In the summer of 1980, mid-August to be more precise, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, zit-faced teenager landed the fish of a lifetime on the Willow Flowage. This 45 inch, 25 pound musky currently resides on the office wall of the undersigned. You can see it if you peek inside his church office. Every fisherman loves to tell a story and the story of this fish could fill this entire newsletter. So I’ll spare you, except to tell you that a friend once gave the musky mount a name, “Phil,” as in Phil the fish, and it’s been “Phil” ever since.
Last fall, during a six-week span, “Phil” lost his claim on largest musky ever caught by this family. Twice. On September 1st, my youngest daughter caught a 46” monster; the reproduction of that fish is also on my office wall. Then, in mid-October, I managed to catch one just a tad bigger (47”). There may be a reproduction of that one in the future. Both were released – perhaps they’ll find our lures again.
So, that should do it, right? Why bother fishing anymore? Are. You. Kidding. Me? I remain on a continuing quest to find the next “Phil,” another trophy musky worthy of turning into a wall-mount. The accompanying picture is the 41 inch fish I found on Opening Day this spring (May 25th). I’m still going after ‘em.
That’s the thing about fishermen. It’s never enough to just catch a few fish, even a few trophy-size fish, and then move on. The desire to catch more and bigger is always there: one more day, one more lake, one more stop, one more cast. You’ll never hear a musky fisherman say, as Pastor Schwanke wrote in this space a few weeks back regarding his Canadian fishing experience, “I need smaller fish!”(J)
Some say, “Go to Canada. You can catch six fish bigger than “Phil” in a single day.” That’s probably true, but I do enjoy the challenge of exploring right here where I live. Musky fishing has evolved – maps, GPS tech, boats, rods/reels, and the sheer variety (and cost!) of musky lures is absolutely stunning.
There’s a ministry comparison to be made here: as a “fisher of men,” I’m always on the lookout for the next “Phil” or “Phyllis” with whom to share the Gospel. There are many circumstances that might lead people to be interested in the Good News of forgiveness and life with Jesus, but there is only one “lure,” or tool for the task: the Word of God, specifically Law and Gospel.
It isn’t just pastors who are looking to reach out. All Christians do. More specifically, each Christian does. You do. Always be ready for a conversation. Always be ready to offer an invitation. Always be ready to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have. Always be ready to point people to Jesus.
Another Northwoods summer is winding down (cue the cries of anguish: No!) but fishing season will last for a while longer. In fact, the best time for musky fishing is yet to come! But fishing for souls with eternity at stake is always in season. Let’s already be ready for these opportunities: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15b, EHV).
There is such power in the Word that we share: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes—to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, EHV) Reaching out is part of our calling as Christians: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15, EHV)
Don’t forget Jesus’ simple, powerful command: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, EHV) God bless you in your search for the next “Phil” or Phyllis” in your life.
God be with you,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
Last fall, during a six-week span, “Phil” lost his claim on largest musky ever caught by this family. Twice. On September 1st, my youngest daughter caught a 46” monster; the reproduction of that fish is also on my office wall. Then, in mid-October, I managed to catch one just a tad bigger (47”). There may be a reproduction of that one in the future. Both were released – perhaps they’ll find our lures again.
So, that should do it, right? Why bother fishing anymore? Are. You. Kidding. Me? I remain on a continuing quest to find the next “Phil,” another trophy musky worthy of turning into a wall-mount. The accompanying picture is the 41 inch fish I found on Opening Day this spring (May 25th). I’m still going after ‘em.
That’s the thing about fishermen. It’s never enough to just catch a few fish, even a few trophy-size fish, and then move on. The desire to catch more and bigger is always there: one more day, one more lake, one more stop, one more cast. You’ll never hear a musky fisherman say, as Pastor Schwanke wrote in this space a few weeks back regarding his Canadian fishing experience, “I need smaller fish!”(J)
Some say, “Go to Canada. You can catch six fish bigger than “Phil” in a single day.” That’s probably true, but I do enjoy the challenge of exploring right here where I live. Musky fishing has evolved – maps, GPS tech, boats, rods/reels, and the sheer variety (and cost!) of musky lures is absolutely stunning.
There’s a ministry comparison to be made here: as a “fisher of men,” I’m always on the lookout for the next “Phil” or “Phyllis” with whom to share the Gospel. There are many circumstances that might lead people to be interested in the Good News of forgiveness and life with Jesus, but there is only one “lure,” or tool for the task: the Word of God, specifically Law and Gospel.
It isn’t just pastors who are looking to reach out. All Christians do. More specifically, each Christian does. You do. Always be ready for a conversation. Always be ready to offer an invitation. Always be ready to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have. Always be ready to point people to Jesus.
Another Northwoods summer is winding down (cue the cries of anguish: No!) but fishing season will last for a while longer. In fact, the best time for musky fishing is yet to come! But fishing for souls with eternity at stake is always in season. Let’s already be ready for these opportunities: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15b, EHV).
There is such power in the Word that we share: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes—to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, EHV) Reaching out is part of our calling as Christians: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15, EHV)
Don’t forget Jesus’ simple, powerful command: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, EHV) God bless you in your search for the next “Phil” or Phyllis” in your life.
God be with you,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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