Frequenty Asked Questions
Every year, we are inundated with questions regarding OIL. We've posted those that seem to come up regularly. If there are any questions that we do not address here, please feel free to contact us.
REGISTRATION
I signed up on the web by December 5 and mailed in my check a couple days later, but then you sent me an email saying I had to pay $125. What's going on?
You are not fully registered until we receive your payment. If you sign up on the web but then send in your payment by check, we'll have to charge you based on the postmark of your check.
I paid the deposit. When and how do I pay the balance?
You may pay the balance by credit card, cash, or check on the day you arrive at OIL.
I signed up on the web but didn't receive anything in the mail. Why not?
To keep costs low, we do not send out confirmations in the mail. However, you should receive an email confirmation when we receive your payment and you are fully registered. If you did not receive an email confirmation (and have already checked your junk mail folder), contact us immediately and let us know.
Can I attend OIL without pre-registering?
We highly discourage walk-ins. We will not send you back home, but the walk-in line is inordinately long (not on purpose), your accommodations may be unusually challenging, you may not get an official OIL booklet or name tag, and there is a good chance you won't get your first track choice. There is also a $10 walk-in fee (for a total of $150). Your best bet is to contact us before you come to OIL.
CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS
If I signed up but because of some reason I cannot attend the conference, can someone else take my spot?
No, sorry, someone else cannot take your spot and use your deposit. If you can't make the conference, please let us know ASAP (to open up space for prospective registrants) and we'll refund your payment (except for the $25 non-refundable deposit).
If I signed up but because of some reason I cannot attend the conference, can I get a refund? How do I go about it?
Please contact us as soon as you find out you cannot attend the conference. Space is limited and we'd like to give as many people the chance to attend as possible. When you tell us you're canceling, we'll refund your payment, except for the $25 non-refundable deposit.
I signed up for a certain seminar but I've since changed my mind. Can I change it?
Yes. To change your seminar choices and/or other contact information, please click
HERE. You will need to log in and edit your registration information. There will be no seminar changes after January 1, 2010.
SCHEDULE
What time do I need to get to OIL by on the 6th?
Check-in officially begins on January 6 at noon. It is quite unpredictable to determine when check-in lines will be at their shortest. A good rule of thumb would be to arrive at least a few hours before the opening worship service, which is at 4 PM. If you come early, you can register and drop off your belongings where you are staying, then have some time to rest or pray until the opening worship.
When are the first and last meals served?
The first meal will be dinner on Wednesday, January 6th. The last meal will be lunch on Saturday, January 9th.
WHAT TO BRING
What should I bring to OIL?
Pack a heavy coat, warm clothes, a sleeping bag, toiletries, your Bible, a pen, and spending money/credit card if you'd like.
Will I need extra money at OIL?
You do not need to bring any money to OIL. However, we do try to provide you with resources you can take with you to preserve the OIL experience at minimal cost. There will be opportunities to buy OIL T-shirts, books recommended by the speakers at OIL, and sermon and praise CDs.
Will you take credit cards at the retreat center to register and purchase CDs, books, and other resources?
Yes, we process Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards at the retreat center.
MISCELLANEOUS
How many people are you expecting?
Last year there were 950 people who attended OIL. We expect a similar number this year.
What will the weather be like?
Montrose tends to get a foot or two of snow around the time of the conference. Expect very cold temperatures and snowy weather. Most of the time will be spent in heated rooms, but you will occasionally be walking between locations in the cold. Right before you come, it may be helpful to check weather conditions (for Montrose, PA) via the Internet.
Do you provide rides to Montrose?
We provide rides to Montrose only for those who fly into Philadelphia airport and can be at the United Airlines baggage claim by 12:30pm. Please notify us once you have made your flight arrangements. Click here. This year, we will be providing a round-trip bus service between Chicago and Montrose.
