WBT FOCAS Group
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 Fishers Of Men
I will make you fishers of men
Fishers of men fishers of men
I will make you fishers of men
If you follow Me
If you follow Me if you follow Me
I will make you fishers of men
If you follow Me
OfficersPresident: Conny Jenkins
 Conny began fishing in buddy tournaments with her husband, Wallace, in 1985. She joined the Sedalia Bassmaster Federation Club. Wanting to expand her skills she competed in the Bass`n Gal tournament trail for three years.
robably the event Conny considers the most momentous came in 1991 when she was selected to be one of the first women to compete in a major BASS tournament. Controversy surrounded women competing with the men. Vojai Reed and Conny Jenkins fished back to back tournaments breaking the sex barrier allowing women to compete in BASS events.
Conny is a postmaster with the US Postal Service at Hughesville MO. During her 25 year career with the USPS she has served in a variety of positions.
Organ and tissue donation is a heartfelt cause of Conny's. She has experienced first hand the need for more organ and tissue donations whether from living donors or from those whose family consents to donate upon their death. Conny was a kidney donor to an older brother and currently has another brother on the waiting list for a donor kidney.
Conny considers helping found the Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society (FOCAS) on the Women's Bassmaster Tour a great opportunity to witness and fellowship. When you see Conny she will usually have on a frog symbolizing Fully Rely On God.
 Vice President: Katrina DeHaven
Katrina says her love for the outdoors and the sport of Bass fishing has filled her life with happiness. She enjoys every opportunity to be outdoors, the excitement of competition, and the wonderful people meets at tournaments and trade shows each year.
A graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science and Hugh Downs School of Human Communication with a Minor-Business and Intercultural Communication degree are some of the education Katrina has experienced.
Katrina has an extensive background in Sales/Marketing developed while working in the Hotel/Resort Industry for 10 years holding positions as Director of Marketing and Sales, National Sales Manager, and Senior Sales Manager. Working for these various companies such as the American Restaurant Group, Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel, Beverly Hills Plaza Resort, and the Wilshire Grand Hotel & Centre led to a solid foundation in marketing. Her experience working with marketing action plans, budgets, and trade show experience, led to the opening of her own company aptly named “Consider It Done by Kat”. The company's policy was whatever you needed done, we find the resources to achieve it for you.
FLW Everstart, BASS Opens and Won Bass re some of the trails she has competed in. In 2004 she experienced being a member of US Team EuroCup in Madrid, Spain. Katrina has a long history of being involved with FOCAS meetings at the various tournament trails she has fished.
 Secretary: Jen Carroll
Jen's earliest memories are fishing with her dad on the Illinois River when she was about eight. She is the youngest in a family of twelve children. Her grandmother had a farm back in the hills and we would walk across the gravel road right up to the river and fish until the dinner bell rang. It inspired a life long love for fishing. Jen says she is lucky to have married someone that has a very strong family background in fishing as well. Her husband, J, and her fish weekly and with other family member when the opportunity arises. Jen and J have four labs. Working around the farm and taking care of dogs and farm animals keeps her busy. Her current occupation is business Owner of a Mortgage Consulting Firm.
Originally from Wagoner Oklahoma she considers fellow bass pro Tommy Biffle one of the anglers she admires.
Until recently Jen fished out of a Coleman Ram-ex Canoe. She will fish her first pro event in July in a sponsor wrapped boat when the WBT goes to North Carolina.
When you meet Jen Carroll you'll soon learn she is a multi-faceted person. Besides fishing she enjoys Salsa dancing, Clogging and two-stepping, in addition to floating and camping. Jen began modeling when she was 14 years old. She has traveled to other counties as a model, actor, dancer and signer. Eventually she became a modeling, acting and dancing instructor. She continued to perform professionally for the stage, television, radio and film. Jen has an engaging smile and the voice of an angel.
