Thursday April 22, 2010 by lifeonthecuff

Don’t you just love to hear where an interesting idea goes – how it starts swimming around like a fish just under the water, making little circles on top as it floats around, just waiting for the right moment for you to reel it in. A good ol’ fishin’ story to catch in your net.

Fishin’Pals is one such story. I remember first hearing about it from my very dear friend, Janet. She and her husband, Jim, were starting a ministry in Virginia. Virginia, Illinois, that is. It involved fishing and fellowship and was geared toward giving children a place to have fun while enjoying God’s good earth.

When asked about the history of Fishin’Pals, founder Jim Dillow states that

“FishinPals began back in 2002 with the idea of taking the church outside the walls. The ministry had been forming in my heart for some time and had been talked about for a year before it actually came into existence.  Right from the beginning the Lord moved individuals into the ministry that shared the same vision of using fishing as a way to reach people for Him and to let the world see that believers do more than attend church, read the Bible, and listen to Christian radio. So much fellowship seems to take place in a church basement or fellowship hall with only other believers seeing what takes place.”

I like the idea  of “taking the church outside the walls“.  I like the idea of inviting children to a wholesome activity where they can interact with each other, with adults, and with nature. I like the idea of Fishin’Pals and all it has brought in the past 10 or so years to the mostly rural area surrounding Virginia, Illinois.

Fishin’Pals holds free events and competitions at area lakes and ponds where children and adults alike can fish, enjoy nature, and each other in a safe environment.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult sponsor and there is fishing equipment on loan for those who don’t have their own – free of charge. Events involve fishing and fellowship, intergenerational interactions and building friendships.

All good fishing seems to include food. So it is with Fishin’Pal events. Hot dogs, fish, or barbecue with plenty of “dishes to pass” brought by participants, surely make for hearty noontime eating after devotions.  Yep! I like the notion of taking the church outside the walls.

When asked if one had to be a Christian to participate, Jim readily replied “NO!!  FishinPals is open to all who has an interest in fishing or just getting together with others.” An inclusive invitation that goes to the heart of this ministry.

Fishin’Pals has gained worldwide interest, though they have maintained a non-denominational, grass roots commitment. Their roots are in the ponds and lakes and people that surround them. Participants come from about a 40 mile radius, though visitors have travelled 200 miles or more to see what Fishin’Pals is all about.

The furthest visit came from across the internet after a marine sergeant, stationed in Iraq, signed the site’s guestbook.  States Jim , “After several correspondences with him, I mentioned that I thought we could get some tackle together to send to his outfit if he was interested and he said sure. We were able to send his guys several hundred dollars worth of rod/reels and misc. tackle. ” Yep! I like the idea of taking the church outside the walls.

This photo was taken from the Fishin’Pals website. I wish I could write more, but my day wanes. Instead, I encourage you to go to the Fishin’Pal website, read a bit more about their mission of fishing, friendship and fellowship. Of memory building and “good plain fun” and of youth and adult interaction and building relationships. There are links to fishing history and an inspiring video of of Clay Dyer, born with only a right stump for a limb, who is a master bass fisherman. Or, if so inclined, learn how to fillet and clean fish along with some kids out for a day of fishing and fun.

www.fishinpals.net

(that net part is neat, don’t you agree?)

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