Faith, Fishing and Children

In 2009, the paths of three amazing people – Rick Jones, Jeremy Schneider and Mike Frisch – crossed and the beginning of a great idea was born. Rick is a sales manager at Alexandria Industries and Jeremy Schneider serves as a youth pastor at New Life Church in Alexandria, Minn. Mike Frisch is a professional fisherman and frequent guest on the radio and Midwest fishing TV shows.

Each of the gentlemen had strong feelings about insightful things – faith, fishing, and the love of children. At first, they joked about referring to themselves as the three musketeers or the three stooges. But then they realized that their intentions were centered on the Bible verse Matthew 4:19, which says, “'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.'” (NIV)

Fishers of Men

The men followed their dream and brought the national organization "Fishers of Men" to Central Minnesota. The non-profit, non-denominational ministry’s mission is to introduce Jesus to people who fish, and their families, inviting them into a relationship with Christ through bass fishing tournaments. Jeremy, Mike and Rick organized three annual bass fishing tournaments, where approximately 20 boats participated with each boat holding one adult and one child. The tournaments included a welcome and dinner event on Friday night, and a fishing contest with weigh-in on Saturday. Approximately 100 people joined those who fished at weigh-in time to celebrate and enjoy a picnic.

School of Fish

Three years ago, the men stepped up their efforts and built a program called School of Fish. This was based on the "Lets Go Fishing with Seniors" program. But it has evolved and now includes a three-hour class. At the end of the class, every child (ages 6 through 12) receives a rod/reel, small tackle box, and three fishing opportunities that include open water and ice fishing activities.

Each class draws anywhere between 10 to 25 students and has touched about 700 children in 2013. Through the School of Fish program, the leaders anticipate making a difference for more than 1,000 children in 2014. Twenty-five to 30 percent of the students come back year after year to fish.

Bass Fishing Club

The men felt a similar calling two years ago and created the High School Bass Fishing Club for 9th through 12th graders. The students named the club, "Alex Lip Ripperzzzzz." The club has 10 adult boat captains and two students per boat who compete five times during the summer. The club provides students the opportunity to participate in state, regional and even national tournaments.

Every thing the men do centers on teaching the children. They teach Godly actions, how to get along with others, how to be kind to one another and how to respect nature, as well as how to fish! We are thankful to them for taking the initiative, staying involved and making an important difference in the lives of others.