The weekend….

….in pictures.

Of course, eating is of utmost importance.

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Of top priority is target shooting and getting comfortable again with the guns…..

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Then there are instructions and a time of prayer before heading out to the stands.

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The boys and their guides spend a lot of time together in the field and the blinds.

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The in between time calls for some fun competition,

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going to the pens to meet our tame does and one of our breeder bucks,

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and time to just hang out and enjoy.

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Hunting isn’t easy. Unfortunately, not everyone will harvest. But we all rejoice in the success of others.

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Time outdoors allows opportunities to notice God’s incredible creation. And sometimes a great photo result. Good job, Mitchell!

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Saturday night is a very special time together.

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Bill shares an encouraging message with the boys.

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We’re always sad to have to let the boys leave the ranch. But our prayers for them continue.

 

A Story: On mission

We’re so very thankful for the guides who feel called to invest in the lives of the boys at Crossroads. Kasey Van Daley has shared this ministry vision with us for several years, and we’re blessed he’s able to continue to be involved. He was a guide during this season’s 2nd hunt and the following is his story:

A Story: Are we missing the target?

No matter what volunteer role one is called to during the weekend, everyone has a part in showing the Lord’s unconditional love to our young hunters. However, the role of a spiritual guide provides a very special opportunity. Here’s Bill’s story:

God’s provision

Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. Genesis 9:3

Out in the field the guides show the boys to always have respect for the animals. They remind them that food is provision from the Lord. The boys are led to kneel down, pray, and give thanks to the Lord over each and every harvest. This is a very important lesson of the hunt.

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A Story: God was at work

At the end of each Crossroads weekend, everyone has a story to tell. They all have different and unique perspectives on how God has revealed Himself during their time at the ranch. Dustin Burnett, who has been an instrumental part of this ministry from the beginning vision, is an experienced guide. Here is his story from the weekend:

This weekend was the BEST…

Although this is our first year as Crossroads, it’s our second year to host weekend hunts for deserving youth. We’ve discovered that after each hunt, we find ourselves saying, “This has been the BEST hunt yet!” Yesterday was no exception. We were all saying it. And it was great! But after thinking about it yesterday on the drive home to Austin, I began to realize it’s really not that it was the “best,” but that it was “unique.” We see it as the best, I think, because we’re always so amazed how God reveals Himself each and every time to meet needs of each boy. You see, there’s a lot … a whole lot … of quiet time out in those blinds … waiting. Lots of time for the guides to pray, talk, encourage and to be quiet. Lots of time for the Lord to speak into the boys’ hearts and to the needs of their lives.

Happy Hunters

We are so excited when ALL our hunters have a successful harvest. So there was a lot of rejoicing when the other 2 hunters came in Saturday night with smiles on their faces!

Rain, rain and more rain!

We’re thankful for the 4-plus inches in the rain gauge for the day, but it makes for some very wet hunting and challenging conditions.

A day of patience and harvest

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Shooting range practice for October hunt

At the shooting range to teach the boys gun safety techniques and get them ready for the upcoming hunt.