ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - Two nights a week, in a large warehouse off Rt. 17, you'll find groups of people practicing archery. It's part of an eight week course.
The lessons go deeper than how to hit a target, though.
The main focus is on faith.
Each lesson starts with prayer and discussion about the Bible.
The course is taught by the 'Soul Hunters,' made up of a core group of six men. They're an outdoor sportsman ministry with the Fountain of Life church in Elizabeth City.
"We're about taking the news of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ to outdoor sportspeople," said Charlie Ange, one of the group's founders.
Part of their mission is fellowship. They encourage families and people of all ages to take part in their activities.
"We've had 'em all the way up to 85 years old shooting; we’ve had ‘em right on down to seven," said President Cliff Colson.
It's also a way to reach out to people in difficult times.
"There's so many people that are doing alcohol and drugs that are in the sports world. This ministry is another tool to tell them that there's a better life than that," said Ange.
Ange has been through it himself. He was addicted to drugs for 31 years.
Now he encourages people in similar situations to get involved with some of their outdoor activities and then maybe start coming to their monthly meetings as well.
They're held in the same place where they hold the archery classes.
"They probably won't go to church, at least not in the beginning, so that's why we call this church without a church," said Ange.
Some of what they do at those meetings you'd expect to see, including prayer and devotions.
Others, not so much.
"We had barbecued raccoon one meeting," Ange said, laughing.
But it's what makes them different that draws people in.
"We've had people say all we do is have fun down here, well God said it didn't have to be miserable. He wants us to have a joyous life and it's fun telling people about Jesus," said Ange.
You can learn more about the 'Soul Hunters' on their website and Facebook page.
You'll also be able to see a lot more of them in a couple months. They've been filming for a TV show that is expected to start airing sometime this Fall.
It will be shown on Channel 379 on DirecTV and Channel 266 on Dish.
News 3 will update you once exact air dates and times are available.
