Personal Testimonials of a "Safe Harbor"
at Sandy Cove
Over the years, Sandy Cove has been a Safe Harbor for so many! Some during summer vacations, others during weekend conferences, and still others taking a day or two to escape from the busyness of every day life. May your heart be refreshed and renewed as you read these testimonials of how God works in the lives of His people.
 A friend and I headed to Sandy Cove on September 9, 2001. We wanted to spend a few days seeking God. On the morning of the 11th, we decided to visit a nearby lighthouse. The view at the lighthouse was breathtaking. We drank in the beauty for quite a while, then decided to head back to Sandy Cove for lunch. I was profoundly aware of the manifest presence of God in that place, and noted how totally enveloped in His peace I felt.
As we got out of the car my friend's cell phone rang. It was her boyfriend telling us of the terrorist attacks. We stumbled around in disbelief for a while, then made phone calls to make sure everyone was accounted for. Thank God they were. Having a limited sense of relief, we sat on the lawn overlooking the bay.
Once again I was washed with the manifest presence of God, enveloped in His peace. Psalm 91 came to mind, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." This attack did not take Him by surprise. It did not even send a ripple of uncertainty through His being. In Him there is unfettered peace. That peace has brought me through even to this day. He chose Sandy Cove to reveal Himself to me as the God of Psalm 91.
Nancy Leefeldt |
|
As a pastor, I am familiar with the stresses on the pastor's family and marriage. Sandy Cove has been used by God to keep us growing together in His grace and mercy.
Lou Ann and I met at Sandy Cove in 1973 while I was working as a summer staff member. Sandy Cove has always been our safe harbor. When we return to the Cove we are reminded of our special family heritage. We are renewed spiritually as we dig into God's Word with the speakers and other guests. ClubCove has had an awesome impact on our son and daughter, who both have gone on to attend Christian colleges.
I would define a Safe Harbor as a place where God renews and rebuilds our spiritual foundations. This has certainly been true with our family. Praise God for the Safe Harbor we find at Sandy Cove!
Jim and Lou Ann Leary |
|
As I put the final suitcase on the top of the van, I felt more like a robot going through the motions then a father and husband taking my family on a vacation. The pressures of the ministry and hours of counseling and the disappointment of several families leaving the church had caused a sense of discouragement to grip my soul. I had heard about Sandy Cove through a member of the church and we decided to go. As I pointed the van down to Maryland, I was praying somehow God would meet me there and bring some answers and encouragement.
When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised at the atmosphere and friendliness. I felt the pressure begin to leave as I knew we were in the presence of other believers. In one of the services, Damaris Carbaugh was singing and as I sat there, the presence of God flooded my heart and tears began to flow. Hope came into my heart and from that moment I was being strengthened again to continue on. The teaching sessions seemed to speak to the very issues that I was facing. After the week at Sandy Cove we were refreshed and encouraged and our family has never been the same since! Thank You Sandy Cove for being there when we needed you.
William Smalt |
|
The peace of God bursts forth within my soul as I arrive to Sandy Cove. Searching for quiet and stillness within a world full of busyness and pressures, Sandy Cove has been a haven of peace and tranquility to quiet my soul.
There is an instant transition from "the world" to "God's dwelling place" as I slowly leave the highway to enter the grounds. I savor the calmness that begins pouring over me like a refreshing cool water on a hot day.
As the waves of the Chesapeake ripple before me, I am in awe of His creation, His power, and that He would die for me. Sometimes we take for granted the scriptures and what a sacrifice He made for us. It takes a visual revelation to humble our hearts and minds, and to know "that He alone is God."
M. Kimberley Long |
|
My husband and I came to Sandy Cove for a Marriage Retreat about 5 years ago. We had been married about 5 years at the time and were really struggling to keep our marriage alive. As a part of that first evening, unbeknownst to us, the leaders of the retreat had planned for all the couples to renew their vows to each other in a very informal, impromptu ceremony. My husband had to look me in the eye and tell me why he married me and to describe his continuing commitment to me. I think I fell in love with him all over again right in that instant. The next day, while we were having breakfast, we happened to sit with a couple we didn't know and had an incredible God-filled conversation. Before we parted, we prayed for each other. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by Christians!
On our last day there, I remember sitting outside in the grass, looking at the bay, and just contemplating how awesome God is. Even though we were only there for a few days, we left refreshed and filled with a sense of peace. And I had new hope that our marriage would be okay. Although we haven't had the ability to get back to Sandy Cove since that time, I look over each bulletin and hope that this year we'll be able to come back for a new refreshing.
Alisa Stewart |
|
In 1995 I found out I was going to miscarry a pregnancy during our yearly family vacation at Sandy Cove. It was such a traumatic loss, but my "distressed ship" could not have been in a safer harbor. My family was right beside me. I was served fabulous meals, able to relax in a beautiful and tranquil setting, and hear speakers who spoke right to my aching heart giving me the spiritual comfort that I desperately needed.
To this day, Sandy Cove is a priority in our summer planning for our 22-member family. The opportunity to relax, build family relationships, and be refreshed spiritually has been very precious through the years. Sandy Cove has been our family's "safe harbor" for over three generations and I pray that it will continue to be a refuge for weary travelers for many decades to come.
Debbie Arndt |
