Former President George W. Bush is a big hit at Wilderness at the Smokies resort

Oct. 8, 2009 - PRLog -- SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. –  Former President George W. Bush spoke last evening at Bridgemont, the Sevierville, Tenn. development that includes the Sevierville Events Center and Wilderness at the Smokies resort, during the Phil Waldrep Ministries “Celebrators” conference taking place at the resort this week.  

Bush met with guests and conference attendees until shortly before 7 p.m. when he delivered the keynote address for the “Celebrate America” portion of the four-day Christian conference.  More than 8,500 people were signed up for the conference.  Seats for President Bush’s address had been sold out since June.

During his speech, President Bush spoke about faith, freedom and America.  The standing room only crowd responded enthusiastically to the 43rd President’s address.

“I’m going to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the Oval Office,” Bush said.  His speech, which lasted nearly an hour, included his thoughts on world events that took place during his presidency and personal stories about his family.  He told about a family gathering where he mentioned that his wife, Laura, was “the best First Lady ever” – much to his mother’s dismay.

In addition to last night’s address from Bush, the conference featured singer Sandi Patty, a large choir and orchestra, and a presentation by Phil Waldrep of Waldrep Ministries.

“We’re thrilled to have the former president here,” said David McGregor, general manager of Wilderness at the Smokies resort.  “It speaks volumes about the level of quality and service we deliver here at Wilderness at the Smokies.  It’s a tremendous honor to be associated with this kind of event.”

Based in Decatur, Ala., Phil Waldrep Ministries was formed in 1980 and hosts numerous conferences for men, women, senior adults, students and pastors, the North Alabama Bible Conference, and other events such as Christian cruises and worldwide mission trips.  According to Waldrep Ministries, the Celebrators conference this week is for “older adults and mature believers.”

Wilderness at the Smokies resort in Sevierville, Tenn. is just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  For more information about the conference or resort, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com or http://www.philwaldrep.org.

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