[JTuricik]

Heritage USA could become a new and wonderful place for christians from all over
the world to visit. I believe that a conference center/broadcast center could be the
first element to reviving the entire site for what it was originally intended.
Any thoughts on this?

[Rick4404]

Originally posted by JTuricik
Heritage USA could become a new and wonderful place for christians from all over
the world to visit. I believe that a conference center/broadcast center could be the
first element to reviving the entire site for what it was originally intended.
Any thoughts on this?

Thank you for your interest about Heritage USA. There have been a number of threads started here on The Idea Web concerning Heritage USA. There has also been a group started on Yahoo.com concerning Heritage USA.

A ministry group called Narrow Way Productions uses the amphitheater for its theatrical productions. They also use the old television studio in the winter for a dinner theater. Here is their Web site:

http://www.narroway.net/

Individuals are now at work restoring The Upper Room prayer center at Heritage USA.

I do believe God isn't through with Heritage USA yet; and from what I have seen through these and other threads, I believe Heritage USA will be raised from the ashes and rededicated for the Glory of God. This truly is God's property and no secular business that has ever attempted to operate on the old Heritage USA grounds has survived.

The Radisson Hotel chain tried and failed to operate the Heritage Grand Hotel. A company called the Carolina Splash Water Park operated the waterpark for a time, but also failed. The only exception to date has been the clothier Laura Ashley. That company utilizes the old pyramid building for office space, where Jim and Tammy Bakker's executive offices were located at Heritage USA.

A Christian group from Malaysia currently owns what is now known as the Regent Park property. They currently have it up for sale. From what I have read in these threads, an 18-hole championship golf course has been added; the LPGA is scheduled to host a major tournament there in 2004. Several more housing developments have been added.

Essentially the housing developments and the former Heritage USA buildings are separated by a railroad track. Everything past the railroad track is a virtual ghost town; with most of the buildings that were once Heritage USA showing their age and have been damaged by weathering, vandalism and so forth.

Security guards patrol the property regularly, because of the acts of vandalism and there have been at least two arson fires set as well from what I have learned. The security guards pretty much leave people alone who are just driving around; but if someone gets out and walks up to any of the closed buildings, they are shooed off quickly, from what I have learned on the Yahoo thread.

What used to be Kevin's House was torched and burned to the ground a year or so ago. No one was hurt and no one was living inside the house when it burned. It turned out that the Regent Park management had shut off the utilities to Kevin's House including the fire sprinklers just days before the fire. That's interesting. I also understand that one of the timeshare condominiums was also destroyed by an arson fire.

Some of the campgrounds and timeshare condominiums are still being operated by a private company on what was the Heritage USA property. I would imagine these are being used by people who are visiting either the Narrow Way theatrical productions, or perhaps people are staying there that are involved in the restoration of the Upper Room prayer center. I'm sure there are others who just come to visit and spend the night. I'm sure a lot of those folks still feel the Lord's presence there and probably engage in "what if" kinds of thought.

Here's the link to the Yahoo group. Check it out sometime! You will have to be a Yahoo member to join the group I have alluded to here. If you're not a Yahoo member, it costs nothing to join. You can request a member I.D. when you visit the Yahoo group about Heritage USA.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PTLHERITAGEUSA/

There is also an organization called Third Day Revival which appears to have taken the batton and has launched a grass roots effort to restore and reopen Heritage USA.

Here is a link to that organization. Their Web site is under development but currently has a flash presentation to explain their purpose and interest in the project:

http://www.thirddayrevival.org.

God bless you!

[JTuricik]

Heritage USA has so much potential and promise. I have just finished viewing photos of the park. Everything looks intact. If a stream of visitors could begin
returning to this park, just to see and view it, perhaps stay overnight near the site. This could begin a rebirth for visitors. It could spur more interest and revenue for more renovations. Heritage USA needs a new leader. This person could bring focus to the park. Any thoughts?

[Rick4404]

Originally posted by JTuricik
Heritage USA has so much potential and promise. I have just finished viewing photos of the park. Everything looks intact. If a stream of visitors could begin
returning to this park, just to see and view it, perhaps stay overnight near the site. This could begin a rebirth for visitors. It could spur more interest and revenue for more renovations. Heritage USA needs a new leader. This person could bring focus to the park. Any thoughts?

That truly is the $64,000 question. Most definitely, a Christian ministry or organization which is beyond reproach, will have to assume the mantle of leadership in restoring and reopening the "New Heritage USA."

I thought for sure the evangelistic association of Morris Cerullo would be at the forefront of the project. That organization as far as I recall was involved in the bidding process, along with several other bidders for the Heritage USA facilities and property during the U.S. Bankruptcy Court proceedings of PTL. It wound up bidding successfully for The Inspirational Network.