 Treasurer: Carolyn Poole
Carolyn grew up fishing on the river banks and lakes in Northwest Florida. She graduated from Choctawhatchee High School. Carolyn's first job was at Ben Franklin's 5 & 10 Store at 20 cents an hour. She is the oldest of nine children, five girls and four boys. Carolyn is married to John Wayne, the love of her life. She has one daughter, DD Bruner, and a stepson, Troy Poole.
With a career of over 31 years with Eglin Federal Credit Union Carolyn retired as a Loan Supervisor in 2003. She currently works in her family home building business, P H & P Development LLC.
Carolyn bass fished on the Suwannee River, Apalachicola River, Lake Talquin and all the local waters back in the sixty's with her open face Garcia reel, which she loved. Carolyn says, “I was the only woman that took annual leave by the hunting and fishing calendar from work. When I wasn't fishing I was hunting.”
The year she retired, 2003, should have been a good year, but she was at a loss when she lost her mama and daddy a month apart later that year. Then in February 2004 WBFA came to Florida. Carolyn says, “We saw the ladies on TV one morning, John Wayne took down the number and said I should call and register for the tournament. This opened a new career for me. I had prayed that the good Lord would show me a way to overcome my loss. On June 10th, 2005 at Lake Eufaula, Al., John Wayne and I were Baptized after the tournament. The doors that have opened have been wonderful, the friends that we have made along the way can never be replaced. I have my husband to thank for being my best supporter.”
 Chaplain: Sunny Carpenter
Sunny has loved to fish since I was a little girl. She loved the outdoors and was convinced that she could do anything that the boys in her neighborhood could do and do it better. It was when she was 10 years old and attended a Youth Conservation Camp that she became "hooked" on fishing, archery and hunting.
Sunny and Shawn have been married for 18 years and have three children, Erica, Danielle and Cory. They enjoy the outdoors and have many great memories together fishing and hunting. They have started their own business and feel God has blessed them which allows them to be a blessing to others which is their ultimate goal.
She began her personal Faith Walk in 1999 when she decided to step away from the corporate world with all of the perks that go along with it and walk in the path that she felt God was leading her into. Sunny says, “each day is a journey and God has led me on many exciting adventures since 1999 including joining the WBT!”
On a regular basis through business, Sunny counsels individuals on overcoming issues in their lives, financially and personally. In 2001 felt she was led to learn more about Christianity and began secretly studying theology and became an ordained minister in 2002. “I feel that God is leading me to hold seminars for women on experiencing a break-through in their lives and I am currently preparing for this next adventure.”
MeetingsWBT Anglers Establish FOCAS Group
Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society
A group of WBT anglers met before the Lewsiville tournament draw meeting to determine if there was interest in forming a FOCAS group. The group was unanimous in their decision to form a chapter, officers were appointed and over twenty women joined that evening. It was decided that future meetings would be held prior to the draw meetings. Membership dues were established at $20.00 which includes affiliation with the national organization. Founding member Conny Jenkins will serve as president.
 FOCAS was founded in 1983 by a handful of Christian fishermen who desired to worship and serve as disciples of Christ. Among this group was Jimmy Houston, Chris Houston, Hank Parker, Homer Circle, Al Lindner, Ray Scott and others. They wanted the ministry to serve as a bond between all fishermen. A ministry that would use the sport of fishing as a tool to make sportfishermen into
"...fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19)
Women's Bassmaster FOCASThe charter meeting for Women's Bassmaster FOCAS was held on May 17th at Sneaky Pete's in Lewisville, TX. The meeting was organized by Conny Jenkins for the purpose of gathering interest amongst WBT anglers and to possibly form chapter.
Conny introduced herself and then asked for all others attending to do the same. This was a very entertaining portion of the meeting because everyone got to know one another better. After the introductions were given, Conny spoke about the history of FOCAS and how we might form a chapter for our WBT tour.
Lila Bass led a group singing of “In the Garden” “Amazing Grace”. After the song service each person had the opportunity to talk about how God has blessed them and what they are thankful for. Sunny Carpenter gave an inspirational reading and witnessed.
