He will lure you, hook you and reel you in.
Jimmy Sites, host of the television program, Spiritual Outdoor Adventures, is coming to Henderson County to speak during Zion Baptist Church's Outdoor Expo 2009.
The event is slated from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
Nine years ago, Sites -- who has worn many hats including those of preacher and professor -- exchanged his suit and tie for a hunting cap and camouflage. Although his look is different, Sites said his heart isn't, and he now uses nature and outdoor activities to witness to people about Christ.
"I weave an adventure story with a faith-based message," he said. "It can be a pretty strong message."
For example, at last year's Outdoor Expo, Sites spoke about "Decoys of Deception."
Showing footage of animals and fowl being lured to their deaths by decoys, Sites parallels that with the decoys that Satan uses to lure people.
"I talk about the greatest hunter of all, who has more trophies on his wall than anyone -- that's Satan," Sites said. "Satan is camouflaged and he sneaks into our lives. We talk about how he sneaks in."
Sites said his discussions always start out with outdoor adventures and then "move into the theological (realm) and Jesus."
Born into a "preacher family," Sites said, his father was an avid hunter and fisherman.
A woodsman himself, Sites said, "I joke that I was born with a Bible in one hand and a bow in the other."
As Sites grew up, he said he followed his father into the ministry.
"I was the guy who had the short hair and no stubble on his face and had the mega church" of which he was the pastor, Sites said.
"But all the while, I had the feeling that I was preaching to the choir. All of my life, I've been evangelistic," he said, adding that his desire was to reach people who don't go to church.
God's answer, Sites said, was the program, Spiritual Outdoor Adventures.
"I call it a nine-year overnight success story," he said. "We've been at it for nine years."
Sites said an estimated 700,000 people either view the television program or tune into the radio program per week.
"To be able to preach the gospel to those people on a weekly basis, is a privilege. I know that God gave me this gift," he said. "I'm enjoying being on the adventure that He's invited me to be a part of."
Sites' scheduled visit to Henderson County in August will be his second.
"I'm bringing Bryan White, and he'll hold a concert" at the expo, Sites said. "He's a great guy. He had a huge (country music) career in the 90s."
"We're looking forward to coming back (to Henderson). It will be like coming home."
For television and radio program schedules people can go to www.spiritualoutdooradventures.org.
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