Deer Hunting, Peter the Apostle…Get out of the Boat

Well in Texas the temps are headed down. We should not crack 100 all next week. It may come back but I think for the most part, summer is on the down side. Even with the 100 plus temps outside in the last few weeks my buddies and I have started talking hunting. Dove hunting first, “Have you seen any, where are you going? I am getting trail camera pictures of deer, some still in velvet. If you are a hunter, a fisherman or hiker, fall is coming, halleluiah.

Did you know there has been a dramatic decline in hunting license sales? Yes, over the last few years the number of hunters has dropped drastically and they are predicting the trend to continue. The fear is if we get below a certain number we will lose our voice and the anti-hunting/fishing groups will dictate what we can and even more, what we can’t do.

We are at a critical point in our countries fight for the right to hunt and we need an army to train up the next generation of hunters. The industry as a whole has failed at this. To give them credit, they are scrambling now to try new and improved recruitment tools. Still, it may be too little too late. 

Unless they find out about you. The guy in the church in small town America or Canada who is taking a half a Saturday a month and training boys to hunt, fish, explore the outdoors. The guy who is was longing for a mission field but never felt he fit, until Kids Outdoor Zone. In KOZ there are guys, highly skilled in the outdoors and others who are learning from seasoned outdoorsmen. The most beautiful part is that they are including fatherless boys and fathers and sons. 

Mathew 14:25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Peter knew Jesus. He was with the others crossing the water because Jesus had instructed them to. He heard Him. But he became afraid when the going got tough. When there were doubts and fear. Have you heard Jesus talk to you about a hunting and fishing ministry? What is the fear keeping you from launching, from stepping out of the boat? 

You the hunter, fisherman can make an impact by starting an outdoor ministry in your church. Skilled in the outdoors or wanting to learn you have a role in KOZ. It’s easy to start and easy to use. Everything is provided and your commitment is just 1 half Saturday a month.

Men are coming to know Jesus in a way they have longed for years through KOZ. Families are and boys are being rescued. Churches are coming alive.

Start the fall off with a mission. Train up the next generation. The boys are desperate for time with you. Will you answer the call?

“KOZ, No Kid Left Inside”

TJ Greaney
Founder KOZ
Author Year 13