Open Arms hosts special Saturday event with the Bear Man

 

[October 18, 2023] 

Saturday October 14 Open Arms Church hosted the free event and free meal for the entire community. Hundreds of people were in attendance for the Bear Man, which included a presentation by Trophies of Grace and a meal from Nuthatch Hill BBQ.

The day began with lunch and fellowship. The sanctuary and commons areas were filled with beautiful mounts of animals from Trophies of Grace, a nonprofit ministry spreading the gospel through the great outdoors.

Open Arms Pastor Larry Crawford opened in prayer. Open Arms Worship Team began the event with amazing worship. 

Pastor Crawford introduced Carl parks of Trophies of Grace who offered a special presentation.

Then Pastor Sal Sberna of Bear Man Ministries spoke, prayed, and introduced the Bear Man, James H. VanSteenhouse.

In 2015, James was hunting for moose in the Northwest Territories of Canada when the unexpected happened. He was attacked by a bear. He gave his harrowing story of bravery, faith, and survival, and most of all, how he questioned if he would go to Heaven or hell if he died in that moment. It was during the rescue flight that he remembered that he had given himself to Christ many years ago as a child and he had been forgiven of all past and future mistakes. It was then he turned his life back over to Christ.

Later when recovering, he was speaking at his local church about what had happened to him and Pastor Sberna, hearing this, realized this was a ministry. Since then, thousands have given their lives to Christ through Bear Man ministries.

During Open Arms Sunday service, Pastor Sal Sberna, James VanSteenhouse and his wife Elizabeth had a special question and answer discussion about marriage and the importance of Christ at the center of it.

Fifty-one people gave their lives to Christ at Open Arms on Saturday.

[Heather Gaule]