John Chisum Leads Worship at The Cove Alongside Will Graham and Gigi Graham

Internationally acclaimed worship leader John Chisum recently returned to the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, where he led worship for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by The Cove's Michelle Bachelor, and attended byaround 60 volunteers who greet and serve at The Cove throughout the year.   

Featured speakers at the event were Billy Graham's grandson, Will Graham, the Director of The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, and Billy Graham's daughter, Virginia "Gigi" Graham, a Graham Family Ambassador for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.   

Leading the gathering in well-known hymns and worship songs, Chisum closed with his song "Our Heart" (co-written with George Searcy) that first appeared on an Integrity/Hosanna! Music recording in 1994 with worship leader Bob Fitts. The song has been recorded by Travis Cottrell on the Beth Moore project, Voices of the Faithful, and has been a popular missions song since it was written by Chisum/Searcy.   

"The chorus of the song was especially moving to Michelle (Bachelor) and Gigi (Graham)," says Chisum. "It was a powerful moment, because the lyrics capture such a big part of the Grahams' evangelistic thrust in everything they do. I hope it honored the legacy of Billy Graham and I'm grateful for the spirit of all who serve and volunteer at The Cove." 

Our heart, our desire
Is to see the nations worship
Our cry, our prayer
Is to sing Your praise to the ends of the earth
That with one mighty voice
Every tribe and tongue rejoices
Our heart, our desire
Is to see the nations worship You
© Copyright 1993 by Integrity's Hosanna! Music/ASCAP and Integrity's Praise! Music/BMI. All Rights Reserved. 

	Prolific songwriter and internationally acclaimed worship leader John Chisum met with Gigi Graham, daughter of the legendary evangelist, the Reverend Billy Graham, during his recent stay at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. Pictured (L to R): Graham and Chisum. (John Chisum photo)

During his time at The Cove, Chisum had the opportunity to meet with Gigi Graham and also with Will Graham,who recently portrayed his famous grandfather in the new feature film,Unbroken: Road to Redemption. The film continues the story of Olympic star and World War II hero Louis Zamperini, which began in the 2014 Oscar-nominated film, Unbroken. It highlights the role the Reverend Billy Graham played in bringing Zamperini to faith in Christ, helping lay the groundwork for Zamperini's evangelistic work.  

"Serving the Graham family, the attendees, and interacting with the staff at The Cove is such an honor," says Chisum, who has been leading worship at The Cove for over a decade. "Gigi Graham is warm, gracious, and welcoming to every person who attends their seminars. Will Graham spent time praying with me about my ministry and asking genuine questions about what I'm up to--they are tremendous people."   

"When you go to an event at The Cove, you know you're going to be met with the love of Christ from all the volunteer greeters and every person serving in the dining room or anywhere else on the grounds," Chisum continues. "Their excellence is obvious, and I want to especially thank the staff behind these events, people such as Michelle Bachelor, Teresa Brooks, the A/V personnel and all who make them so special."  

	Prolific songwriter and internationally acclaimed worship leader John Chisum recently led worship during the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. The luncheon was attended by volunteers who greet and serve at The Cove throughout the year. Pictured: Chisum.(John Chisum photo)

Chisum has been known in the worship world for over three decades as an in-demand worship leader, prolific songwriter and publishing executive with Integrity Music and Star Song Media, developing and shepherding the careers of songwriters such as Don Moen, Paul Baloche, and many more. Currently Managing Partner of Nashville Christian Songwriters (NCS), Chisum is working to develop the next generation of Christian songwriters. 

Active in ministry on both local and international levels, with many trips to Europe, Africa, and Asia, Chisummost recently traveled to Trinidad & Tobago, where he plans to release a soul/calypso version of the title song of his Integrity/Hosanna! Music recording, "Firm Foundation," for the beloved song's 25th Anniversary in 2019.

Chisum holds a Master of Arts in Worship Studies from Liberty University, where he is a regular guest speaker and teacher. He has served as a core instructor for Integrity's Seminars4Worship and the Integrity Worship Institute, and has traveled over one million miles teaching, leading worship, and encouraging leaders and congregations.

"John Chisum is one of the best there is," says multi-talented, Dove Award-winning worship leader, industry executive, songwriter and producer Don Moen.   

To learn more about John Chisum, visit nashvillechristiansongwriters.com. To learn more about The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, visit thecove.org/home.   

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