God's Great Outdoors

Gerry visits with Steve Chapman in Nashville, TN as the two reflect on Steve’s first book “A Look at Life From a Deer Stand”, which was released in 1996 and is still going off of bookstore shelves as it has been reprinted numerous times. This book met a need seen by many women who wanted something for their male loved ones actively involved in the outdoors, (specifically hunting) but which also had a spiritual impact and would change lives. Steve also discusses how important outdoor ministry can be in reaching the man and the impact that it can have on the family. Steve hopes his new book “A Look at Life From a River Bank” will also help more men become trophies of grace for the Creator God Jesus Christ.

On this week’s program Gerry visits with one of the most recognized leaders in the sport fishing arena, Al Lindner. The two hook up in Brainerd, Minnesota at the Lindner Media Studios, as Al relates about his testimony, which is the content in the tract produced by God’s Great Outdoors titled “A Fishing Legend Makes His Biggest Catch!” They talk about Al’s time in Vietnam, where he prayed to God for the first time in his life during a close call with the enemy. Al goes into the story of how his brother Ron and wife Deloris, came to Christ, (included in Ron’s tract: “The End Of The Line!”) soon Al’s wife Mary received Jesus too. Then with his two boys and Mary going to church, Al finaliy agreed to join the family. One day his youngest son requested Al to pray, but he didn’t know how! This broke the walls of Al’s heart and he had to go into the bathroom and cry. It was the beginning of the end of Al’s running from Jesus Christ.

This Trail To Adventure interview has Gerry in Frostburg, Maryland as he visits with Floyd Presley. Floyd is considered by many to be the nation’s number one authority on hunting with birds of prey. The two discuss the history of this relational activity, and how Floyd got started in the sport. There is excitement a wing as one goes afield to hunt with falcons, hawks and the dog who work together as a team. Floyd gives some astonishing details into these creatures and how God has designed them as one of the many creatures He spoke into existence. Floyd has authored two books on the history of the first settlers in his home state, exciting novels titled “Savage Early Maryland” and the rest of the story in “Savage Early Maryland” Book Two! The true history is entwined with the characters, several being Christians, their interaction with the Native people and in all this the reader hears the gospel too!

The now retired Ken Beck, who is the past owner of the Black Widow Bow Company, visits with Gerry in the rolling hills of Ken’s home located in Nixa, Missouri. The two look back on their first meeting in person at The Trophies of Grace White Tail Deer Hunt in southeast Ohio. This annual event has been going on for over 23 years now, put on by a chapter of Christian Bowhunters of America, The Lord of the Harvest Archery Club. Ken discusses his life’s journey and how he was blessed to be used by God to help the ministry of God’s Great Outdoors get started in 1996. Ken reflects on outdoor ministry and how important at these times that the listeners consider being involved, as Christianity is under attack.

Gerry visits again with one of the most popular guests he’s had over the years of broadcast. This week’s interview is with Dr. Richard Swenson about his book, More Than Meets the Eye. Dr. Swenson taught surgery at the University of Madison Wisconsin and his minor was in physics. He discusses just how complex we are, starting from the subatomic particle level, molecules, cells and details of even how the eyes and ears work with the rest of the human body. All this evidence along with the knowledge he shares about stars, galaxies, our solar system and the entire universe and how it all speaks to the fact that we clearly have an intelligent designer, who is our Lord Jesus Christ.

On this week’s Trail To Adventure! Gerry stops off in Westfield, Indiana at the IMMI plant, as he is on his way to the Archery Trade Association Show in Indianapolis. He meets with the President of IMMI, Tom Anthony to learn more about this cargo strap and seat belt manufacturer. Tom shares about how his dad started the businesses and the history of the company. Part of that history includes trips away from the day-to-day duties in the summer for the family’s Canadian fishing adventures annually. Memories of the times and how they bring closeness to all involved allowed Tom to also reflect on his finally “getting it” and then receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. He clearly sees and shares how everything we do can be a way to reach others for the Creator God, both in the outdoors and in the business setting as well!

The topic is 1000 on this week’s Trail To Adventure! as this is the 1000th broadcast of the radio program! On July 6 of 1996, God’s Great Outdoors first aired on WCDR radio out of Cedarville, Ohio and today’s guest Paul Gathnay was the station manager back then. Paul and his good friend, Dr. David Jeremiah, started WCDR in their college dorm with 1 watt of FM power, and on a good day you could hear it throughout the building. It was Paul Gathany who took a chance on the crazy idea Gerry had for a radio program called God’s Great Outdoors. Paul and Gerry reflect on the many changes that have taken place when it comes to radio and how ill equipped Gerry was when it came to producing the broadcast. It is a perfect example of how when God calls us to a mission for the Kingdom, He will always provide all we need, so “To God Be All The Glory!”

On this week's program, Dale Karch the owner of 3 Rivers Archery, a traditional archery supply company located in Ashley, Indiana shares with Gerry about how he, his wife Sandy and the family came about buying the business. Dale started building bows in his garage to sell in their home state of Wisconsin, and as time went on they added a number of other archery products to help those that were into shooting the simple stick and string type bows enjoyed by traditional archers. Discovering that 3 Rivers Archery was for sale, Dale and his wife looked at how they could acquire this business and make it something that the entire family could get involved in, and with God’s direction they accomplished this goal. It is now a family affair that’s grown their relationships and is making memories for today and for all eternity.

On this week’s interview Gerry’s Trail To Adventure! has him visiting with Steve Scott, Founder of the ministry "On Target Outfitters.” Steve tells as a youngster he wanted to learn to hunt and fish, but his dad had left the family, so a couple of men in his church made him part of their adventures and life. This allowed him to see what a dad really should be like according to God's Word. The experience was why he as a young man went into the ministry of being youth pastor and was moved to start "On Target Outfitters." Steve also tells about the book he wrote which is a devotional titled "Faith Afield" which correlates with a variety of outdoor topics and scriptures tied to each topic, which Gerry found to be an excellent read to be sure.

Joining Gerry this week are Jon and Deb Heisler, as they take part in the Family Fun Fossil Hunt that God’s Great Outdoors does near the Creation Museum annually. Jon’s heath issues have him using a wheeled walker, but he was able navigate the fossil field just fine. Yet, this interview is actually on the couple’s retreats that takes place in Canada each summer at the Rushing Wind Retreat Center in Ontario, an hour above International Falls, Minnesota. The two share how they are ministered to at the event, even with the special attention required because of Jon’s health needs. This includes full access to time out in God’s beautiful Creation and how the owners, Arnie and Dee Wolf have also had helicopters fly in a fleet of pontoon boats to this remote fishing camp, so everyone can be out on the water. Jon also tells of a wounded warrior type of event that is helping Vets find Jesus!