Those attending concurred that they would like to start a WBT chapter. Once this was decided, we assigned our FOCAS officer panel. President, Conny Jenkins, Vice President, Katrina DeHaven, Secretary, Jen Carroll, Treasurer, Carolyn Poole and Chaplin, Sunny Carpenter. Those attending wishing to be members filled out their membership forms and paid their dues of $20.00. There were about 50 in attendance and over 30 joined the newly formed chapter.
The meeting ended by singing a closing hymn called “Our Father”.
The next meeting will be held at Lake Norman in North Carolina following the seminar and prior to the start of the tournament briefing. Check at the registration for the location.
Tentative agenda for the next meeting:
Opening prayer: Pam Martin Wells
Song leader: Lila Bass
Testimony: Susan Dameron.
Soloist: Jen Carroll
Devotional: Sunny Carpenter
Article adapted from minutes by Jen Carroll, secretary.
ArticlesHow it came about.......The 'Cool Hugs from FOCAS'
It was hot in Lewisville Texas in May which gave Conny Jenkins an idea. So for the next few weeks she made over 200 gel neck coolers for the field of anglers in the Lake Norman North Carolina. The 'Cool Hugs from FOCAS' were given out free along with a Christian tract at the registration. Jen Carroll treated the group to a solo and Susan Dameron shared her testimony. Denese Freeman provided guitar music for the group praise songs. The devotion was given by Sunny Carpenter who gave away free inspiration stones with various inspirational words etched in each one. (Look for her story that goes along with the stones in a future article.) The group is growing in membership and attendance. Conny said she "knows God is working and blessing people" through the FOCAS group.
The next FOCAS meeting will be at 5:30 PM immediately following the registration. The membership patches and certificates are in for those who joined in Lewisville. The patches will be available for pick up prior to the start of the FOCAS meeting.
Susan Dameron's testimony follows:
Hello! My name is Susan Dameron. I am a co-angler with the WBT. I am from Chattanooga, Tennessee. My husband, Don, and I just celebrated 22 years of marriage, and I feel privileged to be able to say that I know he loves me as Christ loves the church. We have two wonderful teenage boys Drew, 18 years old, and Derek, 15 years old. I am a housewife and have been a homeschool mom for the last nine years. I would like to share with you all how I came to know Christ as my Savior.
I grew up an only child in a home plagued with the problems that stem from alcoholism. My dad was a good man, a tough man, and had high expectations. He was a workaholic and an alcoholic. I never questioned my dad’s love for me. I knew he loved me, but he couldn’t express that love easily so we were not very close during my childhood. My dad was a Christian and would tell you himself that he had made some poor lifestyle decisions. My mom worked hard to keep our lives together as a family doing her best to help my dad and I along in our relationship. I am sharing this with you only because I wouldn’t have a testimony without it. I went through my childhood with a constant hurt and confusion, and when I was a Junior in high school my parents finally separated and divorced. It was around this same time that I was invited to go to Bible camp with a friend and accepted Christ as my savior. I had been searching for something to fill a great void that I had in my life, but didn’t know what I was searching for until I heard of God’s love. I found the Dad that I needed and had wanted more than anything. I had someone to hold hands with during the fun times or when I needed courage. I had someone who would nudge me out of my comfort zone but be standing there with me to encourage me in case I failed. I could close my eyes and imagine sitting in His lap with His loving arms around me – a safe haven. I could talk to Him about anything and when given enough time He would guide me with an answer.
I could easily have turned to drugs and alcohol but felt that I had already experienced enough of that. I was more excited about having a Dad who could show me His love even though I couldn’t really see Him – just the thought was enough to hang on to. I knew in my heart He was real. As I began to study the Bible and learn more about God and our relationship, I began to understand what a wonderful thing had been set before me, and I had accepted. I really had no idea in the beginning how good it was going to be, but I chose to open my heart and my mind to everything about Him. It wasn’t going to hurt to search through it compared to the pain and disappointment that I had experienced through my life. Some important things that I learned about were unconditional love, honoring our parents, and forgiveness. Because of these things, my earthly dad and I, after many years of prayer and a silent love, were able to finally have the relationship God created us to have as father and daughter. Dad became a reformed alcoholic four and one-half years ago and we were so very proud of him as he was of himself. Tragically, he died in a car accident in October 2005. Because I know that we both accepted Christ as our Savior, I can know that we will see each other again one day. My prayer is that each of you will find, as I have, the love, peace, and hope that comes from a relationship with our heavenly Father.
