Edition #39e by The Christian Sportsman

THE CHRISTIAN

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Team Adventures for Your Ultimate Quest

Edition 39e

RICK DICKSON

and the Launching of our Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premiere Outdoors Television Network PAGE 14 How to Target Transitional Bass Hank Parker PAGE 24

TABLE OF

The Christian Sportsman

CONTENTS

Mission: The Christian Sportsman magazine encourages and empowers sportsmen to discover and develop a deep passion for Jesus Christ in the context of outdoor adventure.

Letter from the Publisher Richard Jordan

Page 4

2015 David Livingstone Award Page 6 CSF Staff Alaska Wilderness Mission Projects CSF Staff Page 8 Close Only Counts Bob Moody

Page 10

Rick Dickson and the Launching of our Nation’s Premiere Outdoors Television Network

CSF Staff Page 14 How to Target Transitional Bass Page 24 Hank Parker Journey to the Hats Martin Reiley

Page 26

Equipping Sportsmen-Sexual Integrity June Hunt Page 32 CSF Quick Links OUR ADVERTISERS Trijicon Mathews

CSF CONNECT CSF

Amazon Outreach

facebook

Crossheart Outfitters

Twitter

FCCI Hank’s Kingdom Dogs HuntSA SW Baptist Theological Seminary Two Hats UNICO Safaris

Blog Talk ISSUU

Page 38

Staff Publisher — Richard Jordan Managing Editor — Jim Smith Editor — Amber Smith Social Media Director — Emily Jordan Marketing Director — Chris Marley IT Director — Darin Sakas Data Management — Terry Sams Business Address: P.O. Box 566547, Atlanta, GA 31156 telephone 770.335.1814 Speculative manuscripts and queries may also be sent via e-mail to: rjordan@thechristiansportsman.com. TCS magazine is not responsible for unsolicited materials that are lost, stolen or damaged. International Advisory Board Pastor Johnny Hunt Dr. Bob Reccord Dr. John Morgan Dr. Paige Patterson Evg. James Robison Team Adventures Pro Staff Alaska Subsistence - Brian Heaphy Alaska Adventure - Dave Lemaire Bass Fishing - Hank Parker Big Game Hunting - Bob Reccord Bow Hunting - Larry Baker Dog Obedience - Hank Hough Duck Hunting - Darin Sakas Family Traditions - Candise Farmer Father & Son - Paige Patterson Fly Fishing - Jim Young Leadership Training — Bruce Witt Men’s Ministry - Edgar Pierce Michigan Whitetails - Jerry Lambert Montana Outfitting — Bruce Smetana National Spokesman — Steve Bartkowski Outdoor Truths - Gary Miller Pheasant Hunting - Bob Pearle Stories from the Field - Jamie Murphy Veterinarian Care - Justin Payne Whitetail Trophy Hunting — Skipper Bettis The Christian Sportsman magazine endorses the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable corporation under IRS Code 501(c)3. The Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation promotes the Christian message to the outdoors community by securing and maintaining land and facilities made available to assist ministries in effective outreach. Copyright 2015 by The Christian Sportsman, Inc. All rights reserved. The use of whole or part of any material in this magazine without advance written permission is prohibited. TCS magazine is published quarterly by The Christian Sportsman, Inc., P.O. Box 566547, Atlanta, GA 31156; telephone 770.335.1814. Periodical postage paid at Atlanta, GA and additional mailing offices. The staff and management of TCS and the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, representations, or any other content or information presented in the magazine, whether provided by advertisers, magazine staff or contributing consultants. Except as expressly noted, neither TCS, Inc., nor the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation endorses any product advertised or described in the magazine. The views expressed in the magazine are those of the individual writers, and are not necessarily the views of the staff or management of TCS magazine, TCS, Inc., or the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Launching Out Into The Deep In the year 2000, my son, Richie, along with Rick Dickson and his son, Kelly, learned that success is directly commensurate to risk (or faith) when we were fishing for halibut on Clarence Strait in Southeast Alaska. We boldly launched out into the deep waters found off the coast of Prince of Wales Island with a determination to return to the docks only after limiting out our catch. These monster bottom fish are best found in the depths of the ocean and usually feed during the tide changes when their deep water food source is washed onto their dining room table. The thrill of latching onto a 206 pounder lying on the ocean floor would never have been successful without the guidance of Cap. Frank Wetherbee of Wetherbees Lodge and Charter . His heavy aluminum-hull, seafaring USCG Licensed Charter Vessel was designed for the treacherous conditions that often arise from the unpredictable weather fronts blowing in off the Pacific Ocean. He watched the weather patterns with the eye

of a seasoned guide and knew when to launch out into the deep waters so that we could score one of Alaska’s true delicacies. The tide changed the deep water’s directional flow twice

was launched out into the deep, unproven market of over 350,000 churches along with the growing number of over 67,000,000 sportsmen documented in the United States.

Rick Dickson and son Jack

daily so timing was critical. But wait! Please hold that thought! Another interesting story must be told in the context of this fishing story! Also in the year 2000, The Christian Sportsman magazine

The unique publication features real life stories of sportsmen who are on life’s journey of adventure and friendship not only with other outdoorsmen but with the One who spoke all of creation into existence. As an innovative communication

tool the magazine is designed for the purpose of engaging, encouraging, equipping and empowering men and their families who are in passionate pursuit of outdoors adventure. Whether hunting, fishing, target shooting, camping or hiking, sportsmen can discover Fellowship with Purpose while together with those who matter most in their life. The publication is designed to serve as a resource tool for sportsmen in developing their outdoors passions and skills while building lifetime friendships with others. In the year 1999, the magazine was only a concept and a dream until we assembled together a team of professional graphic artists, writers and business leaders who launched out in faith to publish the first edition. After thirteen full years of production and the successful transition from a quarterly printed edition to a monthly online digital version, we look back over the years and see God’s hand again moving us into some unchartered and deep waters. Our plans are to reach the growing market of “Millennials” while continuing to serve our longtime subscribers who consider themselves “BabyBoomers”. The growing niche of “twenty-somethings” who hang out in the cloud will soon outpace all other demographic markets within the United States. Check out CSF’s Magazine Ministry for sportsmen so that you can initiate conversation with others around the great

outdoors. Send a FREE Magazine Gift Subscription to your friends today: http://www. christiansportsman.com/mensministry/2014/06/07/magazinefree-gift-subscription-ministry/ Who would have imagined when fishing the waters off Clarence Strait over a decade ago that the experience would become the perfect metaphor to encourage our staff and Contributing Writers to themselves launch out into the deep in reaching the next generation of sportsmen. Your role is critical as you consider introducing the publication to family, friends and neighbors. Kelly Dickson, at about eleven years of age and probably weighing around 75 pounds with all of his fishing gear on, lured in the 206 pound trophy halibut. Weighing almost three times his weight you can imagine the struggle that ensued as he wrestled with the fishing pole trying to land his catch into the boat! We even took turns behind the reel in our attempt to spool in the line from over 300 feet off the ocean bottom. Our faith had become sight as we followed the lead of our reliable guide, Cap. Frank Wetherbee. He knew when and how to Launch Out Into The Deep!

responses to our questions that you might not imagine, especially relating to his newfound Christian faith discovered about the same time that the new business venture launched out into the deep! Other articles in this edition are sure to pique your interest as well! As you launch the year 2015 with established goals and ambitions, remember that your success is directly commensurate to the risk you take in launching out into the deep waters of life! In Luke 5:4 Jesus encouraged Simon Peter to do the same during the season of life when his faith was being stretched. “When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”

Richard Jordan

We are privileged to feature in the cover article of this edition an insightful interview with the co-founder of Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc., the precursor to Outdoor Channel’s success story. Rick Dickson has some

2015 DAVID LIVINGSTONE AWARD A TROPHY OF GRACE

Dr. Paige Patterson, 2014 David Livingstone Award Recipient

In the mid eighteenth century when medical missionary David Livingstone selflessly served the native people of central Africa, he finished the final season of his life’s mission in a seemingly obscure and remote village where he was called to care for the sick as his part in fulfilling the Great Commission. He invested time, talent and personal resources in bringing the hope of Christ’s salvation to a seemingly forgotten tribe who lived in the dark jungles of the African continent. Upon death his instructions were to cut his heart out of his chest

then bury it in the village where he served among those whom he loved and ministered. Livingstone’s body was then transported back to London, England for interment at Westminster Abbey cathedral. This giant of a man was an avid big game hunter and a true Trophy of Grace, a wonderful example for many to follow. Since 1977, Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation has presented to a worthy recipient the David Livingstone award as an acknowledgement of notable contributions made around

the world in keeping with the generous and resolute commitment exemplified by the life and calling of the man whose name the bronze award bears. Certainly, God honors those who serve Him John 12:26b Matt McPherson of Mathews Archery, the largest bow manufacturer in the world, was nominated then chosen as the 2015 recipient on the basis of the unwavering commitment of he and his wife, Sherry, to support over 700 Christian missionaries and their families monthly who serve on foreign soil around the world. A large

Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship has now hosted over seventy Sportsmen’s Prayer Breakfasts on the national and international levels since 1996, where the bronze David Livingstone Award has been presented to Christian Sportsmen including: 1. General Joe Foss - Two term NRA president, two term South Dakota Governor, Campus Crusade for Christ board member and recipient of the U.S., Congressional Medal of Honor 2. James Robison - Host of Life Today television show and founder of Life Outreach International, a third world relief organization 3. Don Stephens - Founder of Mercy Ships porting in third world countries providing medical care through a fleet of floating hospitals 4. Pat Robertson - Founder of Christian Broadcasting Network and Operation Blessing who has provided over $1 billion of

portion of the profits from the sale of archery equipment at Mathews is allocated to fulfilling the Great Commission in a very practical way. Matt recently commented in an interview with The Christian Sportsman magazine that some Christians are sent to the missionary field while others are called to support with their prayers and financial underwriting. God has certainly gifted Matt McPherson with many innovative archery bow designs, most notable the Single-Cam Technology now adopted by other leading bow manufacturers. The most recent innovation from Mathews is the brand new “No-Cam” Bow introduced to the archery community in 2015. Check out this revolutionary design at: http://mathewsinc.com/product/ htr/#video-feelthefuture

medical and food relief around the world 5. Paige Patterson - President of Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary where thousands of pastors and missionaries are trained then commissioned to nations around the world. 6. Glyn Bindon - Founder of Trijicon, Inc., developer of fiber optic technology for aiming solutions including self-luminous, tritium scopes, binoculars, and archery bow sights. Numerous missionary efforts are supported overseas along with several Sportsmen’s Brayer Breakfasts hosted in conjunction with outdoors conservation and 2nd Amendment Rights organizations.

industry leaders who have served in various missionary capacities in bringing the hope of Jesus Christ in fulfilling the Great Commission. The David Livingstone Award was presented during the Dallas Sportsmen’s Prayer Breakfast on January 17th, 2015. More info Please contact Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation at csf@ christiansportsman.com to submit a nomination for a future recipient of the David Livingstone Award and/or support the Christian Sportsmen’s Foundation in perpetuating the tradition of honoring Christian leaders who remain at the forefront of fulfilling the Great Commission of world evangelism and discipleship.

