Thank you Christian Brothers Automotive – Helotes for making this story possible to share.
Nick Smith reels in a snapper during the Saltwater
session of CTO Ultimate Summer Camps in 2017.
curiosity for new kids and volunteers.
“It can be any type of outdoor-related
hunting or fishing skill. It can be
trapping. Fishing. Archery. You name it,”
says Kevin. “We tie the devotion to the
skill. So, if we’re talking about duck calls,
we might talk about the calling of God on
your life.”
Those who love the skills nights often
sign up for a day trip or weekend trip,
and then eventually for a summer camp.
The volunteers’ fatherly patience,
conversational skill, and prayers bring
transformation to lives. Wyatt Buckman,
whose father was a contractor who never
Wyatt Buckman guided Ryan Coufal during summer
camp in June last year.
returned from Afghanistan, can tell you
that now. But not at first.
“When Wyatt came on an outing
with us, he was very reluctant to speak at
all around the campfires,” says Kevin.
“Meaning that we would ask a question
– and if we got him to the point where he
would speak, he would become very
emotional, not knowing how to express
himself. But as he kept coming, the Holy
Spirit continued to grow him and sanctify
him. I give credit to the Lord, going
back to the first weekend he attended
during a fishing trip, where he raised his
hand to accept Jesus.” Fast forward to
Wyatt at age 16. He’s
now in a special
CTO apprentice
program. “He prays
out loud when he’s
asked to pray. We
asked Wyatt to
come to camp and
be a discipleship
coach.”
Nick Smith, 15,
CTO’s goal: to
equip youth to
passionately
pursue a lifetime
of service to
Jesus Christ and
fellowship with
Him through the
outdoors.
loves CTO also. He
remembers his first
trip. “I was 11. It was
more of a hands-on kind of experience
and the way these leaders were guiding
us not only to hunt, but also guiding our
way to Jesus. It just really spoke to me on
a deeper level,” says Nick.
Nick’s been on three to five trips with
CTO every year for the past three years
and also plans to apply for the apprentice
program.
We asked Nick if he’d ever trade more
screen time for the experiences he’s had
to grow in Christ, or hunt, or make
friends through CTO. He said he’d choose
the latter every time. “The experiences
gained with CTO will form the man I
grow up to be,” he says.
Be A Light.
Volunteer. Volunteers reap an eternity of
reward by investing a couple of weekends
a year. Best qualities for volunteers: a
willingness to love God and kids. CTO also
requires a background check. Volunteers are
CTO’s greatest need. Call Kevin today if this
is on your heart! Talk to your Pastor. Talk
to your Pastor about Kevin introducing CTO
to your Church. Pray. For safety, Spirit-led
small group times, and landowner sharing.
Give. Your financial support is appreciated.
Kevin is happy to meet with you in person
or you can make a donation at
https://teamctotx.wildapricot.org/Donate
Cross Trail Outfitters of Texas
PO Box 1165, Helotes, TX 78023
Kevin Potts, State Director: (210) 372-3580
kpotts@teamcto.org
www.teamctotx.wildapricot.org
STORY MADE POSSIBLE BY:
A U T O M O T I V E – H E L O T E S
For over seven years, Spike and his team at
Christian Brothers Automotive in Helotes have
earned a reputation for honesty and professionalism
– hard to do in the auto repair business.
Of course, we serve our local community
in Helotes, but people drive miles to bring
their vehicle to us because of this reputation.
Perhaps most importantly we give back to our
community. Schedule a visit with us soon.
Mention the Beacon and get 10% off labor on
all repairs up to $50. CTO will receive a $25
donation when you use this offer.
Christian Brothers
Automotive – Helotes
www.cbac.com/helotes
tx056@cbauto.com | (210) 695.4528
12544 E. Bandera Road, Helotes, TX 78023
“ Christian Brothers Automotive-Helotes is
honored to partner with CTO in a variety of
ways. One way is through our special promotions
and our ability to give to CTO as a result
of the community responding. I see real fruit
from their unique outreach efforts. Understanding
how a “real man” walks out his life
and purpose as a result of his relationship with
Christ is certainly one.
Important future results
include becoming a better
husband and father.
I personally invite you to
join us in supporting the
ministry of CTO that is raising up the next
generation of men.“ Spike & Karen Blevins
8 www.saBeacon.com February 2019
/Donate
/www.teamctotx.wildapricot.org
/helotes
/www.saBeacon.com
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