Clearly Seen

Creation & Catastrophe in the New River Gorge

An educational adventure program from Appalachian Bible College & Alpine Ministries

August 4-8, 2024

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse…” Romans 1:20

Clearly Seen is an educational adventure program designed to equip church and ministry leaders with a Biblical young-earth geological model in the setting of the New River Gorge National Park and southern West Virginia. Participants will see evidence of a global flood while rappelling, caving, and whitewater rafting in God’s beautiful creation, guided by Biblical, historical, and scientific teaching. This year’s featured teachers are Tom Rice, professional geologist, and Dr. Terry Mortenson, Answers in Genesis historian and Bible teacher.

The program is limited to 24 pastors, Christian educators, and ministry leaders to allow for personal interaction with the speakers and to encourage Christian community.

  • August 4-8, 2024

    Sunday: Check-in, 5:00-6:30 PM

    Monday: Rappelling on the rim of the New River Gorge

    Tuesday: Caving in southern WV

    Wednesday: Whitewater rafting on the New River

    Thursday: Check-out, 10:00 AM

    Learn more about rappelling, caving, and whitewater rafting with Alpine here!

  • Tom Rice has a M.Eng. in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a B.S. in Geology from West Virginia University. He worked for 28 years as a geologist and engineer in government, industry, and academia; for 6 years as a private consultant geological engineer and project manager; and for 12 years as a professor of geology at Cedarville University. Most of his professional career was spent in the natural gas industry. He is a Registered Professional Geologist and still works as a private consultant on engineering geology projects in the eastern United States. He is the author or co-author of a dozen articles published in both technical journals and nontechnical publications. He enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, doing things with his family, and exploring rocks in Alaska, the Grand Canyon, and the eastern mountains of West Virginia.

    Dr. Terry Mortenson has an M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Ph.D. in the history of geology from Coventry University in England. Editor of and contributor to two multi-author books on Genesis, he has also published a book (based on his Ph.D. thesis) and many articles and book chapters on the philosophical, historical, and theological aspects of the origins debate. After serving with Campus Crusade for Christ for 26 years (mostly in Eastern Europe), he joined the staff of Answers in Genesis in 2001 as a speaker, writer, and researcher. He has lectured on creation and evolution in 35 countries and has organized and led 16 similar trips through the Grand Canyon. He and his wife, Margie, have been married since 1976 and have 8 grown children and 21 grandchildren.

  • Hoops Hall: 2 twin beds, 2 desks, 2 closets/storage units, 2 vanities (sink, mirror, cabinet), and air-conditioning in each room. Bedding and towels provided. Common bathrooms on each floor. Separate floors for men and women.

    Alpine Lodge: Motel-style rooms with 2 sets of bunks and 1 full bed, private bathroom facilities, hair dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, and air-conditioning. Bedding and towels are provided. (Limited availability)

  • Cost includes 4 nights lodging, 10 meals, and program fees.

    Private room, Hoops Hall: $570/person

    Double room, Hoops Hall: $510/person

    Married couple room, Alpine Lodge: $1080/couple (limited availability)

    Commuter rate (no breakfasts or housing): $385/person

  • Register by June 1.

    To register, a $100 dollar non-refundable deposit must be paid and a registration form must be completed online. Full payment due July 1.

    For questions regarding registration or details email alpine@abc.edu