Matt McPherson, 2015 David Livingstone Award Recipient

Other recipients have been medical practitioners and outdoors

ALASKA WILDERNESS

S MISSIONS T C E J O R P

1 - Alaska Bible Institute - Building Campus facilities to house students for biblical studies 2 - Alaska Christian College - Building Campus facilities to house Alaska-Native students for biblical studies 3 - Solid Rock Bible Camp - Building facilities to accommodate over 450 public school students for summer youth camps 4 - Ninilchik Parsonage for River of Life Church Building facilities to attract and maintain church staff in the mostly Alaska-Native community on the Kenai Peninsula 5 - Anchor Point - Greatland Worship Center Partnering with growing church near Homer Alaska that has vibrant prototype men’s ministry outreach 6 - Kenai Peninsula Community Food Bank Building. renovating community food bank operated by volunteers from many small churches on the peninsula

7 - Peninsula Christian Center Church - Soldotna area church effectively reaching Alaska Native youth in the second largest city on the peninsula 8 - Legacy Mountain Wilderness Camp - Building CSF Headquarters with Conference Center and fifteen two bedroom cabins on 20 acres in Sterling 9 - State of Alaska Prison Correctional Department - Building a chapel in the Matsu Valley north of Anchorage in the City of Palmer 10 - Many additional small church fellowships in need of assistance with construction/renovation projects during short summer construction season If you are interested in going to Alaska to serve on one of these projects, call Richard Jordan at 770.335.1814. CHECK OUT OUR NEW 3 MINUTE ALASKA WILDERNESS MISSION VIDEO

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CLOSE ONLY COUNTS IN HORSESHOES, GRENADES AND NUCLEAR WARFARE by Bob Moody

Some things only need to be close. Years ago I read an article about an intercontinental nuclear missile that could hit within twenty feet of its intended target. Let’s see—the missile’s blast zone was over a mile wide and the fallout area could spread twenty miles. Close was good enough! On the other hand there are many times when close isn’t good enough. Jesus once told a man that he was close to the Kingdom of Heaven. Being “close” is not the same as being “in”. I don’t know how many times over the years someone has responded to an altar call and later said, “That message was directly to me. You were talking to me! If I didn’t know better I’d think you’ve been following me.” These dear people didn’t need a general “talk” about the Bible. They needed a clear message that spoke directly to them. Close enough wasn’t close enough. Obviously when this happens it’s not because the speaker was “right on” but rather the Holy Spirit of God was working through the speaker. The Spirit is always on target. He does not work in generalities. “Close” is not His style. However, for the Spirit to be “right on” He needs vessels who are not only willing but WANT God to work in and through their lives. Lots of people have the attitude, “Sure, if the Lord wants to use me that’s fine.” Few say, “God, I really want You to work in and through my life. That is my foremost ambition—to be Your instrument. Please use the gifts entrusted to me in any way You can.” Such Christ-followers are the ones God works through. Some would ask, “Why wouldn’t you want God to use you?” You see people who want God to demonstrate Himself through develop lifestyles that are conducive to being used by God. They seek to develop personal holiness. They pray. They study the Word. They reach out to the “least of these.” They believe that when they obey God’s Word then His glory is revealed. They are willing to change and to be inconvenienced. They really WANT to be a vessel for God’s Kingdom. Guess what? They are! How about you my friend? Do you “want” or are you just “willing”? Are you “on target” or is “close” good enough for you? God, I am willing AND I WANT to serve You; no matter what the task here I am!

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Hunt is Over

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Rick Dickson and the Launching of our Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premiere Outdoors Television Network

Thanks for your time and availability to allow The Christian Sportsman to interview you about your personal life and professional career together with your commitment to faith in Jesus Christ. As a family man, television network executive, lawyer and Christian sportsman it is an honor to present your story to the readers of the magazine and glean insights into the early years of Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. I have known you for over ten years and we have even traveled to Alaska together with our sons for some great times of adventure and excitement. I consider you a man of great integrity and certainly a lifelong friend who has a deep and abiding Christian faith. Let’s get started with the interview! Share with our listeners some highlights into your personal life, family and marriage? I live in Temecula, California with my wife while our two boys, Kelly, 21, and Jack, 19, attend UC Berkeley where they are good students and participate in sports. My early years were spent in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin where I remember catching fish then cooking them on a Sterno cooker in the summers. Our family moved to Southern

California when I was eleven years of age. I married Donna Lynn Drummond in 1992. Our family has enjoyed many outdoor adventures together, including trips to Alaska. Regarding education, where and when did you attend college and law school? UC Berkeley, BS Finance; USC, MBA Finance; and University of the Pacific, JD. Yes, those years at Berkeley were probably some of our country’s more turbulent ones. UC Berkeley seemed to be a hotbed of protest concerning our nation’s involvement in the Viet Nam war. I suspect communists played a part in fomenting the protests. Berkeley is much more than media catching events. Their motto is “Fiat Lux” (Let there be light). They need to stick with that. Great school! I am glad my two sons chose to attend my alma mater. . What was your involvement with Outdoor Channel Holdings during the formative years of Outdoor Channel television network? In 1984, I incorporated Global Resources, Inc. as an Alaska corporation and was a founder with George, Wilma, Perry and Tom Massie. In 1997 the name

was changed to Global Outdoors, Inc. and in 2003 the name was changed to Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. George came to see me in 1984 because he wanted to raise money to buy property with gold mining potential in the Nome area of Alaska. At the time he had a gold prospecting club, Gold Prospectors’ Association of America (“GPAA”), with about 12,000 members and a gold prospecting campground club, Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association (“LDMA”), with about 1,500 members. After Global Resources was formed, we conducted a successful self-underwritten public offering and in 1985 Global bought about 2000 acres of gold bearing land about 12 miles west of Nome along the beach of the Bering Sea. George held seminars and gold shows at various locations in western United States to sell memberships in GPAA and LDMA and trips to Alaska. Later George held gold shows and seminars in the South because there is a largely forgotten gold belt that stretches from Alabama to Virginia. Perry and Tom began to film George on gold prospecting adventures to show at the gold shows. Then they bought time on various 17

local television stations to reach a wider audience. This led to buying preemptible time on C-Band satellites. The cost was relatively inexpensive to buy 9 hours of preemptible time a day but there was not enough gold prospecting shows to fill 9 hours a day so hunting and fishing shows were shown to fill the time. This led to the launch of The Outdoor Channel in 1993. George 18

tragically died of a heart attack later in 1993 so I then became much more involved in The Outdoor Channel. I eventually held, at the same time, the positions of Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Board Member of Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. I remember a story you once related to me personally

regarding the Gold Prospectors Association and a new gold find in Dahlonega, Georgia. Can you retell some of that story for our readers? Starting a cable television network like The Outdoor Channel is very expensive. We did it on a shoe string. The Outdoor Channel did not reach breakeven until 1999. In the spring of 1995, LDMA, our campground club,

was conducting a gold prospecting outing at LDMA’s 38 acre property in Dahlonega, Georgia. I decided to go to the outing to see if I could raise money for a private placement stock offering that Global Resources was conducting to raise money for The Outdoor Channel. In the fall of 1994, we had a very successful outing in Dahlonega finding about 35 ounces of gold which was divided up amongst the 100 or so participants. We did not realize the extent to which the word had got out about the successful fall outing. When I showed up people were pouring into our 38 acre property. Ultimately, we had about 2,000 people roaming through our property. I gave presentations in the LDMA clubhouse regarding The Outdoor Channel and Global Resources over a two day period. I remember a rabbit farmer from Arkansas invested about $78,000 and a fellow in bib overhauls with a front tooth missing from Mississippi reaching into his overhauls and giving me about $2,500 in cash. Those fellows and others would have made about 10 times their money if they kept their investment until 2003. I was fascinated to learn that Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in Alaska. Why

Alaska? George Massie wanted to buy gold bearing property near Nome, Alaska after Global Resources (later name changed to Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.) was formed. At that time, I usually formed new companies that were planning on raising money as Nevada corporations. Nevada corporate regulations were easy to comply with and relatively inexpensive. I decided to check out Alaska corporate laws since Global, at least initially, was going to conduct operations mostly out of Alaska. It appeared to me that the Alaska corporate laws were decent, not that expensive and had some shareholder protections. I discussed the matter with George. He liked the idea and so we incorporated in Alaska. Through the years I enjoyed working with the regulators in the Alaska Corporations. I liked calling them in Juneau and asking them what was happening there. What was it like working together with George Massie in launching a television show on a major television network? I liked working with and being around the whole Massie family and the prospectors they hung out with. I can remember first meeting George. Into my office walks this smiling,

sandy haired, 6’3”, 240 lb. guy originally from Kentucky. As we are talking, he tells me he has a gold prospecting club with 12,000 members and he wants to buy gold bearing property in the Nome area of Alaska. I almost fell out of my chair. I’m thinking this guy is really cool. After he bought the Cripple River property near Nome in 1985, he invited me up there the next year. Riding four wheelers, shooting guns, fishing and gold prospecting in the remote wide open spaces around Nome fit me well. I have gone to Alaska almost every year since then. Mostly one trip but sometimes up to three trips. I have spent well over a year in Alaska. George and his crew built a prospecting village including chow hall. Sometimes they would go to Nome in mass. It was like being in an old movie where a posse of 15 cowboys would gather up and then all of a sudden take off on horses chasing the bad guys. They would gather up on four wheelers near the chow hall and then at a certain point George would just take off and we would all roar down the beach heading the 12 miles to Nome. Now this beach was not a resort beach like you would find in Florida or California. It was strewn with rocks, boulders and logs. We crossed small and 19

Richard, Dean and Rick Hunting Sitka Blacktail on Prince of Wales Island, AK.

larger streams and past an occasional dead walrus or whale, all going as fast as we could. I was not that good riding four wheelers when I first got there. I can remember falling behind to the point where I could not see the group. They rarely looked back or slowed down. There were bluffs about twenty feet high and about one hundred feet to the left of the beach going to Nome. The problem with this is that you could not see what was on the other side of the bluffs. I

knew who roamed there, the thousand pound Alaska brown bear. I remember getting a really lonely feeling, specially since I did not bring a weapon my first year there. I wanted no part of being unarmed and left behind. Soon after, I became one of the fastest, if not the fastest, four wheeler rider in camp. It is also great fun to ride as fast you can, sometimes flat out, down the beaches, river beds and gravel roads around Nome.

Subsequently, what roles did you serve while together with Outdoor Channel over the years? I eventually held in 2003, at the same time, the positions of Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Board Member of Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. What struggles did the new television network experience in transitioning from its launch to success as a publicly traded company?

None of us had any experience in the television business except early on a cameraman was hired who did post production video editing in Hollywood. So we had to figure everything out as we went. When The Outdoor Channel was launched in 1993, our signal was pre-emptible and therefore it cost much less than if we were leasing a non preemptible transponder. We also produced some of our own shows on a very low cost basis. In fact, I had two shows, “Stocks in the Spotlight” and “Outdoor Law.” For those shows, I did a certain amount of preparation and then went in front of the camera, sometimes with guests. We sometimes talked about Global Resources on Stocks in the Spotlight. On Outdoor Law, we discussed issues concerning the lands and waters outdoorsmen use including over regulation. A program like Outdoor Law would be meaningful today. We got direct response advertisers and infomercials for revenue. We also charged outdoor shows a fee that wanted to pay to be on The Outdoor Channel. We did not have much cable

distribution and were not on Dish Network until 1998. C-Band satellite was a big deal for us. In 1993, there were about 5,000,000 homes that could get us with the big 10 foot in diameter C-Band dishes. That enabled us to stay alive. Costs continued to mount for us exceeding our revenues. We lost about $2,000,000 in both 1996 and 1997. After discussions with the Massie family, I tried to sell the Outdoor Channel in 1997. We had big transponder payments of $190,000 a month for the fall of 1997 with, at that time, no source of significant funds but loans from Wilma Massie. We had negotiations with one large company and then unexpectedly got low balled. After that sour experience, we decided to conduct another offering of stock with the twist of doing a private placement of an interest in The Outdoor Channel only. This worked. Then in early 1999, we finally got a distribution deal with Dish Network. Originally, we were going to be part of a package of other networks and get no fee from Dish. Surprisingly, our primary competitor pulled out of the package with another affiliated

network and sued Dish. We were left as the only Channel in the package. So Dish decided to launch us a la carte and pay us about $0.65 per subscriber of the $1.99 subscription fee. What a break! Dish did not expect much and was blown away when we had over 5,000 subscribers a day sign up for over a month. We soon became break even and never looked back. How has the annual Golden Moose Awards held in Las Vegas created a family atmosphere for the various television production companies who have aired shows on the network? The Golden Moose awards were not always held in Las Vegas. I remember going to Orlando. The Massie’s are family oriented. It started with George, Wilma, Perry and Tom Massie. Perry and Tom got married. I got married and we all had kids. They conducted gold prospecting shows that had numerous exhibitors. The Alaska Trip had a large crew of over 100 men and women. The LDMA campground club had caretakers at its various properties and members who regularly went to our

