Belmont Outdoor Ministries is an outreach program of Belmont Baptist Church and was formed about five years ago.
"God gave me a vision to share the Gospel through outdoor activities," said Eric Massey, Director of Ministry. "Taking the Gospel to hunters and fishermen and outdoorsmen of all ages...it was kind of strange in the beginning when it started but so far we have grown tremendously and we are continuing to grow."
Massey says he and his group of volunteers minister at outdoor sportsmen shows such as the Buckarama and take to the road several times a year to Wildlife Management hunts around the state.
Massey says they move into an area, set up camp and begin spreading the word from campsite to campsite that Christian fellowship, a warm campfire, boiled peanuts and homemade cakes and cookies are available for anyone interested. So far, Massey says, they've not run into any animosity among those they've approached. He says the boiled peanuts and a drawing for a muzzle-loading rifle are big drawing cards.
A few weeks ago they provided the devotional for a group of Gainesville area Cub Scouts during a weekend camping outing on Lake Lanier.
In addition, the group provides a hunter education course at it's home church. "(This) is a big part of our outdoor ministry program," Massey said.
What does Massey, who works for an exterminating company when he's not ministering to outdoorsmen, get out of the experience?
"Just enjoyment. I thoroughly enjoy serving the Lord Jesus Christ and through Him using me and seeing the lives that have changed throughout our ministry has just been tremendous."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/1/118712