All area men are invited to enjoy the fun and fellowship at the upcoming Locked and Loaded Men’s Night Out, an event coordinated by the Men’s Ministry of First Baptist Church Whitesboro. The event has been in the planning stages for several months, and on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 4:30 p.m., the vision will become a reality.
The event will include a meal of fried catfish and all the trimmings, followed by presentations by guest speakers Travis Mears and Wade Cashion. Mears, a professional shotgun shooter and President of Defender Outdoor Clays Sports, will tell his life story as well as perform a trick shooting demonstration.
Cashion is the owner and head trainer at All American Retrievers and Texas Duck Dogs. He is also the trainer of the 2025 Purina High Point Derby Dog and has many accolades as a duck dog trainer. He will speak on his faith in Jesus and how that has affected his life and career.
“I’m excited to be able to connect with other men who share my passions and experiences in hunting, fishing, marriage and fatherhood,” event coordinator Aaron Park said. “Sharing stories of successes and failures creates a valuable learning environment, and having guest speakers like Travis Mears and Wade Cashion adds to the experience. It’s exciting to see our community prioritizing fellowship and growth in such a meaningful way.”
The event will be held at 5891 FM 901 beside the pond. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, fishing pole and tackle for some catch-and-release fishing before the meal and speakers. There will also be plenty of corn hole and the Texas Parks and Wildlife will have their “Wall of Shame” trailer, which displays animals that have been seized over the years by Operation Game Thief.
Long-time church member and outdoor enthusiast Doug Mitchell is looking forward to attending the event and hearing from the guest speakers.
“It is a great opportunity to fellowship with other men who love Jesus and share the same passion for the wild outdoors as I do,” Mitchell said.
The event has long been a dream for First Baptist Church Whitesboro Pastor Mike Flanagan.
“I was taught to hunt and fish and enjoy the outdoors as a boy by my grandfather. It has been one of my greatest joys to pass that on to my children,” he said. “A fishing boat or deer stand have often been my ‘go-to places’ for a time to really focus on my walk with God and sometimes I just sit in wonder at His creation.”
Tickets are just $20 each. A limited number are available at the First Baptist Church office (903-564-3546) or at www.fbcwhitesboro.org (click on Adults/men’s ministries to register).
