By Brad Koehler

February 1st, 2020

The event was the result of gracious partners like Premier Catering, Great Lakes Cheese, and the hard-work of Kicking Bear volunteers and mentors! Kicking Bear events would not be possible without the help of godly men and women taking time out of their busy lives and coming together for one purpose: Serving the Kingdom. The Ice Fishing Day was no different! For many participants, Kicking Bear events provide a refuge. Who would have thought that standing on 15 inches of ice, in the middle of January, could serve as a refuge? No one at Kicking Bear can take credit for that, we are only ambassadors, but that was the reality of what our Heavenly Father had planned!

On a day that started with a beautiful sunrise and even a rainbow, kids and adults alike were set up with their choice of fishing holes, tasty hot chocolate, and an awesome heater to keep the tent warm. The giggles and joy of first-timers catching fish bounced from hole to hole as the panfish were biting early on. A few of the girls even started giving the fish a kiss before releasing them. AND we’ve got proof!

There was an ongoing joke between a mentor and a group of three boys about using a Vexilar system to spot fish was better than playing video games, who would’ve thought?

Just like our archery events, kids and parents were graciously coached and instructed from start to finish! For those who wanted to take a break from the fishing, there were sleds to ride and 4-wheeler pulled dog-sled rides. As soon as someone pulled a fish through the ice, crowds flocked to the spot and waited with excitement for the next fish. After hours of fishing, waiting, stories and laughter, it was lunch time.

Following a delicious pulled-pork lunch, we gave away many prizes. Throughout the afternoon, more fishing occurred since the boys couldn’t get enough. Soon came the time to pack up and head home to reflect on the many victories of the day!

Who will you share God’s love with? Are you fishing for fish, or are you fishing for people?

One other lesson can be learned from a day on the ice. When you’re fishing, it’s not like bow-hunting or archery where you can actually see your target. Instead, you put your bait on the line, wait for a bite and set the hook! But, we don’t really know what’s below us, beneath the surface. In our day-to-day lives, while we are carrying out our walk with Christ, be conscious of what might be going on beneath the ice in someone’s life.

Matthew 7:12: Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.