Frank Wetherbee’s Lodge

outings and stayed at our properties. Over time, you get used to having a lot of families and individuals around that you are used to seeing and feel comfortable with. That attitude would have naturally carried over to the Golden Moose Awards. Many believe that outdoors TV programming brings to the American culture a wholesome approach to entertainment. Why? Outdoor pursuits require a significant effort. A 22

lot of folks involved in those pursuits are just hardworking good people. So when some of those people produce television shows, their character carries over to the programming they produce. How do the many reality television shows, especially in Alaska, compliment or compete with programming as found on Outdoor Channel? Outdoor Channel shows featuring hunting, shooting and fishing contain a

considerable amount of such activities. Many of the outdoor reality television shows are primarily character driven. How many times do you see the Robertson clan shooting ducks? Outdoor Channel shows, in general, compete with all types of programming on television. In the outdoor space, if a character driven hunting show is more popular than a mostly hunting activities show, then it may be worthwhile

to meet the competition for viewers by airing more character driven shows. Alaska is important because it embodies the outdoors in a comprehensive close sometimes raw manner. Everywhere in Alaska there is a sense of adventure. In the summer of 2012, I was talking with a student who attends the University of Alaska Anchorage which is located about a mile from the downtown area. He said he usually doesn’t walk through the woods on campus because there are grizzly bears. There at about 2,000 moose within the city limits. Anchorage is by far the biggest city in Alaska with about 250,000 people in its general area. The farther out you get the closer you are to the critters and elements and the elements are potentially harsh. There are a lot of Alaska shows on various networks for good reason. They get it. What is the future of outdoors television programming now that many other outdoors networks have come on the scene to follow the success of Outdoor Channel? Outdoor television programming is compelling. All you need to know is that there are 10s of millions of Americans who enjoy hunting, fishing, shooting and related activities to know that the future of outdoor programming is

solid. Outdoor television programming is compelling with a special spice added with the character driven Alaska shows. Where the programming goes will be interesting to see. Let’s shift gears and let me ask you to share with our listeners some insights about your personal encounter with Jesus Christ and a fascinating story about a cricket? In 1988, I owned and lived alone in a small single story house in Irvine, California. About 10pm one night I stepped outside from my bedroom and was randomly looking into the night when the thought crossed my mind that I should go to a church about a mile away … and say that I believe in Jesus Christ... You have to understand that this was a very strange thought for me. I was a very strong agnostic. I was not hostile to Christianity. I just thought the Bible was nonsensical and a waste of time. Scripture says “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) and “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” (1 Corinthians 1:22-23).

In high school I was a 24/7 football player but decided not to continue football in college. As an undergraduate, I attended one of the best universities in our country. I entered college as a “not fully engaged” Christian. Early on I took a survey of literature course and read “Notes from the Underground” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I could not believe the unique insight Dostoevsky developed in writing about actions and thoughts of a postal clerk in 19th century Russia. I read other books of great literature and came to the conclusion that these authors were seeking to understand the human condition and, as the Apostle Paul refers to above, seeking after wisdom. I got an A+ on the final exam. I continued the take literature courses and read on my own. I abandoned Christianity as foolishness. In the early 1980’s, I thought the number one human quality was courage. From time to time I would take airplane flights and I remember thinking “if the airplane starts to hurtle on a steep terrifying decline I hope I don’t wimp out and say I believe in Jesus Christ.” In 1988, my life was fine. I owned my house. Well, the bank owned most of it but I had the title. I did own 23

my car 100%. I had no particular problems and I do not recall thinking about any religious type issues. I had a long standing comfortable agnostic philosophy. This thought of walking to a church and saying I believed in Jesus Christ had no known basis for being in my mind. It stood alone in all my experiences. This thought required a yes or no answer, right then and there. No “maybe”, no buying time. I said yes. So I immediately started walking through a dark residential neighborhood toward the Church. It had me a little on edge. You never know who might be lurking at night in a dimly lit area. A mile away I reached the larger well lit street the Church was on. I stood in front of the cross on the Church building and declared that I believed in Jesus Christ. I continued on back to my house on a better lit route. I noticed the white cars. I had crossed over from darkness to Light. I am literally eternally grateful. You asked me about the cricket. The cricket is why I stepped outside from my bedroom. Since I was living by myself, when I went to bed, I left my bedroom door open. As I

was starting to go to sleep, I noticed the sound of a chirping cricket coming into my room. Although I was comfortably in bed, I could not get to sleep. So I reluctantly got up and closed the door. I could still hear the cricket through the door with a pillow on my head. Now, I swung into action to end this cricket disturbance. I determined that the chirping was coming from a large wooden beam at the top of the vaulted ceiling in my living room. This was maybe 15 feet up from the floor. Not an easy fix. So I started throwing objects at the beam, all to no avail. Remember, I am living alone, the sole owner of the house. So I upped the stakes. I covered all the electronics with plastic and got a ladder. Then, I brought in a garden hose from the atrium. From near the top of the ladder I full on hosed the beam. As I was walking back to my bedroom satisfied that I did what I had to do, I heard the start of a chirp. This was unbelievable. After failing with water, I went near the top of the ladder with a large fire extinguisher. This was a real bad idea. It might have been worth it if it stopped the chirping but

it didn’t. On top of that the white chemical spray that went up from the fire extinguisher to the beam then descended to blanket my living room. In defeat, I went back to my bedroom and stepped outside. When I came back from walking to the Church, I did not hear the cricket. I don’t ever recall hearing a cricket again in the house What are some of the greatest challenges businessmen face as new believers in Christ? (Compromising integrity for financial gain, etc.) If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are good to go. I believe that if you ask God to do his will that he will lead you. The Bible teaches that truth and honesty are very important. Get into God’s word. The Book of Job shows that a person who has done nothing wrong might still be subject to serious tragedy due to Satan. God ultimately rewarded Job because Job stayed faithful to God. God had his own timing. You need to wait for The Lord. How has your life and lifestyle changed for the good after becoming a born-again Christian? I started reading the

