Gone Fishing!

     In the movie Forest Gump, Forest makes a life statement. He says: “ I used to run to get me where I was going, but I never thought it would take me anywhere”.  I feel the same way about Bass Fishing! As a kid I had a passion for professional bass fishing. As a matter of fact I am the only guy that I know that collects Big League Bass Pro trading cards. I have every BASS episode from 1985 to the present on tape! All of my heroes growing up were Bass Fishermen, I remember a guy coming to school one day saying “ Did you see how great Terry Bradshaw was yesterday?” My reply was: “ Never mind Terry Bradshaw did you see what Roland Martin Caught yesterday? He must have had 25 pounds!!”  Yes I can  say with assurance that I love the sport of Bass fishing, however just like old Forest, I never thought it would take me anywhere. God on the other hand knew exactly the plans he had for me.

     In 2008, I found out that the BASS Classic was going to be held about 40 miles from my front yard and I was #2 on the list to be a non-fishing observer in the “Super Bowl” of  Bass fishing. You know you have it bad when you sign up first to watch people fish. I was paired with the man that eventually ended up winning the Classic Mr. Alton Jones. During the course of the practice day, Alton looked at me and said: “ Chris, Randy Howell and I have been talking about the need for a Chaplain on the Elite Series tour. Your name keeps coming up, would you be interested in being the Chaplain? Being the spiritual giant that I am I replied: “ Well let me pray about that for about 2 seconds! Yes I would love to be the Chaplain!”

     I have served as the Chaplain for the Fellowship of Christian Anglers of the Bassmaster Elite Series for the past 5 years. I lead a Bible study for the Pros and Non Fishing Marshals before each event, and then I act as a Pastor to the pros and their families. Jeremiah 29:11 Says “ I know that plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harms, to give you a hope and a future.” I never imagined that God could use a love for Bass Fishing in my life, but He has done just that.

God has a way to taking the things of our life (even the things we think cannot be used) and using them for His purpose and glory. The next time time you think that the things in your life will never take you anywhere, turn and give those things to Him. You may be surprised at where you end up.  As for me, I’m going Fishing!

Fishing for Him,

Chris Wells