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Heaven on a Hog Hunt?
For years we've preached that "setting" is key to reaching adult men for Christ! Sunday School classrooms and worship services with people wearing robes are not comfortable settings for unchurched men. That's why Team Ironman passionatley believes that a hunting or fishing retreat offers the perfect setting to talk straight with men about Jesus Christ. I'm pleased to report that several men made decisions for Christ on our Jan. 10-12 Hog Retreat near Alcolu, SC and our Feb. 1-3 Hog Retreat near Lugoff, SC. That's right, one day in heaven there will be a whole group of men telling us stories about how a hog hunt in the swamps of SC led to their faith in Jesus Christ. Thanks to the Durant Family, the Hodge family, and the Brazell family for generously allowing us to use their property. That's exactly what we mean when we say "use your farm to grow God's Kingdom!"
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Got Land? The little ministry that started in Patrick's Sunday School class is quickly growing. In the past month we have received inquiries from churches in SC, NC, VA, OH, and TN. Word is spreading fast that adventure retreats are highly effective evangelistic tools for reaching the hearts of men. With more interest comes the need for more land to conduct retreats.
In the past few weeks, we have gained access to several new farms. With lots of different property owners participating, we can do more retreats on different locations. Do you know a landowner we should contact? Hey, you give us their name and we're not afraid to ask. We simply are asking for the right to use their farm for 1 weekend to reach men! |
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The Treasure of Relationships
Jesus told us not to store up treasures here on earth, but rather to store up treasures that will be there in heaven (Matt. 6: 19-21). The more I learn about ministry, the more I see that relationships are the real treasure! In the final analysis, the only thing we take with us from here into eternity is our relationships. People are the only thing you deal with that doesn't have an expiration date. I enjoy sharing "shoulder to shoulder" experiences with other men in the outdoors. Being in the boat with the guy who catches the 23lb catfish or helping bloodtrail the monster 9-pointer are memories I will have forever. And when the opportunity arises to share God's truth with my fellow sportsman, I pray that I will be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within me (1 Peter 3:15).
Do you have a fish'n or hunt'n buddy that doesn't know the Lord? Invite him to come on an Ironman retreat with you. 98% (that's nearly all) of adults who come to Christ do so because of a close relationship with a believer. See how this worked with Patrick and his neighbor Greg... read Greg's story. Check out the various Ironman retreats and think about bringing your buddy.
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Pastors Only Turkey Retreat  We are excited about a new ministry partnership with Jason Cruise and the Outdoor Ministry Network. This unique turkey hunting retreat is specifically geared towards pastors and church staff. By day we will chase longbeards in the mountains of eastern TN. By night we will relax in a 7 bedroom log cabin. Each evening will feature a Bible Study focused solely on lives of pastors. This will be a chance for pastors to get away for a few days and also sharpen themselves spiritually. Click here for all the details on the April Gospel Gunnin' Retreat.
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