Heritage USA is right in the Cerullo organization's back yard right there in Charlotte. The Cerullo organization purchased The Inspirational Network during PTL's bankruptcy proceedings and operates it today as INSP which is available on cable and satellite television systems across the country. Morris Cerullo's son David Cerullo is the President of INSP. That organization does not utilize any of PTL's former facilities at the old Heritage USA grounds, opting instead to build their own studios and broadcast facilities in Charlotte, which they currently use.

I don't think there's any question that God is in the process of restoring Heritage USA. Things certainly appear to be coming together, although bit by bit. All we can do at this point is pray about it.

[JTuricik]

Thank you (Rick) for your information. I live in Pennsylvanina and
I do not have alot of first hand contact with Heritage USA. I watched the television shows and passed by the complex a few times, never enough time to visit. I was not aware of Mr Cerullo or
the ISP network. That is interesting, especially that he is in Charlotte. I have visited more web sites and am reading more about the potential rebirth of the park. It would be wonderful to have it open again. I would visit, especailly in these times we live in. It would be a comforting place for distressed people, returning military, 9/11 family and survivors, etc. etc. This is what I would envision. I would dearly enjoy a Christian vacation/retreat destination. What do you or anyone else envision this place to be if it ever opens again?

[Rick4404]

I don't have any firsthand knowledge about Heritage USA. My information comes strictly from what I have read and seen about the place over the years. I too had always wanted to visit Heritage USA but never got the opportunity to do so.

I would envision a reborn Heritage USA to be about like it was when Jim and Tammy Bakker were at PTL. A true Christian family retreat where people could come and have some godly, crime-free rest and relaxation. Oh, I'm sure that whoever eventually assumes leadership of Heritage USA will likely do it differently than the Bakkers did.

Did you know that during the entire run of Heritage USA, there was not one major incident? Heritage USA had an impeccable safety record. No one was ever seriously hurt or killed on the property. No one ever had their vehicles or lodging rooms broken into. There was never a homicide or a sexual assault committed on the property. No one was ever attacked or assaulted while at Heritage USA. The hand of God most certainly was firmly over that place.

I seem to have gotten involved in this discussion for a reason. There are several threads dedicated to this topic. There is also the group on Yahoo which I mentioned. Feel free to check it out sometime. In fact, we even heard from Don Hardister, who was PTL/Heritage USA's head of security and also served as one of Jim Bakker's bodyguards. I'm sure he will lend a wealth of first hand knowledge to the Yahoo group.

All I can tell you is this. Keep praying and keep believing. Always be open to what the Lord may be birthing inside of you. God bless you!

[JTuricik]

Thank you for your insight and guiidance in communicating with me.
I would like to keep this dialog going and will be trying to find out
more about Heritage USA. I truly believe that God will make Heritage USA wonderful again. Thank you for all of your kind words and information. You have given me alot of information and have answered many questions. Being in the construction business, I am
even more motivated to do something to repair and rejuventate. I just dont know what exactly.
I truly appreciate your and all the others reading these threads. God Bless. JTuricik

[Rick4404]

Originally posted by JTuricik
Thank you for your insight and guiidance in communicating with me.
I would like to keep this dialog going and will be trying to find out
more about Heritage USA. I truly believe that God will make Heritage USA wonderful again. Thank you for all of your kind words and information. You have given me alot of information and have answered many questions. Being in the construction business, I am
even more motivated to do something to repair and rejuventate. I just dont know what exactly.
I truly appreciate your and all the others reading these threads. God Bless. JTuricik

If you're offering your services in the construction industry; I'm sure the good people at Third Day Revival would be eager to hear from you. This organization seems to have taken the lead on the subject of repairing and restoring what was Heritage USA. Their Website again is: http://www.thirddayrevival.org.

[JTuricik]

Hello, yes, Rick, I would be happy to assist in any way I can. I never thought that I could help in this way until you brought it to light. Thank you for this insight.
I have been in the construction industry in Division 8 products, (Doors and Windows) for 21 years. My background has been in Sales, Installation, Estimation, ordering, project mangement, product development, and value engineering. I visited the Third Day website and it is still under construction. If there is a way to forward this information or if anyone is monitoring this forum, perhaps I could be guided to communicate with the proper people. I am a member of the Construction Specifications Institute, and ASA. I would be happy to conduct evaluations of existing conditions, and assemble information for an architect, or the repair contractors. I have worked in specification writing and project document preparation.

[Rick4404]

Originally posted by JTuricik
Hello, yes, Rick, I would be happy to assist in any way I can. I never thought that I could help in this way until you brought it to light. Thank you for this insight.
I have been in the construction industry in Division 8 products, (Doors and Windows) for 21 years. My background has been in Sales, Installation, Estimation, ordering, project mangement, product development, and value engineering. I visited the Third Day website and it is still under construction. If there is a way to forward this information or if anyone is monitoring this forum, perhaps I could be guided to communicate with the proper people. I am a member of the Construction Specifications Institute, and ASA. I would be happy to conduct evaluations of existing conditions, and assemble information for an architect, or the repair contractors. I have worked in specification writing and project document preparation.

