What a whirlwind of an event we experienced on Saturday, April 16th at the Fluid Events Center in Champaign, IL. We had a fun night and all who were in attendance were blessed to see how God is continuing to lead Cross Trail Outfitters of Illinois. This year we celebrated over 5 years of ministry here in Illinois. We shared about our strong ministry here in Champaign County allowing the young men in our community to minister to each other through CTO.
The Highlight of the evening was listening to the testimonial Video which included CTO Sportsmen Hunter Loschen, Tyler Bialeschki, and brothers Austin and Collin Downen. The video shared how these young men were able to learn about Jesus as one friend shared with the next and then another friend shared with the next until Colin was able to see the change in his brothers life and wanted that for himself too. We were privileged to witness how the boys have come to know Christ, but also how they answered His call to share the Gospel with their friends and have seen many of their friends come to know Christ through this simple Hunting and fishing ministry.
Another aspect we shared was how God is equipping CTO in 2016 by adding new CTO Outfitter Todd Williams, who has taken responsibility of the Champaign Co. Chapter, God is now calling us to go out to the other communities within our state to bring CTO to all of Illinois 102 counties. The first to answer the call has been Jo Daviess Co. Chapter with CTO Outfitter Paul Hansen.
As part of the live auction experienced auctioneers John Rawdin and Robert Yoder competed to see who could bring in more money as they auctioneered off items such as a Deer Shoulder Mount, a camouflaged recliner signed by Jep Robertson, and even a chance to shave Bear’s head & beard. The evening also included a silent auction and the conclusion to our 20 Gun Raffle. Winners of the 20 Gun Raffle were contacted, but if you missed the fun, check out our website for a list of the winners.
We were privileged to hear Mark Johnson, CEO of the Stephens Family YMCA, speak about the importance of mentoring. He shared with us how he was mentored and coached from the time he was a child through his college wrestling career. This experience was important to him and these years helped him develop as a man. The mentoring Mark received also shaped his coaching style while head coach of U of I wrestling program. He emphasized that through Cross Trail Outfitters the young men of this community can receive this type of mentorship and that those in attendance should financially partner with this ministry to make sure they have the means necessary to be successful.
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