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Pam Martin Wells Fisher's of Women Retreat - Canada August 1 - 5, 2006
Never Say No To God
Perceived as a fierce competitor, in fact, tough might be a word some use to describe seasoned angler Pam Martin Wells. Though partially accurate there is another side to Pam many do not realize. Most view her as a strong, independent woman with well honed angling skills who keeps to herself. You don't see Pam mingle much with other competitors. She may even seem a little stand offish. Get a little closer and a much different perception appears. The closer look reveals a quiet almost shy side to the woman. A woman deeply committed to her faith.
Pam enjoys competition, enjoys winning, and with that comes the limelight. The offers for her speak are a part of that. Pam will quickly tell she does not think she is a very good public speaker. Yet, anyone who has heard her knows whether the topic is fishing or her faith the words come from the heart, making her interesting to listen to. Have her up on the weigh-in stand and it's like the commercial where everyone stops to listen, change that to “when Pam speaks everyone stops to listen.” Another subject she feels deeply committed to is her faith. It's her faith that recently got her invited to Canada to speak at a “Fishers of Women Retreat” at Rushing Wind Christian Camp, hosted by owners Arnie and Dee Wolf.
Her mantra is “Never say no to God.” Although she does not seek speaking publicly about her faith she believes when asked there must be a reason and cannot say no. It's her shyness that's holds her back. Pam learned soon after being saved in 1999 that she would not turn down God. Asked to give her testimony for the first time at a Bass N Gal FOCAS meeting she reluctantly agreed. Not feeling good about how she did, thinking she should have said this or that differently, she wasn't sure she did the right thing. She later learned that out of that meeting one lady was deeply touched, whether by something she said or a combination of events at the meeting. One week later the woman sought out a minister and was saved. A few short months later the women died in a traffic accident. Had Pam's words made a difference? How would she have felt if she had she turned down the chance to witness that night?
When the invitation came to speak at the “Fisher's of Women Retreat” she knew she would have to go. Never saying no to God, didn't mean it was going to be easy. First there was the marriage of four years to Steven still in the honeymoon period of not wanting to be apart for five days. The invitation was extended to Steven to join her. Then the timing wasn't right. She would be squeezed tight for time with only hours between commitments. The iCast convention in Las Vegas was backed up to the Lake Norman tournament, , and then only a few hours between it and the plane to Canada, a roof to replace at home and she'd be leaving her sister to finalize her parents fiftieth wedding anniversary, which they would host one week after her return from Canada. She would have little rest before heading out for the Dardanelle tournament. But no matter the timing, she would go, she would not say no to God.
As she boarded the float plane that would take them deep into the woods she pondered what she would discuss as a guest speaker, how much would she talk about fishing or how much of her faith would she share. She wasn't sure what kind of experience this would be. However, within moments of landing any reservations or preconceived ideas were soon to be discarded. It was to be for both Pam and Steven an experience of a lifetime. They were met at the plane by a group of smiling and supportive people. Family quickly came to mind. It was like family running out to the plane to welcome you home. Gerry Caillouet of God's Great Outdoors Media Ministries quickly whisked them off for a boat tour to show them where they could fish and spend leisure time. This was a great icebreaker and proved to set the tone for the rest of their trip. Steven said, “All your cares and concerns were anticipated and taken care of”.
What followed for the next five days was a simple, relaxed routine. Breakfast, then a bit of social time, men and women separating into worship groups, then some free time to hike, fish, catch up on reading or simply enjoy the Canadian wilderness. Sack lunches were prepared for a simple meal in the outdoors. Then later in the day after dinner more sharing testimonials and experiences, praise, and worship time together.