I would probably get in touch with the Narrow Way Productions people. I believe their office is on site there on the former Heritage USA grounds. It appears that the present management company of the property, Regent Carolina Corporation of Fort Mill, S.C. is coordinating some of the day-to-day stuff with the Narrow Way Productions people.

I don't have a website for Regent Carolina Corporation, but you could get a phone number from South Carolina directory assistance. The local area code in the Fort Mill area is 803. I listed the website for Narrow Way Productions earlier in this thread.

I hope this information is useful in your quest. God bless you!

[JTuricik]

Hello again Rick4404,

Thank you for the information regarding this contact. I will try to get in touch with
this group and see what happens. I would like to encourage you to continue to monitor the website for more people who have our interest and encourage them
like you are doing for me. This is outstanding. I will report back on my contacts with the Regent People and the Narrow way group. Rick, I really want to know what keeps your interest in Heritage, and how you found this posting page. Thanks again and God Bless you!- J Turicik

[Rick4404]

Hi again. It seems like it's only you and me posting on this thread. I have always been interested in Heritage USA and PTL. No, I never was able to go see it in person. But some way, somehow I don't think God is through with what was Heritage USA.

I am an assistant manager of an auto parts store with limited financial means. I could not therefore commit any money towards the restoration of Heritage USA; but I definitely can lift this up in prayer.

What keeps my interest? It's mainly personal, since I was a big fan of Jim and Tammy and watched the PTL Club often. In fact, it was through PTL that I first learned about the truth of the gospel and the need to be born again. I eventually got saved in 1987 and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

I am also very encouraged by your interest. Please do share whatever you eventually are able to ascertain. Also be praying about whatever role you might have. Hey, you could be the next Roe Messner. He and his company built many of the Heritage USA buildings including the Heritage Grand Hotel and the Tower. Maybe God is giving you a personal mandate or something. Always be open to His will and leading.

[flyguy80]

I appreciate this forum. I recently stumbled on to it after visiting Hertiage at night late last week. I was struck with the thought that it is somewhat like Roman Ruins, a testiment to what can happen when one strays from the true gospel of Christ and starts preaching a made up gospel, mixing truth and error. I was never a big fan of Jim Bakker or for 99% of the television preachers out there. It saddens me to see what a place like Hertiage has become due to one man's failings. I am praying that God will some how bring good out of the situation and if its His will to reclaim the grounds for His glory! This is why a Christian organization should never be built on one man, but on solid Biblical principles that stand the test of time. I also have been thinking about the thousands of folks who were mislead by Jim and Tammy, alienated and frustrated by his hoax; I pray for those people especially and know that God can heal their wounds and raise them up again. As for Mr. Bakker having his own show again I am not in favor of this due to the present topic we find ourselves discussing i.e. the ruins of Heritage and the PTL empire. True Mr. Bakker has asked for forgiveness, but I wonder if he can be trusted after sqwandering millions of dollars and soiling the reputation of Christ.

[wikeneweb]

I've been lurking here for awhile and on the HERITAGE group at Yahoo too... Wouldn't it be wonderful to see that place restored?

[JTuricik]

To all folks involved in the Heritage USA conversation site,

I have made contact with both the Narroway Productions group and Regent Carolina Corporation. First, Narroway. I have an ongoing e-mail dialogue with the
office manager there. She informed me that the group that owns the resort (Regent) has no interest in repairing the property and is only involved with them (Narroway) on a lease basis. The people at Narroway would approve and welcome
any assistance that they can get. I am still talking to them and asking for more specifics. I believe that they could use help and assistance, as the person that I am communication with mentioned it 3 times. With regard to Regent Carolina Corporation, this is the Malaysian Group that actually owns the resort. A very nice lady spoke with me at length about what was going on. She mentioned that the park will not be improved by them and that they are in the process of selling off the resort. She mentioned that they have developed alot of the areas around the resort . She mentioned that they have offers on the table for the rest of the resort and that they are being considered currently, and that the sale could be closed within days. Possibly even this week. She said the sale was imminent. She could not, however, tell me who the buyer or buyers would be. She told me that Regent operates as a residential developer (makes sense) and that they would be out of contact with the resort once it is sold. My purpose in contacting these folks was to offer assistance as someone in the construction industry. I wanted to offer a consultative review of the condition of the facility. I have specialized background in certain areas of construction and could possibly save time and money once the restoration planning process is started.

I believe that the sales transaction is good news. Perhaps an eye should be kept on the Charlotte Newspaper (Observer) website for a posting or article. This may be the start of something good. I surely hope so. I would really look forward to being able to visit a Christian resort facility.Any thoughts on this? Has anyone found out any other information?