Dave ~ After the Hunt

Steve and Annie Chapman

Hello CCC family and other friends,

Obviously, my first note after getting back reflected my often warped sense of humor but didn't tell much about the 2009 COFA elk hunt...

Exactly one year ago when I came home from the 2008 camp, I felt led to write my friend Steve Chapman and ask if he would ever be interested in coming... I recall his reply, which came quickly...

Steve simply replied, "I have friends who wouldn't forgive me if I came alone."

This year, camped at just over nine thousand nine hundred feet in the Uncompahgre Wilderness area of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Holy Spirit suddenly filled the old, worn cook-tent we worshiped in. Steve, guitar in hand, began singing the song "I want to finish well"... To some the tune was familiar, but to others it was new...

Tears filled my eyes as I listened to the words, and as the music flooded my being, I felt such a strong presence, as did most everyone there... From that moment on, the camp took on that theme as man after man shared their darkest rooms, now washed white by the precious blood. And, early on, one man gave his life to Christ...

Steve continued to bless the membership with his wit and Heaven-sent music and as time went on, made many new friends... I came away with a renewed sense of the Holy Spirit and yet another time of great fellowship with other hunters of like mind.

We also had the honor and privilege of watching as a young father spent time alone in the high mountains with his 14 year old son, and shared with the group very heart felt and private moments that he shared with his beloved son... The sixteen year old brother hunted the entire week with another man and he too came away with life experiences which will guide his steps throughout his entire life I'm sure...

Steve so graciously gave out two different CD's as well as a copy of one of his books, in this case, "A Look at Life From a Deer Stand." One of the CD's contains "Finish Well" as well as one of my old favorites, "Turn Your Hearts Toward Home."

Only one bear and one elk were harvested this year in our camp, but obviously, there was a much higher purpose and a much more important harvest...

This 2009 camp may be my last as my body didn't handle the mountains well and my knee and leg simply would not tolerate walking after a few days, but my dear church family, I now have a revived knowledge that I will indeed finish well...!!!

Sincerely, your brother in Christ. Dave

A picture I took one evening as the sun set...

Dave's camp