This summer proved to be a remarkable season for our CTO youth camps in so many ways! CTO Texas hosted 5 summer camp sessions with 47 young men and 13 young ladies attending camps, between the ages of 10 to 18 years old. After 33 days spent in the field and on the water, 26 hogs were harvested, along with some incredible fish, with 1 alligator gar weighing nearly 120 pounds and a catfish weighing almost 25 pounds, and our Saltwater participants catching well over 200 fish along with some sharks, stingrays and stories that will be told forever! From hogs, alligators, and fish, these kids had some adventures that will never be forgotten!

But as a ministry whose goal is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and share Salvation through Him, our Spiritual fruit was just as incredible! 7 young men and 1 young lady made the decision to follow Christ as their Lord and Savior! We studied about the lives of some old testament Biblical Heroes with this year's theme being "Heroes of Faith" digging into Daniel, "Shadrach, Meshach, Abendigo," Samson, David and Jesus. 

Please know that 21 young men confessed their struggles and sin in their lives! 16 of these young men are dealing with pornography and asked for prayer and deliverance! The Holy Spirit moved on the lives of these kids in a mighty way! The love, grace and power of the Holy Spirit fed these kids and it was remarkable to experience. 

Parents. Please try to have complete transparency with your kids about their struggles and what they are dealing with. Without condemnation and shame, we have to allow our kids a safe place to talk and share their feelings and struggles. Pornography and Sex is tempting our kids at every turn in life, or in modern terms, every time we scroll to a different picture, or page on Social Media. The phones have proven to be crutch; Social Media is the largest influencer being the number one addictive platform; and 8 out of every 10 men are going to look at pornography. While the cards may look stacked against us as parents and ministry leaders, we have to stand against this and pray over our kids and our families daily, battling this enemy that is coming at us hard! Please know there are many different App resources out there to help with accountability on Social Media and cell phone devices. Covenant Eyes is one of many, but we do have resources available to help conquer this battle we are all facing. If we at CTO can be a resource to pray with your kids and encourage them, don't hesitate to call on us. 

Prayer warriors, as we move into this new season please pray for these kids and their families. It's time we get out of the bleachers and off of the sidelines, and get in the game. Through Christ, we stand in Victory knowing what He has done has final authority in our homes. We will serve you Lord!

This Fall, we will have some amazing opportunities in the field to serve the Lord and share some adventures that will have everlasting impacts on the lives of both kids and adults. If you want to be involved and or learn more about Cross Trail Outfitters - Youth Hunting and Fishing Club, please visit our website at teamcto.org/texas or give me a call and let's get you plugged in! 

by CTO Texas State Director
Kevin Potts

Sometimes, it's not about the harvest but about the experience, and as a life-long hunter, the experience of the adventure is the key component of the hunt for me!

We were hosted this weekend at the La Fonda Ranch in Brackettville and stayed at one of the most exceptional lodges you could ever imagine. Regardless of age, whether you are a new hunter or hunted all of your life, there's no way you couldn't have admired this place. 

We took 7 young men on a Youth Deer Hunt and because of the significant drought this past summer and the freeze last winter, the Whitetail fawn population has suffered, so we were limited to the number of animals we could hunt and pursue. This made it tough, but the challenge was well worth the pursuit, and I believe truly taught these kids that it's not always about killing an animal. Just being able to sit back and see God's handiwork and what He has created is just as much worth the time and effort to honor Him.

Our campfire devotion was broken into two subjects this weekend, talking about the value of our lives and the discipline that we instill or sow into ourselves. We have been created in God's image and likeness; therefore, no one regardless of age or our position in life is any less valuable than another. God knew you before he placed you in your mother's womb! Before you were born, you were given a destiny, which means you "make firm" or "establish." However, if we develop a discipline to pursue carnal desires of this world, we can separate ourselves from God's purpose and His destiny for our lives. When we establish good disciplines in our lives, we build character, and it enables us to live an orderly and fulfilling life.

If you were going to live a disciplined life, what area of your life would you change first? What do you need to change to build Godly discipline?

Don't allow yourself to be involved in anything that is not going to build you up into a Godly person.

What an incredible weekend in God's great outdoors! I cannot express my thanks enough to Todd for your willingness and continued effort to allow us the opportunity to hunt this amazing ranch and true gift of God!

Thank you for your support -

Big thanks to our Volunteers and Sponsors for your time and support of this unique ministry that is sharing our Faith in Jesus Christ, using God's creation to reach kids. On to our next adventure!

Our CTO Texas, Fall Youth hunts kicked off in style at the Headwaters Ranch in Luckenbach. With the elements of a strong south wind, a bumper acorn crop, and the hill country rut, the ranch manager shifted gears, and our Whitetail deer hunt turned into an exotic hunt real fast! Using the TIC-TAC-TOE Shot Placement Training system, 3 of these young men hit the mark, harvesting their first animal ever, while 4 other young men also connected and took home a trophy animal as well!