Bible. I found the Bible to be more inspirational than great works of literature. I got married and have two sons. They are all strong Christians. I am blessed. Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. was successfully sold. What are your outdoors passions especially as it relates to your many trips to the great State of Alaska? I enjoy riding four wheelers, shooting guns and fishing in Alaska. It’s special to catch a Salmon and then eat it the same day. I like doing other things outdoors as diverse as skiing, mountain biking, golf and tennis. I built a Golf T-Box outside our kitchen and have a red neck regulation size tennis court on our driveway. I don’t use them much. I spend more time moving brush. I would like to do more with archery and buy another handgun.

What impact did the 2011 Alaska Wilderness Missions project have on you personally as well as your family? It was great being in Alaska with my wife and two sons helping out with various projects at the Solid Rock Bible Camp. We peeled some logs for the Camp and fixed lighting and toilets at a Church. What was your impression of the State of Alaska during your first trip to Soldotna for the 2011 Alaska Wilderness Missions? Salt Water fishing, people, churches, landscapes? I had been to Soldotna before 2011. I was there in 2007, with my son Jack. I spent 10 days in the local hospital due to my appendix rupturing. It’s a good thing I did not feel the effects of the rupture 2 days earlier when we were at Kokrine Hills Bible Camp 60 miles downriver

from Tanana on the Yukon River. Alaska’s an amazing place. How many places can you go to and see a 10 foot wooly mammoth ivory tusk sticking out of a cliff like we saw on the Yukon River or while recovering (after my appendix surgery ) in a hospital hear the excitement generated by a grizzly bear chasing a moose through the parking lot. We did help them at Kokrine Hills with various projects including clearing brush on their runway. Who is your Best Friend and Why? The Holy Spirit, my wife and two sons! Would you leave some personal advice as to why they might want to consider asking Jesus Christ to forgive them of their sin then receive Him as Lord and Savior? There are two sides, light and darkness. Do you love honesty and truth? Choose light. Be on the side of the mighty Christ.

How to Target Transitional Bass by Hank Parker 26

The transitional period, which occurs when bass move from winter to prespawn patterns, offers an excellent opportunity to catch quality bass.

Also, keep in mind that these fish are moving constantly. I may fish the same points eight or nine times a day, keying on the most prominent structure on that point. I fish each one thoroughly because I know that at any given moment the fish could get active.

Unfortunately, it can be short-lived and usually develops before most anglers begin the season. Timing of the transitional period depends upon where you live. In the Deep South, it could happen as early as January, whereas it occurs later as you move northward. Water temperature is the key. When shallows first begin to warm and water temperatures rise, bass begin moving from winter locations into shallower feeding areas. However, that doesn’t mean water temperatures must soar into the high 50s or 60s, as some anglers believe.

for fish activity. The first place to look is near the ends of points. Bass use migration routes most of the time, and the ends of points are staging areas before they move shallow. These points don’t have to be in deep water either. I don’t think bass go as deep as some people say they do during winter. When water temperatures are in the low 40s, for example, I find bass in 15 feet or less. That’s why I begin my search for transitional fish on points in or near 15 to 20 feet of water. If there is a creek or ditch off the end of that point, that makes it even better.

On my home waters in the Carolinas, bass begin moving up when water temperatures approach 48 degrees. As the water nears 50 degrees, movement peaks. It isn’t uncommon to catch 8 to 10 fish weighing 5 pounds or more in one day. Your boat’s sonar and watertemperature gauge can be the most important equipment you own. The sonar will help you locate the structure, while the temperature gauge will indicate the warmest water on the lake. Sometimes the difference may be only a degree or two, but that can be a big difference

Crankbaits are among my first lure choices, especially those with a tight wiggle that can be fished slowly. Crankbaits allow me to vary the speed and cover a lot of water.

Also, key on the shorter points. The long points that extend far into the lake will hold bass, but it takes longer to figure them out. Look for points with flats that are well defined and offer variation of depth. As the fish get active, they move a little tighter and shallower on the point. Chances are they’ll be holding next to structure, such as a stump row, weed edge, rockpile or timber line. You may catch them 10 feet deep on one point and then find them 6 feet deep on another. The reason is that a stump edge may break off at 10 feet on the first point, but then it breaks at 6 feet on the other one. So depth isn’t as critical as cover.

Remember, bass will suspend since the warmer water is found near the top. I’ve caught them in 12 feet of water by running lipless crankbaits a few feet below the surface. The fish aren’t slashing bait schools this time of year but are lying back and picking off individuals that stray from the school. If bass are on bottom, you can catch them on a jig-and-pig. If the water is stained and bass move shallow, try rolling a spinnerbait around cover. When you find a hotspot, remember it. Transitional bass may use those places year after year, providing quality fishing for many seasons to come. Good luck to you on the water and be safe.

JOURNEY TO THE HATS by Martin Reiley

DEFINITION OF A HAT: Shaped covering for the head with crown and brim. Hat in Hand: Humility, respect Pass the Hat: Seek contributions, pass on tradition Take off one’s Hat: to express high regard, courage, greeting Talk through one’s Hat: To speak with out knowing the facts Throw in the Hat (or ring): Declaration of defeat or candidacy for office Under one’s Hat: Confidential, secret Hatless: Without one’s Hat, uncovered Hat Like: Want to exemplify another Hat

And we could go on and on with the sayings and innuendos, you get the picture. Can’t say I ever really contemplated how influential and far reaching the power of the “Hat” really was. On that note: It was 1986, way back when I didn’t have any gray hair; a video was made on one of the first Northern whitetail deer ranches called The King of The North. A very well done video, really dedicated to hunting and the white-tailed deer of the north, narrated by Curt Gowdy, a well known sports announcer and TV personality. The outfitter of this ranch and very influential person in starting this endeavor was Skipper Bettis, who also was one of the stars of the video.

