Olneyites visit Empty Cross & Haven River Inn
Herb and Sally Bernhardt along with Rev. Harrell Braddock and his wife Jan, traveled with Carla Perry to Hill Country last week to tour the Haven River Inn in Comfort, Texas and The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas. Board members and representatives from both organizations welcomed the Olney group with open arms.
Haven Inn Board Members Len Johnson and the owner, Dr. Susie Ramsey, along with other directors, greeted the group as they toured the facility and the chapel project that is currently underway. They provided refreshments and then toured the inn.
The Haven River Inn is a Victorian-style mansion operated by Lamb’s Tale Ministry—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides respite care for those in full-time ministry.
Sally Bernhardt said, “I enjoyed spending time at Haven River Inn. We plan to return, and we will tell everyone about this place.”
Rev. Harrell Braddock said, “The Haven River Inn was an amazing place [to visit.] It was a very peaceful place on the Guadalupe River. The accommodations were top notch and very inviting. I look forward to spending time there in the near future for a time of spiritual renewal.”
After visiting the Haven River Inn, the group then traveled to Comfort, Texas to tour The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden--also known as “The Empty Cross” in Kerrville, Texas. The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden is a sacred place that is welcoming to all denominations. The staff reiterates that The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden is not about your religion or your church; it is about God. The Olney group was given a personalized tour by the artist and board president of The Coming King Foundation (TCKF) Max Greiner, TCKF Executive Director Debbye Meszaros, TCKF board member Weldon Baker and his wife Esther, and TCKF trustee Carol Reinhard and her husband, Richard Reinhard.
Greiner said, “ Many members of the TCKF family had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Perry and were able to welcome the group. We gave them the full tour of the gardens. We also were able to pray for each other several times in the garden.”
Sally Bernhardt said her favorite sculpture was the Empty Cross, which stands more than 77 feet high on a hill located at the same latitude as Israel. “When you walk inside the empty cross, you can feel God’s presence. It was a wonderful experience that I will share with everyone I know,” Bernhardt said.
Rev. Harrell Braddock said, “The empty cross prayer garden was very impressive. The theological thought in planning out and structuring the garden was outstanding and all based on Scripture. The sculptures were amazing and of museum quality. The whole area was well kept and of the highest quality. From the entrance (crossing the Jordan) to the Cross the story of salvation was told and the invitation to Christ available to all. I can’t wait to get back and spend some time there.”