Where do you go to escape the stress and worries of the world? With the holidays and winter weather, many families or couples may think their only option is a long drive to a high-end ski lodge or resort where the cost of activities, gasoline and lodging may strain the budget further - as well as the brain.

But there is a well-kept secret in Central West Virginia, designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit, where families and couples can escape, affordably, to reconnect with each other. Not far from I-79, in Rosedale, a side-road winds up the hillside to Faith Mountain, a Christian Retreat where Kathy and Herb Miller have created a peaceful, safe haven from the woes of the world.

Since 1997, youth groups, pastors, couples and families have come to Faith Mountain to immerse themselves in the natural setting. The entire retreat has been mostly funded by donations, and built by volunteers. Most of the work and material needed to keep the dream growing and building has been provided by visiting youth and church groups for the past eleven years.

Now, largely due to the work of these volunteers, the 250 acres of Faith Mountain’s retreat includes a lake, trails, picnic pavilions, cottages, conference rooms, and The Cedar House.

Each guest cottage is fully furnished and air-conditioned, with a large living dining area, equipped kitchen, queen size beds, a whirlpool bathtub and gas fireplace.

The two-bedroom cottages can sleep up to seven, have a secluded back porch, a fire ring, picnic table, and hammock in the back yard.

The Cedar House is an L-shaped ranch that will accommodate 25 guests. The main floor has four bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, living and dining room. The lower living space has three bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen, living and dining room. The main floor will accommodate 13 and the lower living area will accommodate 12 guests. In addition to the amenities listed above, The Cedar House also has dishwashers upstairs and down.

Two conference rooms are available. The one in The Cedar House will accommodate 30-40 guests and has a TV/VCR and a white board for teaching purposes. The other meeting room is laid out and decorated like an antique ice-cream parlor, complete with pool table and karaoke machine, and will also accommodate 30-40 guests.

Faith Mountain operates as a non-profit organization, with all funds collected going back into the ministry - providing a safe, peaceful, secluded location where couples, parents and families can be refreshed by the natural setting of God’s creations - sunset and sunrise, wild animals and flora, fields and forests.

Even the rates for accommodations are set to encourage families and couples to spend time together to refresh and renew their relationships. The two bedroom cottages rent for $60 a night for a couple or family, with $10 a night for any additional guests. The Cedar House rents at $100 a night for a family, with $10 per night for additional guests. Pastor couples and families are offered a $10 per night discount.

Group rates are available for unrelated guests who want to retreat together, at $20 per person per night. (Minimum of four to total $80 per night in a two-room cabin or minimum of seven to total $140 per night in The Cedar House.)

Faith Mountain is a non-denominational, non-profit organization. Thus, some might assume that a Christian Retreat would be different than a for-profit resort or getaway, the main rules of Faith Mountain are similar to those of the cabins and cottages of our state parks. No indoor smoking, no pets, and no alcoholic beverages. The difference, however, is what makes Faith Mountain such a perfect escape. No television, no phones, minimal cell phone reception, no connection to the busy world, (although high speed access, phone and catering are available if needed.)

With such an affordable and beautiful option for escape so close to home, families should take the opportunity to take a time-out from the world to reconnect with their loved ones, the world of nature and themselves. Or, to just curl up on the couch and watch the fire.

For more information about Faith Mountain Retreat cabins or conference rooms, contact Herb and Kathy Miller in Rosedale at 304-364-4019, send an e-mail to faithmtn@mountain.net or visit www.faithmountain.org.