7 shots and 7 animals as the benchmark has been set for the season! An absolute incredible way to kick things off here in Texas and an incredible ranch to share experiences and adventures that will never be forgotten!

Our campfire devotion was discussing what it means to be intentional and sharing some of the things in our life that we are intentional about. Intentionality requires action. A plan of action to be carried out to fulfill a purpose.

Biblical intentionality involves making a daily choice to glorify God through our lives. God’s version of intentionality gives us purpose and direction, eliminating the need to strive for worldly things that won't last. We simply follow Him and walk according to His will.

To be intentional with our faith it requires us to acknowledge God and Glorify Him in all things. It sounds simple, but without submitting to the Holy Spirit, we cannot walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25 says: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." In layman’s terms, this is what it means to live with intention. We keep in step with God’s spirit. We follow Him closely and go where He chooses to lead us, acknowledging Him.

How often do you find yourself praising God?

What an awesome weekend being hosted by the Headwaters Ranch for our first time! Big thanks to Shane Baker and your heart in seeing kids be successful and sharing God's gift in creation with us. Thanks to our Volunteers and Donors for your support, along with our product sponsors! On to the next hunt!

On our CTO-Texas Outing this weekend at the RRR Ranch near Goldwaithe, two young men were able to make their first animal harvest, along with a first bass catch! Kids come from all different backgrounds, from all over, showing up as complete strangers, and leaving as brothers -  family.

There's something about doing what you love, what God has designed you for, and called you to do. Sharing these experiences and memories with these kids, along with their excitement, is something I cherish and don't take for granted.

With kids across America at risk, I don't believe there's a better way to reach them-

• Sharing Our Faith in Jesus
  
• Sharing our love for the Outdoors and our Heritage
  
• Building Godly Men
  

This weekends hunt was no different and as special as any. Thank you Warren Blesh and Doris Goodwin Blesh for opening your gates to our ministry!

Thank you to our loyal volunteers for your time, support and understanding of the importance of our efforts.

Thank you God for your Love and Grace--Amazing

Congratulations to the winners in our CROSS TRAIL OUTFITTERS TEXAS 25 BIG GUN RAFFLE. Thank you to everyone who helped support CTO by purchasing raffle tickets!

1.Weatherby Vanguard Back Country .308 - Bruce Culver

2. Remington R15 VTR Predator .223 Camo - Eric James

3. Henry “Silver Eagle” Lever Action .22 - B. Morgan (Buddy)

4. CZ-USA Scorpion .9 mm - Jennifer Holland

5. Weatherby Accuguard SS .257 - Mag Benny Hill

6. Remington 1911 R-1 Carry Comm. .45 - Brad Moore

7. Henry .30/30 Golden Boy - B. Morgan 

8. CZ-USA Upland Ultralight 12 ga O/U - Nathan Alberete

9. Weatherby Vanguard/Leupold .270 - Spencer Feasel

10. Weatherby Wilderness .25-06 - Scott Henneke

11. CZ 557 Varmint .308 - Jose Salinas

12. Henry Golden Boy .22 Lever Action - John Polasek

13. Remington 7600 Pump Action .308 Ricky Anderson

14. CZ-USA 12 ga Semi Auto Camo - Robert McCumber

15. CVA APEX SS .50 cal Muzzleloader - Chris Carr

16. Henry Frontier “Evil Roy” .22 Lever Action - Paul Tadlock

17. Vanguard Volt 7mm-08 - D. Hill

18. CZ-USA 512 American .22 mag Semi Auto - Art Mowdy

19. Remington R51 .9 mm - Kody Kubala

20. CVA Scout SS .35 Whelen - Carson Mask

21. Weatherby Vanguard/Leupold .243 - Kelly Compton

22. CZ-USA 517 20 ga Semi Auto - Phyllis Unterbrink

23. Remington 597.22 Semi Auto w/Scope - Paul Tadlock

24. Henry Classic RC Lever Action.22 - Michael Arena

25. CVA Optima V2 SS .50 cal Muzzleloader - Jimmy Holmes

Jesus Christ's death and resurrection supply us with everything our Soul needs in this life...and the life to come.

Cross Trail Outfitters of Texas was blessed to have spent its 6th straight year hunting and sharing the Gospel on Carl and Bobbie Jones' Almosta Nexta Ranch in Mountain Home, Texas. The Jones', along with their son, Matt, were more than hospitable hosts...they made available every opportunity for the boys to not only have a most memorable time, but also give them the green light on deer that they would not otherwise be able to hunt.

