God was Moving at the Rattlesnake Rodeo

You just can’t out give God!

After 13 hours on the road and one flat tire, we (Clarke and Angela Howard, Pete, and I-Sandy) finally checked into our hotel. As we arrived, Tina, the hotel manager, greeted us and asked, “Are you here for the Rattlesnake Rodeo?”

“We are,” we replied, exhausted and eager to get to our rooms.

“What are you selling?” she inquired.

Suddenly, our fatigue seemed to disappear. “We’re not selling anything. We’re giving away walking sticks. Would you like one?” I couldn’t believe it—God was already opening a door before we had even unloaded the car. We shared the message of the beads with Tina, explaining their significance. When I asked if she would like to pray to receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior, she said YES.

She prayed with us, and Angela and I immediately encouraged her to find a good church where she could grow in her faith. That’s when she mentioned that her temple was over two hours away. We realized then that this precious woman was Hindu.

We contacted the church that had invited us to the rodeo, and they assured us they would follow up with Tina. The next day, she even offered to help tie the beads on the walking sticks!

I thought to myself, even if not one more person prayed to receive Jesus that weekend, I knew why God had led so many to sacrifice for this opportunity to share His love in Opp. God’s love for Tina, a tiny Hindu woman, was His reason.

Matthew 16:26 reminds us: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

The next day we prepared sticks in preparation for the Rattlesnake Rodeo

Clarke, Angela, Pete, and Sandy having lunch

We passed on the Rattlesnake burger!

Throughout the weekend, we shared the Gospel with 1,500 people, distributing that many walking sticks along with other gifts for children. Though Opp is in the heart of the Bible Belt, we were still able to pray with around 20 souls for salvation. We also prayed for those struggling with addiction, difficult pregnancies, health issues, marriages, and spiritual growth in their walk with Christ. The days were long, lasting from morning until well after dark, but God gave us the strength to persevere, despite our aches and pains. We praise Him for all He accomplished in Opp this weekend.

This young man did an amazing job handing out walking sticks alongside us. He said he had grown somewhat cold this last year and desired to return to his close relationship to the Lord. Handing out the walking sticks and sharing Jesus with folks set his soul on fire once again. He introduced us to his parents who beamed with pride.

There’s always time for fun when Pete and Clarke are around. We met this little guy at the motel. He was so excited that he’d sold 2 of his drawings at the rodeo. Pete told him to stop by and he would give him a walking stick. In exchange for the walking stick, he gave Pete one of his drawings.

We are incredibly grateful for Terry Campbell from Westview Church, who was a tremendous help throughout the event

What a joy it was to hear this couple’s testimony!

Their divorce was almost finalized—all that remained were their signatures. When she came by the house to pick up the last of her belongings, he was determined to sign the papers that day. “Get those papers signed today,” he told himself as she drove away. But when the moment arrived for him to sign, God wouldn’t let him. Instead, he broke down in tears, repenting of his attitude toward his wife and his desire to end their marriage. The papers were never signed. Today, they are back together, having forgiven each other. They now read their Bibles and pray together daily, a testament to the transforming power of God’s love and grace.