Peterson Outdoors Ministries

Why We Share

Testimonies remind us of God’s faithfulness and encourage others to take a next step toward hope.  We celebrate every story of renewal that happens at the Lodge of Hope and around our events.

Testimonials

I just spent 2½ days at the Veterans Men’s Encounter and it’s hard to put into words what happened there. It was heart-changing. Eye-opening. Humbling. It was a chance to get away from the noise of everyday life, surrounded by fellow veterans and first responders, and take a hard look at myself—where I’ve been, what I’ve been carrying, and the man God is calling me to be. Some burdens we carry for so long that we almost forget what life feels like without them. This weekend reminded me that I don’t have to carry everything by myself. I had the opportunity to lay some of those burdens down at the foot of the Cross and leave them there. I came away wanting to get my stuff together. To be a better husband, a better friend, a better man, and a better servant. Most importantly, I came away wanting a closer relationship with God. There was brotherhood. There were tears. There was laughter. There was healing. And there was a whole lot of God in that place.
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I went into the Veterans Men’s Encounter carrying some things. I came out lighter. Now the challenge is to take what God showed me during that time and LIVE IT.

I just spent 2½ days at the Veterans Men’s Encounter and it’s hard to put into words what happened there. It was heart-changing. Eye-opening. Humbling. It was a chance to get away from the noise of everyday life, surrounded by fellow veterans and first responders, and take a hard look at myself—where I’ve been, what I’ve been carrying, and the man God is calling me to be. Some burdens we carry for so long that we almost forget what life feels like without them. This weekend reminded me that I don’t have to carry everything by myself. I had the opportunity to lay some of those burdens down at the foot of the Cross and leave them there. I came away wanting to get my stuff together. To be a better husband, a better friend, a better man, and a better servant. Most importantly, I came away wanting a closer relationship with God. There was brotherhood. There were tears. There was laughter. There was healing. And there was a whole lot of God in that place.

Robert Byrd

My experience with Peterson Outdoors Ministries exceeded all expectations. This Christian-based organization helped me understand how God has afforded opportunity for each participant to get in touch with the Words and Will of God as we move forward in life. This alone gave me renewed strength in my practice as an Ordained Minister. I had the honor of baptizing of my younger brother, his wife, and Troy Peterson, in the Lake of Hope on the grounds of the property. An honor I will Cherish forever. The staff and volunteers, helped to calm frustrations and anxiety of past experiences. They are thoughtful and respectful of the sacrifice of each participant and their families. Each participant leaves renewed, refreshed, and most of all hopeful for a better future.
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Each participant leaves renewed, refreshed, and most of all hopeful for a better future.

My experience with Peterson Outdoors Ministries exceeded all expectations. This Christian-based organization helped me understand how God has afforded opportunity for each participant to get in touch with the Words and Will of God as we move forward in life. This alone gave me renewed strength in my practice as an Ordained Minister. I had the honor of baptizing of my younger brother, his wife, and Troy Peterson, in the Lake of Hope on the grounds of the property. An honor I will Cherish forever. The staff and volunteers, helped to calm frustrations and anxiety of past experiences. They are thoughtful and respectful of the sacrifice of each participant and their families. Each participant leaves renewed, refreshed, and most of all hopeful for a better future.

Patrick Wilson, US Navy

In early 2000, I was selected for a Peterson Outdoors Ministries deer hunt. Later, being able to come back to assist other veterans in the capacity of guide and mentor, was an even more rewarding experience. my brother, who is a Vietnam veteran, also participated and was able to harvest his first deer ever. Memories like that don’t come around every day. I am deeply indebted to Peterson's for the opportunity to spend time with fellow veterans, including my brother who at that time I had not seen in over 10 years. If ever there was an organization that deserved all the positive accolades we could possibly muster, it would be Peterson Outdoor Ministries and their respective volunteers without which none of this would be possible. Thank you each and everyone from the bottom of my heart. You changed my life!
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If ever there was an organization that deserved all the positive accolades we could possibly muster, it would be Peterson Outdoor Ministries

In early 2000, I was selected for a Peterson Outdoors Ministries deer hunt. Later, being able to come back to assist other veterans in the capacity of guide and mentor, was an even more rewarding experience. my brother, who is a Vietnam veteran, also participated and was able to harvest his first deer ever. Memories like that don’t come around every day. I am deeply indebted to Peterson's for the opportunity to spend time with fellow veterans, including my brother who at that time I had not seen in over 10 years. If ever there was an organization that deserved all the positive accolades we could possibly muster, it would be Peterson Outdoor Ministries and their respective volunteers without which none of this would be possible. Thank you each and everyone from the bottom of my heart. You changed my life!

Master Chief Will Wilson (Ret), US Navy