Article by Dee Loflin,
SMT Manger/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - A group of over 350 area men and women were on hand for the 2nd Annual Stoddard County Wild Game Dinner this past Friday night. David Hale of Knight and Hale Game Calls and the TV show “Knight and Hale Ultimate Hunting” was the featured speaker for the event.
Returning for a second year to deliver the “Wild Game” feast was former Dexter resident, Darrell “Big-Un” Hicks. Darrell got his start cooking at grocery stores, catering events and charity fundraisers during the late 70’s and early 80’s while living here in the Dexter community.
Darrell, his group of Cajun Cookers and volunteers from the First Baptist Church filled the plates of their guests with unique wild game dishes such as Squirrel Jambalaya, Smoked Quail, Deer Pot Roast, Wild Boar and Fried Duck.
Following the meal, the group was able to enjoy a large display of wildlife mounts that were on display on the main stage of the First Baptist fellowship hall. Attendees were asked to judge their favorite mount before being moved to the sanctuary for the main program featuring the bluegrass sounds of The Ringer Hill Band and the featured speaker, David Hale.
As the fast talking southern gentleman from Cadiz, Kentucky began to share the story of his business career in the game calling industry, Hale described and demonstrated the evolvement of the calls marketed by his company. With a dash of dry humor mixed in his presentation, he shared of the inventions, the marketing and successes of the different animal calls.
As the talk turned to Hale’s spiritual life, he spoke boldly of his personal relationship to Jesus Christ and shared with listeners that Americans have gotten used to living in the dark (sin).
“Tolerance has taken over our world,” noted Hale. “You can't be a part of the world and please God.”
Hale spoke vividly of both Heaven and hell, stating “our hope is in the Prince of Peace”.
He recounted scriptures in Revelations describing the “lake of fire” found in hell and warned of the torment of “a place without rest”. ”The descriptions of Heaven was not detailed in the Bible because it is so great you'll want to kill yourself to try to get there,” Hale said in a joking manner.
Ultimately, Hale delivered straight talk of the path to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He spoke of the certainty that we are all going to die someday and we have a decision to make.
“If you hunt, fish and are in the outdoors and you can't see God, said Hale. “You aren't looking.” Adding that “Can you take the chance to think that there is no God?”
Throughout his talk, Hale would state “and on this rock I stand” as a confirmation of the scriptures and beliefs that he deeply hoped would bring attendees to a point of praying the “Sinners Prayer” to God for their own salvation.
Pastor Steve Easterwood wrapped up the evening by encouraging anyone that had a desire to speak with someone about entering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that he and the staff of the Church would be happy to help.
“The event is held at First Baptist but this is the Stoddard County Wild Game Dinner,” stated Easterwood. “We have listed over 60 Churches in the area that may be closer to you. Our hope is that you make the decision to follow Christ.”
Many sponsors and contributors were involved to make this event a tremendous success. Drawings were held at the close of the event with prizes being awarded that ranged from shotguns to hunting equipment to hunting trips to Treager Grills.
The Sponsors Included:
