A transformative journey
I started coming to Dripping Springs Methodist Church began in 2021. At the time, I was attending the church sparingly, to support my family and figure out my own faith journey. At that time, my kids were going to Pathways School.
It was my wife, Natalie, who first told me about the Wild Game Dinner and said I should get involved. I was still working at the time, so I couldn't just take off willy-nilly. But Natalie didn't care, she said this was something I would really enjoy. She told me to just go and be a part of it. So that first year, in 2021, I showed up not knowing anybody. I kind of stood off to the side at first, I introduced myself to a few people, then I just jumped in and started helping. And let me tell you, everybody was so appreciative and nice to me, even though they didn't know me from Adam. They were just happy to have me there, no questions asked. I ended up helping with prepping the food, but I didn't even stick around for the actual event that year.
The next year, Natalie made me go back again. And that's when things started to change for me. In 2023, Matt Rogers came up to me on the prep day and asked if we could go for a walk. He told me they needed someone to run the whole Wild Game Dinner, and he wanted me to do it. I was a little surprised, since I still felt like a newcomer. But something just hit me, right then and there. I don't know where it came from, but I felt like God was telling me this was my plan, this was what I was supposed to do.
Ever since then, the Wild Game Dinner has taken on a whole new meaning for me. It's not just about the food or the event itself anymore. It's about how God has used this to transform my life. He's given me a way to help and reach people, whether it's bringing in volunteers or sharing my own story. I can see God's hand in the fellowship and camaraderie that happens at this event. It's like the communication between everyone just flows so freely, without any of the usual reservations.
When I talk to people who've never been to the Wild Game Dinner, I try to explain that it's not just about the food or the auction. It's about the community coming together, the fellowship, the chance to do something good for others. You get to enjoy great food, sure, but you also get to be part of something bigger than yourself.
For anyone looking to apply for the funds raised at the dinner, the process is pretty straightforward. We try to keep things local, supporting nonprofits that are making a difference right here in our community. You just fill out the form on the website, and we'll consider your application.
This event has become so much more to me than I ever imagined. It's not just a dinner; it's a reflection of God's work in my life and in our church. I'm honored to be a part of it, and I can't wait to see what else He has in store.
