As it has been since the beginning of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, 2004 saw the ministry grow with the addition of several new chapters. The Bartow-Gordon Chapter in N.W. Georgia is one of those programs. Our chapter is located about 60 miles north of Atlanta, where we serve both Bartow, and Gordon Counties.

I first contacted the home office near the end of August, and after some consideration and a long phone conversation with Rick Wilson, I decided that FHFH was a program I could believe in. While I supported the state of Georgia’s Hunters for the Hungry program, and still do, I really believe in the local focus of FHFH.

The start of something new seems to always bring more than its fare share of headaches, our program was no different; I quickly realized this would be no picnic. Finding a processor, like many other programs, was the first “ Big Headache”. David Gregory, Wildlife Biologist at our regional DNR office in Rome GA. was very helpful and supportive of our program. I received a list of licensed - inspected processors in our area from Mr. Gregory, which led me to Sheriff’s Meat Processing LLC. and Deer Cooler. After speaking with owner David Sheriff, he agreed to work with our program; and has already agreed to continue our relationship for 2005-2006 as well.

The next problem facing us was how and where we would distribute the venison. Of all the problems this was the quickest and most easily solved of all. We ended up with a total of three pantries eager to receive all the meat we could provide. The Voluntary Action Center in Calhoun, Gordon Co., North Bartow Community Services and New Life Ministries Church in Adairsville, both in Bartow Co. (You may ask... Why only one pantry in Gordon Co.? Theirs is the only one able to store the frozen venison at this time, however we are looking for an additional location in Gordon County.) We have added another panty in Bartow County located in the city of Cartersville.

So - we now have a processor, distribution points; the deer will come, so that leaves one thing, or next our next big concern...Money.

I was able to raise some funds with donations received from local businesses and individuals, but much more would be needed. Our first big event was the Great Locomotive Chase Festival here in our town of Adairsville. (For all you Civil War and history buffs, Adairsville is where the Great Locomotive Chase began.) The three-day event proved to be very successful in several ways. First of all we were able to get the word out about the FHFH ministry, funds were raised and people were met who would not only donate funds and deer to the program, but would volunteer their time as well. One of those people, Danny Moore, proved to be a key individual for our first season. I presented Danny with a Knight muzzleloader last fall for his efforts in raising nearly $700.00 for our chapter.

Shortly after the festival, Danny had me contact a friend and co-worker of his about an event we had been invited to attend. Sam Hinson offered us a booth at The Native American Honor Guard Pow-Wow in Euharlee, (Bartow Co.) where we were not only warmly welcomed, but were treated to a very special experience. These Pow-Wow’s, are not just about Native American’s, it’s about honoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country; as well as those who have, and still are serving in our nations military. It’s also about honoring those who protect us here at home. This was a successful event, just as the festival a few weeks earlier.

By now we had enough funds to cover the limit of deer I had set with a little extra for other expenses. However this was about to change. As mid November approached, another problem loomed. We had almost reached our limit of deer that we could receive and we still had some six weeks of hunting season left.

Steve Morrow, is a good friend and neighbor, he is also the Pastor of New Life Ministries Church. I had come to depend on Steve for his advice and support when problems appeared. After hearing of the dilemma facing us, Steve suggested I come speak at his church one Sunday morning. Now me and public speaking go together like oil and water! (In school, I’d rather take an F than get up in front of the class to give a speech.) Anyway, the Sunday following Thanksgiving I did just that, but I can honestly tell you I do not know much of what I said. My mouth was moving but God was doing the talking. Following the service, Steve handed me a nice check for our ministry. This proved to be a day that would teach me I can do whatever needs to be done, if I will just let God do his thing everything will be just fine.

The next morning, I went to pick up some meat from our processor, and upon arrival was given some good news. A hunter had dropped off 5 deer over the weekend and $50.00 as well. Then I got the “Bad” news... We had reached our limit. The news quickly went from bad to wonderful, as I was able to raise our limit by 10 thanks to the funds we had received over the weekend.

By the end of our first hunting season, our program had been blessed with the ability to provide some 3,720 servings for the less fortunate here in our community. I know this may not be a lot by some standards, however I know we made a big impact in our area, as does every FHFH program. By the beginning of March ‘05, each of our pantries were asking for more venison.