The video demonstrated his prowess as a hunter as he low crawled through the hardwoods of Michigan, stalking his trophy, ever caring of his hunting hat and taking a very large trophy buck, which was the main feature of the video for me and a lot of other people. This video became so well liked in the hunting circles of Camp Whitetail in southern New York, that when the boys gathered for our annual trip to Maine to chase those trophy bucks, everyone wanted to see “The Hat”. “The Hat”, I asked”. What do you mean, “The Hat”? You know, the video, King of the North, the guy killing that 170 class deer; you know, “The Hat”! So the branding of Skipper Bettis with the name, “The Hat” was all over southern New York. Every year in February we had the annual venison diner and

everyone walked in waiting to see the video and “The Hat”. For twenty years the Holy Grail of the whitetail venison dinners was The Hat. Every year that video was viewed with the same eagerness as the first year. Deep in my soul I always wanted to hunt that ranch and maybe meet Skipper and let him know how much we enjoyed that video. Years went by, as they somehow do and in 1995 my work took me to Tennessee and our close nit group of trophy hunters was disbanded as was the annual venison dinners. Then another job move, out of the blue, 2 years before my retirement took me to Lansing Michigan. WOW! Maybe, just maybe I could hunt that ranch in Stanwood Michigan and meet “The Hat”! In February 2010, I called and made my reservation for a

5-day management hunt that fall. Before long it was only days away before I fulfilled my wish to meet Skipper Bettis. Once there, I asked where was Skipper but the subject was quickly changed, so now my antennae was up. Finally, 3 days later I was told that He was no longer affiliated with this operation. I had even showed the video to some of the other hunters that first day and they were even asking for Skipper. I think I wore out my welcome by that time. Finally, one of the guides told me Skipper started a place in Bitely, Michigan. Oh my, he still exists. A phone call,

then another phone call, then another and finally I was talking to “The Hat” himself. My quest of tracking this guy down was over, on the other end of the line came his reply, “Who is this?” I thought a state trooper was interrogating me. Finally after tense moments and some explaining the story, I booked at hunt at Skipper’s place. It was the Buddy Management hunt at Skipper’s place requiring 2 people. I called my good friend Ed and he agreed to go, we’re all set now, so I thought. Circumstances arose and Ed couldn’t make

it, and again my fulfillment of the quest was in jeopardy. A quick call to Skipper and he suggested we change the hunt to a 3-day 1X1 instead of a 5-day Buddy Hunt and that was that. Time slipped by and my anticipation grew. My wife informed me she would soon be joining me in Lansing Michigan for the last 6 months of my tour before retirement. Now how am I going to work this out? I can’t leave my wife at a strange apartment in Lansing Michigan while I go on a hunt. Again, a quick call and Skipper encourages me to bring her. My wife accompanying

me on a deer hunt, how’s that going to work? Skipper promises me she would have a great time, so I went with it, reluctantly. The day of the hunt came and we arrive at the lodge, greeted graciously by the guides, Skipper and the ladies who handle all the real work. Glenna, Skipper’s wife reassures my wife of a great time and we go in the lodge to have lunch. So far, so good. After lunch Skipper and I start getting acquainted and the topic of the other ranch comes up. Not knowing the true circumstances we compare some notes. Well all this sort of became awareness for me and comical for Skipper. Over the next three days, we enjoyed the exchanges. Then of course, the story about all those years with the video, the following and also the naming of him as, “The Hat”. Well, to everyone’s surprise the name “The Hat” began to stick. The guides, Colby, his son, Uncle Dave, his brother-in-law then Glenna. The years have rolled by, this year will be our 4th year in a row and the label, “The Hat”, grew and grew to where now Skipper will always be, “The Hat” to me. On top of that “The Hat” suggested that my wife Rebecca, help the ranch with some much needed doe control. Upon harvesting a big doe, she became a brand new hunter. A new 243, scope, new clothes, much

instruction and viola, for the first time in 40 years my wife and I share common ground on a hunt together. This August I called Legends to make arrangements on mine and Rebecca’s hunt in September and was informed that the Bettis family would not be at Legends Ranch this fall. I immediately called “The Hat” to find out what was going on. It was true “The Hat” would not be at Legends in the fall of 2014. Skipper told me that Legends LLC sold their Legends East pasture and he would be a part of developing a new hunting property. He said because of me the name of the new ranch would be called Two Hats Ranch. You can’t make this stuff up.

and lush pastures, is the primo whitetail hunting property. The new Two Hats Ranch in Big Rapids Michigan, where all who come for the first time leave as friends and share the love of God’s great creation like never before. Here you will share a common desire with others of chasing that Whitetail trophy buck. God blessed us with a beautiful experience of hunting in His creation surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall at Two Hats Ranch. Outstanding bucks were harvested, blessings of time spent together with the Bettis family and the crew as we shared in the excitement of new beginnings.

This property with rolling hills of hardwood timber, cedar bottoms with beautiful springs

Is Your Name in God’s Record Book of Life? “I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3) Did you know that you can have your name permanently recorded in God’s book of life today?

HERE’S HOW: A) Admit that you need him - Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23a: “For the wages of sin is death...”, B) Believe that Jesus died to save you - Romans 6:23b “...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” C) Confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord by turning from your sin and calling on his name - Romans 10:9-10: “That if you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out...” Our response is to receive Jesus Christ.

Does this prayer say what you want to say to God? Dear God, I believe that your son died for my sins and ask your forgiveness. I receive Jesus Christ now as my personal Savior and invite him to be the Lord of my life from this day forward. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Please contact us about your eternal decision: csf@christiansportsman.com CSF, P.O. Box 566547, Atlanta, GA 31156

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Sexual Integrity Men, Not only do we need to check our Sexual Integrity, but we need to help our sons build their foundation for Lifelong Sexual Integrity.

