Listening and experiencing Randy's performance was certainly all I had expected and more... but little did I expect that I would be impacted by something in a more profound way...

Midway through performance, Randy took a break from playing to have an interview with First Family Church's Pastor, Jerry Johnston and his wife Christie. Randy proceeded to give his testimony.... of growing up as an angry, rowdy youth... often in trouble with law and under influence of mind altering substances. He was shootin' straight... he wasn't trying to fool anyone here... making you think he's is something he's not. I had heard Randy's testimony before, so that was no real shock to me. Then he shared how Lord had impacted his life. How admittedly by fate, God was using his gifts for His glory. He was actually taken back first time he heard someone call his church performances "music ministry"... he said to himself... "music ministry... is that what you call what I'm doin'?". Then he presented Gospel... quoted a few verses... nothing fancy... and I hate to say it, but it almost seemed boring and monotonous to me.

Then amazing thing happened....

Jerry Johnston took microphone, and asked if anyone would like to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. And you know what ... they did. I think it is safe to say that 75-100 people accepted Christ that night. I was awestruck. There was no fancy preaching... a simple story... and a short Gospel message. But fields were ripe for harvest. It was a reminder to me that sometimes all we need to do is ask. Some sow, and some reap harvest.

Sure it was a great concert. But it wasn't experience of music which continued to resonate with me after I left. It was impact of a soul who has given his talents to Lord for His use. Randy Travis ain't just singin' anymore... he's doin' music ministry...

The program is self funding, men from church donating food. There is a $10 donation for event. They bring a speaker in to make a 30 - 45 minute presentation... they do not use this as a hard sell “bring men to Jesus” event. The idea is to break down walls of defensiveness... using common bond of outdoors to connect with men at heart level... start building relationships.

“This is a whole day event for guys involved. We start grilling around noon... we cook up some exotic stuff during day. We have guys dropping by all day long to taste and enjoy atmosphere. Then we serve meal at 6:30pm and our speaker comes on at 7:15” Ralph stated. Last year speaker was Steve Chapman. He really has a way of touching men's hearts. He uses music, story tellin' and humor... weaving Truth into fabric of presentation.” Ralph said.

You can just emagine clean up job after an event like this. Steve “Rambo” Moore, does an incredible job managing this aspect of event... “We don't call him “Rambo” for nothing!” chuckled Swallows.

After Wild Game Feed they follow up through year, with regular scheduled events like target shooting, fishing, 3D archery shoots and such to keep men engaged and continue to build community. “What started out as an event, has turned into a full fledged ministry of Southeast Christian Church... We knew this was going to be successful... but quite frankly, leaders of Church were amazed at how many men have come out of woodwork and become involved.” Ralph said.

Christian Outdoorsman hopes this will give you some ideas about how to host a successful Wild Game Feed at your church and maybe even start a ministry... and remember if you do this... your wife won't mind you “huntin' for Lord” this year!