What has become a time honored tradition in Marion County has become one of the latest victims of the coronavirus pandemic. Goss Baptist Church’s “Blessing of the Hunt” has officially been canceled this year.
“I am heartbroken by it,” Goss Baptist Church Pastor Brian Malone said Tuesday morning,
The annual November event usually draws at least 2,500 people to it. The event features a well-known Christian speaker and an assortment of different prizes. The event has taken place every year for more than 15 years. It was originally held in the Fellowship Hall at the church, but the event has grown so much over the years, it had to move to the Expo Center.
The Blessing of the Hunt is a program designed to reach out to the hunters and outdoor sportsmen. Because a lot of hunters are only able to hunt on the weekends, they may miss the opportunity to hear the Gospel on Sundays. The program lures in people with famous guest speakers and grand prizes such as guided hunts and side by side ATVs. Guns and coolers are also given away.
Speakers tie in the thrill of hunting with coming to know Jesus on a personal level by sharing how they have been affected. At the end of the night, blessings are prayed over everyone in attendance.
Various vendors also set up displays to sell their wares.
Malone said because of the large crowds and concerns with the virus and social distancing, he and the Blessing leadership team felt they had no choice but to cancel this year. One of their biggest fundraisers they have every year to support it, a fish fry, was also canceled in July for the same reasons.
While the Blessing of the Hunt is a great evangelism tool, Malone said it is still important for everyone to do their best to spread the Gospel.
Malone said while the event has been canceled this year, it is just a one-time cancellation. All systems are full-go for next year. The program is always the second Thursday in November.
“We are already planning for next year,” Malone said.
The event is planned for Nov. 11 next year. The annual fish fry will be held next July as well to prepare for the main event.
