Our History

Building a Legacy

Honoring the Past.
Embracing the Future.

Founded in 1971, The Inn of Last Resort has a rich history of leaders who have devoted their lives to teaching and training young men and women how to find lasting fulfillment in the truth of three simple words: Life Is Relationships.

Our programs are like an immersion into a new language – the language of living in Jesus. It is when we learn to live in Jesus that radical change occurs in our lives and relationships.

100K+

Lives Changed

Our Founders

Jay & Sally Fesperman

By the 1960s, Jay Fesperman had earned a reputation as a successful businessman and international consultant. He and his wife, Sally, had also raised a family and spent years serving in youth ministry. In 1971, they were looking for a small place where they could eventually settle down and retire, but God had other plans. Instead, they wound up buying the old Wayah Valley Inn with 22 acres and space to sleep 50 on the outskirts of Franklin, North Carolina. The Fespermans named the lodge The Inn of Last Resort and began a legacy of discipleship built on relationships.

Directors

Larry & Susan Pons

Larry and Susan Pons, along with their four children, arrived in 1980. With an extensive background in family ministry, they came alongside Jay and Sally and witnessed a remarkable global expansion of the ministry while maintaining the original principles the Fespermans championed.

With their guidance, participants from over 100 nations received instruction and training through the life-changing Train to Reign program they developed and taught at the Inn.

The Pons also implemented the same biblical, relational model into the Heroes of Today programs. Through these transformative initiatives, hundreds of young people have not only learned about the preventive measures for a godly individual and family life but also experienced profound spiritual growth and the lasting impact of these challenging and empowering programs.

Where We've Been & Where We're Going

Our ministry is always evolving, yet our mission remains the same: We desire to see lives restored and generations transformed through encounters with the living God.

Our Story

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Our Past

A New Identity

The Inn was renamed Christian Training Center International (CTCI), and in 1980, Larry and Susan Pons became the new ministry directors. CTCI became a place of ministry, refuge and restoration for countless individuals and families around the world.

Our Present

Returning to Our Roots

In 2023, the organization reverted to its original and official name, The Inn of Last Resort. After a tremendous amount of prayer and conversation, it was decided that this name represents the heartbeat of our ministry more fully. Training will always be an aspect of what we do, but we are foremost a place for the restoration of hearts and relationships. The Inn is a safe place for weary travelers to encounter Jesus.

Our Future

Looking Ahead

As we dream about what God has in store for The Inn, our emphasis will be on amplifying our message on a broader scale as we seek to recruit, fill and focus on our core programs: Train to Reign (families and individuals), Heroes Week (youth), summer internships (young adults) and community outreach events.

1,831

The Inn of Last Resort

Our Smoky Mountain sanctuary offers a retreat that fosters healing and renewal for anyone whose soul is tired and weary. Restoring families, discipling young people and healing the broken are the bedrocks of our ministry.

The Inn of Last Resort

2 days ago

Elohim Collective starts next Monday, July 14! Don't miss your chance to register for a week of creative expression with the Lord against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. ⛰️ www.innoflastresort.org/elohim-collective ... See MoreSee Less

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Soul Care

“I’m not sure what we expected, but our two weeks there surpassed all that we imagined in terms of being taken care of and fed—not only physically, but emotionally and relationally.”

Train to Reign

Retreats

Heroes of Today

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