Facing the Giants

This post was written by Mike Schwartz, Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care, Madison Park Church of God

Giants. What does this word conjure up in your mind? Some of you may be thinking of a pro football team. Others may be thinking of a young shepherd boy taking on the nemesis of his nation, Goliath, with only a sling and a few smooth stones. Maybe your mind takes you along the path of Frodo and the Lord of the Rings? Wherever the word may take you, it will surely strike a sense of adventure and challenge!

One thing I know about most men is we share an inner need for adventure and challenge... that which causes our hearts to beat faster, our breathing to quicken and adrenaline to pump through our veins! Not everyone experiences adventure in the same way.

For nearly 250 men, some women, and nearly 40 young people on Saturday, January 19, at Madison Park Church of God, the word “giant” would likely bring images of the majestic whitetail deer or a Tom turkey in full strut! The challenge of entering these incredible creatures' back yard undetected is both exciting and fulfilling. It is also a spiritual experience as we encounter our Creator in the most basic and primal element, and become a part of the circle of life.

From Nimrod in Genesis chapter 10 (who was recorded in scripture more for his prowess as a great hunter than being credited for uniting the major cities of Babylon known in ancient times as the land of Nimrod and later as Assyria) to Esau in Genesis 25 who gained the admiration of his father for bringing home Isaac’s favorite food from the field, hunters have historically been essential to the health and well-being of their families.

In modern times, hunting may not be as essential as it once was to providing life-giving protein for the family, but it still stirs the blood and meets a deep need in the hearts of many. In many ancient cultures, hunting was the primary way boys gained the right of passage into manhood. In North America today, hunters are the primary reason for the health and recovery of many species of animals through our conservation efforts and dollars spent. The fraternity of hunters is one that builds deep and lasting relationships. The memories that are created and shared are told and re-told, often for generations to come. The experience is often re-lived in a way that few other experiences can be. The bond is one that few men can put into words.

To bring Christ into these relationships is very effective evangelism. It isn’t preachy, which often drives men away. It is a lifestyle evangelism that reaches right into the heart of men and meets them where their passion lies.

It takes time, but then God’s love is often spelled T-I-M-E. The wonder of God’s creation is a fantastic cathedral where their spirits are ripe to receive Good News. It is also a wonderful arena to mentor young people in. Learning basic skills of safety, patience, ethics and conservation carries on into all of life. Learning to honor, even revere God’s creation is never time wasted. Time spent sharing with a young person is always time well spent. Many families enjoy hunting in the great outdoors together. Women are the fastest growing segment of the hunting population.

The first Deer and Turkey Seminar hosted by Madison Park Outdoors was a huge success. A sell-out crowd enjoyed great food, fantastic training for safety and field skills by experts Charles Sorrells and Brent Henderson who kept us literally on the edge of our seats, and vendors who offered their many talents and tools to anyone who wanted to take advantage of these great opportunities.

A special thanks to the pro-staff of Madison Park Outdoors; Brandon Jeffress, Kevin Anderson, Neal Kirby, Jerry Helvey, and Forrest Bricker for their hard work in pulling this event together. For all the vendors who contributed door prizes, drawings and great give-aways... “thanks” doesn’t say it well enough. For each one who attended, I am convinced that new friendships and future memories began. Thanks for coming and making this event such a great one!

These are the things that Madison Park Outdoors will elevate: a lifestyle-evangelism building lasting relationships of authentic Christian manhood, mentoring young people and encouraging fathers and grandfathers to pass on the rich heritage they have received, and if not to children of your own, pass it on to another young person who is not fortunate enough to have someone to mentor them.

Madison Park Outdoors will work hard to provide other opportunities to invite people to share the great adventure in the great outdoors in ways that gets their heart beating. Maybe you find adventure in backpacking, kayaking, fishing, photography, or just fill in the blank... we want to give you opportunities to find that adventure and build relationships that will introduce the Jesus in you to others.

Watch for more exciting opportunities to come through Madison Park Outdoors. If you happen to hear an unusual noise, it might be me practicing my turkey calling. I won’t mind if you just shake your head and ignore me; I’m just getting excited for my next great adventure!