Fellowship Bible Church in Shenandoah Junction continued an annual tradition Saturday when they hosted their ‘Wild Beast Feast.’ While organizers expected up to 1,200 attendees this year, the snow storm earlier in the week potentially led to a small crowd of approximately 850.

The event, free to the public, offered a dinner featuring dishes prepared by member so the church as well as wild game dishes. Pastor Van Marsceau shared that this is the 17th year for the event, which has now become too big for the church, hence the continued use of the Civic Center.

“The main goal is Jesus Christ. While we giveaway prizes, it’s all for nothing if they don’t hear the gospel message of Jesus,” said lead organizer Tim Helman.

The hundreds did hear the message presented by guest speakers Mark and Dan Witt, who spoke and shared their testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. The Witt brothers ministry is called ‘Following Our Father’ and more information about them is available at their website, followingourfather.com.

Many in the crowd were visually moved by the story shared by the Witt brothers and, according to church officials, several dedicated their lives to Christ that evening.

Each person attending the event received an entry ticket for the door prize drawings. Names were drawn for adult and youth prizes. Prizes given away during the evening, for the most part, revolved around hunting and the outdoors.

Grand prizes for the evening included a kayak; a hunter’s quilt made by Donna Kidwiler, member of FBC, two Trek mountain bikes and five hunting rifles.

The guns included a Marlin XL7 Bolt-Action Rifle in .270; a Ruger American Bolt-Action Rifle in 30-06; a Remington 870 12 Gauge (turkey shotgun with camo skeletonized stock); a Ruger 10/22 and a Marlin XT-17 VSL .17 HMR with scope. Guests whose names were selected were required to pick up their prize at Valley Guns 2 in Inwood, where they must complete the proper background check process before taking possession.

This event is a celebration of the outdoors presented by FBC church members who are passionate about hunting, fishing and shooting and enjoy the opportunity to gather together and celebrate these American pastimes.