First Baptist Church of Blackshear (FBC) held their annual Venison Supper last Tuesday, January 21, in the oncoming face of what proved to be a historic snowfall.
Both FBC Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Justin Gambrell and guest speaker, pro angler Jimmy Houston, praised those in attendance for their determination and dedication in spite of the swiftly lowering temperature and steadily increasing wind outside.
Originally scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., the start time for the Venison Supper was moved up in an effort to outpace the approaching snow. Those working in the FBC kitchen said before they stopped counting they had served at least 545 meals of friend venison, rice with gravy, green beans and biscuit.
Bellies full, the men moved into the FBC sanctuary to hear both speakers and musical entertainment.
Estimates of those present ranged from 500 to 700 men, some arriving after the meal to a sanctuary that was nearly standing room only.
Chris McDaniel of Trophies of Grace provided songs inspired by Scripture, including his own rendition of Carrie Underwood’s “How Great Thou Art” to which many of those gathered sang along.
Pastor Gambrell then provided an introduction to a moving video clip of testimonial from church member Rick Larson. Larson recounted his own path to redemption, touching on moments of loss, financial challenges, his wife’s open heart surgery, his father’s throat cancer, his mother’s battle with dementia and his own struggle with addiction. He attributed his own path to salvation and recovery to God— and to attending last year’s Venison Supper.
Pro angler and YouTube personality Jimmy Houston followed the video presentation with a presentation that was equal parts homespun wisdom, redneck-oriented comedy, Biblical references and reminiscences about his career. The key takeaway: Christians sometimes get in the way of their own blessings.
Houston reminded those gathered that they had blessings being stored up for them in heaven and to remember Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
