Darlene posed for literally hundreds of photos like the above at the conference, and was always gracious in every way.


People Just Like Us

It was our distinct privilege this past week to attend a Darlene Zschech teaching seminar at The Billy Graham Training Center. The Center is located on 1,500 pristine acres in the North Carolina mountains near Asheville.

Our session lasted three days. Darlene was the only speaker, which was a treat in itself. I had originally thought that only she would be coming. However, much to our surprise and pleasure, she also brought eight additional musicians from Hillsong Church in Sydney, and Hillsong London, including Ian Fisher, Nigel Hendroff, David Holmes, Rolf Wam Fjell, Jonas Myrin and several others.
Everyone there had an incredible three days. Just imagine, a mountain setting, a wonderful buffet prepared three times per day by a French chef, Darlene and her group for your praise band, and then Darlene teaching. The room itself was rather intimate, having approximately 480 seats or so.

Darlene exhibited a charming sense of humor throughout the session, and posed for countless photos, signed probably hundreds of autographs, and just blessed everyone around her. One example of her humor was, during the third session, she informed us that the night before when we were all in our small discussion groups discussing the "things of God" (as she put it), she decided to head for the local WalMart, of all places! For those of you outside the US, WalMart is a huge department store that is seen practically everywhere over here. WalMart has sort of a blue collar image, but has good prices for the most part. Anyway, as Darlene went on, a lady recognized her at the WalMart and asked if that was really her, and of course it really was her. The lady said that she thought it was her, but couldn't figure what she would be doing in the Asheville WalMart. The lady then asked Darlene to speak to her husband on her cell phone, and she did. Darlene laughed the whole time she told this, as did everyone else.

The first thing I noticed upon arriving in the dining room that first day was Darlene herself going through the buffet line with the rest of us, and then going to her table. It was all sort of surreal in a way...

Suffice it to say, it was evident to eveyone in attendance that Darlene is totally devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ. Her worship of God was inspiring and a model for us all.

Kenny Carter