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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.
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