that Billy Graham grew up on. It reminds me that the work of evangelism consists of sowing seed, cultivating, fertilizing, and reaping. God is at work at the Cove training workers for His harvest.
The Cross of Christ on the Chapel rising high above the tree line. So it is in the world we live in. Often hidden in the leaves of life. Our God is at work in the hearts of many, revealing Himself, rising above the distractions, opening the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, the mouths of the dumb. Bringing to His throne worshippers for His Glory.
It was and is the heart's desire of Billy and Ruth Graham that the Cove would be used by God to train up workers for the harvest. Jesus said the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would send workers into His harvest. It is our pleasure and privilege to serve the Lord of the Universe as He works in the lives of disciples at the Cove.
Your prayers are appreciated for us as we wrap up our work here the end of next week. We will return to Summerville for the arrival of Wren, our sixth grandchild and fourth granddaughter. Pray for Maribeth for a safe delivery.
Godspeed, Glenn and Jane
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