While hunting season was still in full swing, I began making plans for our first banquet to be held the following spring. With a March banquet, I knew that time was kind of tight but we could do it. The most frustrating part was the food. The first restaurant (which shall remain nameless) we approached, unfortunately was very uncooperative with any communication. So after a deep breath, “Plan B” was put into action, and ended up being a much better plan. We ended up with 5 different restaurants from 6 different location’s donating all but $100.00 worth of food and drinks. These businesses were: from Cartersville - Ryan’s, Chic-fil-a, Red Lobster, and Ruby Tuesday; from Calhoun Fire Mountain and Chic-fil-a.

We held our event at NorthPointe Church here in Adairsville, where my family and I are members. Speakers that evening included Michael Cavender, N.W. Georgia FHFH Coordinator, who was very helpful during our program start up; Steve Morrow, and Roy Adams, who delivered the opening and closing prayers respectively, and myself. Roy and his wife Michelle lead a strong program called Hands and Feet Ministries (for more on this ministry go to www.handsandfeet.com). The NorthPointe Praise band also performed following our dinner. Our guest speaker for the evening was Mike Mayfield. Mike is a member of the Realtree Medallion Pro Staff, and co-owner of Magnum Game Calls. Mike spoke briefly about how his career got to where it is today, then gave his personal testimony. He told of how God has pulled him through the problems of life and how much he has been blessed. With him Mike brought an impressive display of trophy mounts from around the country. I am very appreciative of Mike for the time he took to be at our banquet and for what he does. He carries with him a strong Christian belief and influence.

I had also contacted Georgia Congressman Phil Gingrey, R-11th GA. who accepted the invitation, but due to business in Washington (voting) was unable to attend. (At least we know he is working) The Congressman did however take time to record and send to us a DVD message showing his support for FHFH and other programs like it.

Everything went well at the banquet; it was the few hours prior that were stressful. Had it not have been for the people that stepped up to help (some at the last minute), things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. Fred Wagner and his son Dustin, Richard Holleran, Ty and Debbie Levitt, Steve and Donna Morrow, and Shelly Smith (If I have forgotten someone I do apologize) made that night work; without them--- Disaster.

Of all the people who helped out during our first year, I owe more thanks than I can give to my wife Leanne. She along with our two boys Will age 9 and Drew age 7 are the loves of my life and my inspiration, as well as the “Glue” that keeps me from self-destructing.

With all the “Headaches” during the first year of our FHFH ministry, I became more and more frustrated and discouraged because nothing seemed to go like it should when it should. I felt on more than one occasion that I was the only one doing anything and the only one who cared. The truth was, I was being “blinded” and it was our greatest enemy, Satan, doing the blinding. It wasn’t until one Sunday morning as I sat listening to our Pastor Jim Pinkard, teach as only Jim can do, that I realized how wrong I was. That soft voice that you hear when you listen said to me...“See you were not alone”. The devil had put doubt and disbelief into me. Made me think I was alone and no one else wanted to be involved. You know what-- I fell for it hook line and sinker, almost to the point of quitting. But, as you can see I didn’t. Obviously God has other plans for me and this chapter as well as FHFH as a whole.

If you will look back over this story, you will see some of the barriers and problems that were put in our way, You will also see that each and every time God supplied a resolution to each challenge. As I have been told many times throughout my life, and have finally come to realize, God will give us his answers in his time and at the right time, not on our time. This was the message Jim was speaking on that Sunday morning. I believe now that our father wanted to see how committed I would be to this ministry of providing for his children. While I know that I am not worthy to do his work, God has placed each of us in a position to do what he needs us to do.

Like many hunters, I have always wanted to have a job that involved hunting. God answered this prayer, and with his answer came reminder... God also has a sense of humor. He provided the “Job” but didn’t include a paycheck - HA! HA! But that is OK though, for he has already given each of us more than you or I could ever give or do for him. Just look at John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)

So you see, no matter how discouraged, frustrated or alone you may feel; you never really are alone. God is there just waiting to help all you have to do is ask.