The weather was cool and foggy and we had our guides, Jason Carl-Robert Dickens, fresh out of the mountains of Colorado, as well as CTO Nueces County Outfitter Dave Kahil and Apprentice Guide candidate - Wyatt Buckman.

Six boys from cities such as Boerne, San Antonio, Spring Branch and New Braunfels came together to have a great time with each other, their guides, the landowners and our God! Two first time deer hunters learned gun safety, our TicTacToe shot placement strategy and overall execution of a clean, quick dispatch. We ate good, left the place better than we found it and overall had a blast in the process. 

Our questions for the weekend centered around Jesus Christ's death and resurrection...and what each of those events mean to us. The young men participated well and their responses showed depth as well as a personal connection to Christ and these miraculous events in history as well as now and the age to come.

We read from Isaiah 53, where some 700 years before Christ's birth, He was prophesied as being pierced and crushed in our place...the righteous in place of the unrighteous, the living shepherd in place of the lost sheep, the exalted king in the place of the rebel subjects.

In 1 Corinthians 15:13,14 we read where if Christ is not risen, then our preaching and our faith is in vain. Everything we believe is based upon these facts and without these our hope for redemption and resurrection is false...since it all would be useless and could save no one.

When you ask a question related to "What gives you peace", you are liable to get all types of answers. This weekend we tapped into that very question as our campfire theme. We took 5 young men on a youth deer hunt this weekend to a ranch in Pearsall, TX.

With the South Texas heat and a full moon stacked against us, 2 of the boys were still able to connect with a deer, and take some venison home to their families. There's something truly magical about getting outdoors, and watching the sun set and rise, anticipating what is going to happen, and what you might see.

It maybe a bobcat crossing a field, or a Coyote eating his breakfast down a foggy sendaro, or a bird chattering in a tree. But being outdoors and witnessing creation is magical!

There is a "Peace" that only the Lord gives us when we are obedient, by getting quiet, being still, surrendering our thoughts, and allowing the Lord to speak to us. So the question is, have you ever experienced true peace? Are you at peace with the Lord?

Bible Scriptures:

Philippians 4:4-7

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 46:10- "Be still, and know that I am God"

Kerr County Outfitter David Bonam had the privilege of leading a Cross Trail Outfitters youth hunt this weekend at the beautiful 9,800 acre Plomero Ranch in South Texas.

We had 8 young men on the Outing, with 4 first-time CTO participants and 3 first-time Adult leaders. The event was a true God-ordained success. The deer weren't very cooperative, but the ranch hosts were outstanding, the weather was perfect, the fishing was great, the fellowship was awesome and God got the glory!Thank you to the landowners and volunteers for all that you did in serving these youth the entire weekend. 

We asked the boys the question, "How many birthdays have you had?" Then we looked at John 3 where Jesus told Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you are born of water AND the Spirit you will not enter the Kingdom of God." 2 births...one from our earthly parents and the second by the Father, through the Son and from the Holy Spirit. 6, count em, 6 young men responded to the Holy Spirit's call for salvation! How about that? Ain't God good?!

Cross Trail Outfitters  has an AMAZING tool that was developed by our founder called TIC-TAC-TOE Shot Placement Exercise. This hunting tool is such a great design, that it has been trade marked and copyrighted so no one can use it to financially gain. It's been shared with thousands of kids and people throughout many states. However, there's much more to this than just teaching someone the skill of shooting a deer or a big game animal.

'Missing the Mark' is defined as the Greek word for SIN. While hitting the mark is the bullseye, and what most of us aim for throughout life. However, and humans, we all miss the mark, everyday, and continue to struggle with striving to do it on our own.

But when you hit "The Target of Life", when you start reaching for Jesus and allowing His Spirit to guide you, there is nothing you and Him together can't accomplish! And ALL SIN is Forgiven.

Thank you to the landowners, and all of the volunteers who participate in these adventures along side of us, and help orchestrate in these outings!Thirteen deer, a Giant Hog, and 1 beautiful bobcat harvested at the T9E Ranch this weekend~ Get your kids signed up today at www.teamcto.org/texas

The 2017 - CTO Texas outing season has begun! We kicked off our youth deer hunting at the MG Ranch this weekend, with 6 young men all harvesting management doe's. We even shifted gears, noticing a lot of doves, and were able to put together one of the best dove shoots ever experienced by our Texas kids!

Our campfire theme and focus for the weekend was about youth leadership in our Apprentice Guide program, and what the expectations and requirements are from our youth leaders. Expectations at camps, on our outings, in their communities, at home and school, with their parents and their Church. From stewardship to Spiritual Leadership, we covered it all and had an amazing time doing so!

For kids that have participated in CTO for a year or more and are interested in the Apprentice Guide program, reach out to your local outfitter to learn more.