Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
The CatchAFire organizers (back row, l-r): Frank Ley, James Scott, Angus Powell, Greg Bradshaw, Kraig Emmett; (front row, l-r) Matt Bedtka, Rebecca Scott, Michelle Emmett and Tom Day, pose for a picture at the Zion Church in Worland on Jan. 16. This year's event is this Friday and Saturday in Worland.
WORLAND – Wyoming Cowboy Preacher James Scott, a founder of the CatchAFire Men's Event, gave an discussed the 10th annual event that will be Jan. 20-21.
"It's a vision that God made on my heart 12 years ago for men to become more godly in their walk with Jesus. From its inception we just wanted to use the word of God to pierce people's hearts so that they can have a greater understanding of who Jesus is."
Twelve years ago, Scott, Frank Ley and Greg Bradshaw began to make plans on how they could share Scott's vision with others. Around this time in 2012, they put together the first CatchAFire event. Since then, the staff has grown with the event.
Scott said that the event aims to offer an experience of discipleship that he didn't have when he started his journey of faith. "When I got saved, I never got discipled. I realized that there were more men out there that had some similar experiences, so I wanted to be able to encourage guys to not only get saved through Jesus but then also have that discipling experience to help them in their walk with the Lord."
(Getting saved or receiving salvation means being forgiven of your sins by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, believing that He is the Son of God, that He died on the cross and rose again on the third day. As John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish.)
"We have probably seen over 100 men get saved at CatchAFire, but then countless others that have been encouraged to become men that God has called them to be – leaders of their home, leaders in their community – it's been a great ride."
Scott also spoke on the milestone of his event reaching its 10th year. "You don't see a lot of 10th annuals; a lot of things die out before then. To us it's really been a staple in our local communities. It's become something that people expect, they know it's going to be there year after year and guys get excited to go."
The 10th annual CatchAFire event will feature guest speaker Robert Amaya, an actor and Christian best known for his role in the movie "Courageous."
The theme of this year's event will be "Bondage or freedom: who are you serving?" This is based on the bible verse 1 Peter 2:16, which reads "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil."
The main event starts Friday, Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Worland Middle School Auditorium. An entry fee is required that includes a taco dinner. At 6:40 p.m. a praise band headed by Jesus Davila will open up the event, followed by an introduction, a skit, speech from Amaya, and more music.
Participants will be entered into a raffle for 30 prizes, including 6.5mm Creedmoor rifle and a tire package valued at $800. Winners will be announced at the end of Friday's event.
For those that want to get more out of CatchAFire, they can head to the Crosspoint Baptist Church at 1101 Big Horn Avenue in Worland on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 8 a.m. to continue with breakfast, more music and an in-depth message from Amaya.