The strangers she may have been apprehensive about were easy to be around, easy to talk to, and she would find them easy to help her make the transition from being shy to a more confident public speaker. I asked her at what point did she realize this was going to be a great experience and she said the moment the float plane landed. Pam said she really did not know what to expect but the experience was so enriching and rewarding that is “exceeded any expectation that she could imagine.”
Pam and Steven enjoyed fishing for northern pike and walleye in a nearby area and could have gone to another area and fished for lake trout and musky. Aluminum boats with 9.9 to 15 hp - more than adequate - were provided as well as tackle. Which was good because she did not know what to take to fish for northern pike. She did bring a small amount of tackle and found it interesting that she was able to catch some northern pike on one of her favorite bass baits. Steven found it amusing that while Pam was on the dock demonstrating how to work a 9 inch Shadick by Wave Worms she caught two northern pike.
I asked Pam what she brought to the table as a guest speaker. She said her personal experience to not turn God down when he is knocking, to make the commitment. She remembers times she sat in church pews with her fingernails digging in to keep her from walking down to accept salvation. At the time she did not know why she could not walk forward, but says now, “she knows it was the devil holding her back”. Pam says, “Do not turn God down, you may be given a chance again but you may not.” What if the woman at the FOCAS meeting had refused, she may not have had a second chance. She shared with the group examples of times prayer had been answered in her life saying, “All prayers that are in his will are answered, it may not be tomorrow, but it will be in God's time.” Pam feels this trip was just another example of God knocking and she is glad she did not say no to God.
Not having experienced a Christian Camp before both of the Wells were amazed to be around such a large group of people without such positive and uplifting attitudes, no negative comments, and especially no cuss words. Both felt such peace. Over and over Pam expressed the atmosphere and location as being a state of such peace, tranquility and beauty.
Another positive she came away with is the stronger bond that was developed with Steven. As they journeyed home they talked about making a more conscious effort to not get too caught up in rushing through life but to set aside at least a small amount of time each day to read and study the Bible together. Pam and Steven attend church regularly, volunteering as substitute Sunday School teachers for young adults. Pam's testimony can be heard on DVD from God's Great Outdoors at www.ggoutdoors.org or 1-877-TALKGGO.
Steven said the experience was, “Absolutely awesome! From the time you got off the plane until the time you did not want to get back on the plane to leave it was a wonderful time.” Steven a proclaimed homebody said he did not miss home. It was the little things they noticed, like he did not miss his regular, in fact normally constant, glass of iced tea. He didn't like the taste of lemonade but something there made the lemonade taste better, sweeter. In describing the Canadian wilderness Steven said, “It did not have streets of gold but you could close your eyes and imagine you were close to heaven on earth. God was there, you felt his presence, no doubt”.
Pam will return again next year for the `Fisher's Of Women Retreat' if she has the opportunity. She said for the over forty attendees the fee was money well spent. The float plane, lodging, fishing and meals were all inclusive. She said she did not think anyone could attend this and experience all that goes on and not be touched by God.
Pam competes on the Women's Bassmaster Tour and is a guide at Jack Wingate's Lodge on Lake Seminole at Bainbridge Georgia. She is sponsored by: Legend Boats, Mercury, Wave Worms, Costa Del Mar, Tru-Tungsten, Gamakatsu, SPRO, Lowrance, StayN Charge, Mustang Survival, Wingate's Lodge and Hooah.
About the author: Conny competes in the Women's Bassmaster Tour and is a lifetime member of BASS. She is sponsored by LubriMatic, if it pushes pulls, hums or purrs LubriMatic has something to use in it. Seaguar, The Inventor and World Leader in Fluorocarbon Fishing Line - not seeing is believing, Chompers, Triton Boats, and she proudly promotes the new Evolution Jig by Megastrike. Conny is a US Postal Service employee.
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