Giving Back Ministries, based on Acts 20:35, is all about giving men, women, children, and those with special needs a place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Travis Branch, a member of First Baptist Church in Leesburg, has launched this ministry in hopes of providing a place especially for fathers and children to bond as they fish, hunt, or engage in a variety of other outdoor activities at absolutely no cost.

In fact, Branch has indicated that he wants children to come to his outdoor paradise if they do not have a parent or guardian to accompany them. He stated, “We have volunteers who will be able to assist children with their hunting or fishing experience as well as mentor them spiritually.”

Branch has 445 acres of pristine property with woods, food plots, hills, spring-fed creeks, and pastures. It is difficult to capture the beauty of the rolling hills and sparkling streams even with modern photography.

The land is ideal for hunting deer, turkey, and other small game and has a six-acre spring-fed pond stocked with bream and bass. The property features a 1,200-square-foot cabin that sleeps ten comfortably and includes a kitchen and bathroom. It also has a large front porch with swings and rocking chairs that provide a magnificent view of the hilly terrain. There is a pasture next to the cabin perfect for camping in tents for those who want to their experience to be closer to nature.

Branch also arranges for fishing expeditions “on the flats” on the Florida panhandle and the Gulf of Mexico. He remarked, “The flats are a shallow water flat, where the depth of the water runs from 1 to 15 feet. We fish for speckled sea trout, rock bass, red fish, and sharks at sea out from the Econfina River. Our guests stay at the Econfina River Resort near Perry, Fla., and our goal is for this trip to cost our guests only the price of their fishing license.”

Branch testifies, “I was blessed to have a father that spent time with my brothers and me. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved the Lord. I can remember him taking the time to teach the Royal Ambassadors at our church and taking them to outdoor settings where they could enjoy God’s creation. My father passed this passion for the outdoors on to me.

“My wife told me that she had prayed for me every day, asking God to show me His will for my life. When I shared with her my vision for an outdoor ministry she could see how God was going to use my gifts and passion to make a difference in the world for His glory.”

Branch, who has served as a deacon and faithfully worked with children in his church, elected to resign his job as a self-employer in the construction business in order to pursue God’s plan for his life. He testified, “Since making that decision, God has provided our every need and his timing has been perfect.”

Branch’s wants Giving Back Ministries to become a partner with the churches of Georgia. He remarked, “I hope people who do not know the Lord will come to know Him while they are at Giving Back. I would like to see those who are saved get connected with a local church where they live so they can grow in their relationship with Jesus and with fellow Christians.”

Branch continued, “In Lee County 92 percent of the people are unchurched. This is our mission field. It is our duty as Christians to share the gospel of Christ.

“My desire is to bring people to Giving Back, provide them a great experience at no cost to them, and share the love of Jesus with each and every one.”

· To learn more about Giving Back Ministries, visit their website at www.givingbackministry.com or call (229) 869-0832.