The Cost of Sexual Sin . . . He had every reason and every opportunity to live an exemplary life. His parents set a positive tone at home. They knew he would be a strong leader. In fact, his extraordinary feats made him famous. Clearly, he had God’s blessing on his life. But in spite of great ability and great advantage, his moral failure proved to be at great cost. This man has continually been remembered for both his immense strength and his immense weakness. How different the life of Samson would have been if only he had maintained his sexual integrity and had avoided the lure that led to his ultimate destruction. “The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, ‘See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him.’” (Judges 16:5)

Myths About Sex

Bible says,

“But what if it’s too late?”

MYTH: “All is fair in love and

“We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

You cannot take back sexually what has been given any more than you can take back that which has been spoken. However, that which has been lost—virginity— can be reclaimed. As you have opened your heart to the Lord and as you have begun to desire His best, you can come to know Him as Redeemer and Restorer.

war.”

TRUTH: The basis of love is sacrifice, not fairness. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1 John 3:16)

MYTH: “Multiple sex partners give me more experience.” Truth: Multiple experiences breed comparisons and dissatisfactions. “Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” (1 Timothy 5:22)

MYTH: “As long as I’m not married, I should be able to have sex with whomever I want.” TRUTH: The only instance where God blesses two people in a sexual relationship is within a husband and wife marital relationship. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

Questions and Answers “Is sexual temptation a sin?” No. Temptation is not a sin, but to entice someone to be tempted is a sin. We are all tempted in different areas. The issue is whether we give in to temptation or not. The

“How can I resist giving in to sexual temptation?” How many times have you found yourself in a situation where, ahead of time, you should have determined how you would respond to temptation? Then, in the heat of the moment, you acted. And later you realized, with regret, that you had made the wrong decision? Many of your decisions need to be made prior to when they are needed. This involves knowing the end result you desire and then committing yourself to a plan to achieve that desire. In the Bible, Job had such a plan in order to maintain his purity. He made a commitment—a covenant vow before God . . . “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.” (Job 31:1)

You can choose what is called “secondary virginity,” and He will empower you to have victory over the past. God intends your sexuality to be a wonderful present to your future marriage partner. From this point on, save yourself for the one God has saved for you. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

The Underlying Reasons for “Giving in” While Samson relied on God for his physical strength, he never saw his need for strength of character. In time, Samson’s lack of character cost him not only his liberty, but also his life.

“He did not know that the Lord had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes. . . . Binding him . . . they set him to grinding grain in the prison. . . . Samson said, ‘Let

me die with the Philistines!’ . . . He killed many more when he died than while he lived.” (Judges 16:20–21, 30)

“He said that if I didn’t have sex, he would find someone else.” Then tell him to find someone else. If he is willing to have sex with anyone available, then he has no commitment to you. This is not a person who cares about you.

“I was curious.” You can be curious about arsenic, but you don’t have to drink it.” You can be curious about many things, but the appropriate time for a sexual relationship is within a committed marriage relationship. If you put your trust in God’s timing, your curiosity will give way to contentment.

“I thought I could hold on to him if I had sex.” If that’s the only way to hold on to him, then you really do not want him. Don’t allow yourself to be that desperate. You are more valuable than that.

“I just wanted to feel loved.” Sex is not love, love is not sex. Animals have sex with no commitment of love, whereas humans need a

relationship based on love.

have listened.” (Psalm 66:18)

A sexual relationship without a commitment is not based on love but on lust.

“I don’t want anyone else to take the place of God in my life.”

“Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?” (Proverbs 6:27)

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Reasons for Sexual Integrity

“I want to live a life of integrity, being the same in the dark as I am in the light.”

No comparison has more contrast than the exemplary life of Joseph and the carnal life of Samson. Joseph was full of self-control and integrity. Samson was led by his passions. Joseph forgave his “enemy.” Samson began at the top and descended to a slave. “The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.” (Proverbs 11:6)

“I will not deny my integrity.” (Job 27:5)

“I want others to see the power of Christ in me.” “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

Joseph delivered Israel as an extraordinary man of integrity during his life. Samson delivered Israel as an imprisoned blind man by his death. (See Judges 16:21–30.)

“I want God’s blessing on my life.” “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

“I don’t want to do anything that will hinder my prayer life with God.”

Key Verses to Memorize “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not

Practical Steps for Sexual Purity1 Have you stared into a still, pristine lake nestled in the crevice of a mountain? Just as beautiful are two sexually pure lives that come together for physical fulfillment within marriage. Even if you suffer from sexual impurity, that which is impure can once again become spiritually clean. “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22) Write out your vow to be sexually pure from this day on. “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4)

Find friends who hold the same commitment. “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)

Pray for the right accountability partner. “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27:6)

Develop a proactive strategy for 38

countering sexual triggers. “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.”

Rely on the spiritual beliefs or teachings of your church. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Make a Promise List. “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) (Proverbs 4:14)

Make a list of your goals in life. “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Wear a chastity ring, bracelet, or necklace. “Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.” (Psalm 61:8)

Invest in Integrity Heroes are needed. Heroes who possess what they profess . . . who reflect the moral standards they represent . . . who are worthy of imitation . . . who have sexual integrity. Others find hope in heroes who hold to their persuasions no matter the pressure put on them to recant their resolves and change their convictions. The need is great for heroes!

Write a love letter to your future mate. “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4)

Lend a hand in helping others. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

“Though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.” (Genesis 39:10)

Invite others to walk the road of sexual integrity with you.

“Two are better than one . . . If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)

Never put yourself or your loved one in a tempting situation. “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin . . . but rather offer yourselves to God.” (Romans 6:13)

Trust God to meet your need for love in the future. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.” (Psalm 143:8)

Give yourself only to sexually pure relationships. “You have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other.” (1 Peter 1:22)

Refuse to justify all sexual impurity. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41)

you.” (Psalm 119:11)

Yield to Christ, who lives in you, trusting Him to produce in you a life of purity. “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. . . . apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:3–5)

Isolate yourself from tempting people. “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Enjoy others instead of using others.

Transform your mind through the written Word of God.

“Be devoted to one another in love.” (Romans 12:10)

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against

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