In this powerful episode of Code Red, Pastor Zach Terry sits down with evangelist Mark Witt of Following Our Father Ministry. Mark shares the heartbreaking story of losing his godly father in a tragic hunting accident on the last day of deer season when Mark was just 12 years old. What began as years of bitterness toward God transformed into one of the most remarkable redemption stories.
Through this pain, Mark and his brother Dan have seen countless people — including pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers, prisoners, and everyday "rednecks" at wild game dinners — come to genuine faith in Jesus. Mark unpacks forgiveness, the reality of heaven and hell, why so many in church may be "missing heaven by 18 inches" (head knowledge vs. heart trust), and how God turns tragedy into eternal impact.
This conversation will challenge you to examine your own eternity and encourage you to share the gospel boldly. If you've lost a father, struggled with unforgiveness, or wondered if God can use real pain for good — this is for you.
00:00 Intro & App Promo (Maximum Life Plus)00:47 The Day Dad Died: The Hunting Accident Story Begins01:27 Mark Witt Joins the Studio – Old Friends Reunite02:23 Growing Up: Godly Parents, Hunting Traditions, & Faith03:39 December 14th – The Last Hunt & Tragic Mistake04:57 The Shooter’s Redemption: From Bar Owner to Pastor06:50 How Dad’s Witness Led to Salvation After Death08:31 God Doesn’t Make Mistakes – Realizing the Bigger Plan09:46 Finishing Dad’s Sermon on Heaven12:24 Mom’s Forgiveness & Godly Example13:29 Teaching Kids Sunday School – Changed My Life15:22 Discovering the Gift of Evangelism17:23 Wild Game Dinners & Seeing Half a Church Get Saved19:15 Touching Dad’s Hand in the Casket – Knowing I’d See Him Again20:06 Missing Heaven by 18 Inches – Dad’s Warning22:45 Reaching “Assumed Christians” – Pastors, Deacons, & Longtime Members25:41 The Enemy Doesn’t Care Where You Go to Hell From27:30 The Decline of Revival Meetings & the Role of Evangelists Today31:18 “You’ll Be a Better Deacon If You Get Saved”33:29 Calling the Shooter to Forgive Him – Grace in Action36:21 Ministry Going Global – Pakistan & Beyond39:14 Partnering with Evangelists Like Missionaries40:05 What Hosting Mark Looks Like – No Fees, Just Travel41:06 Wild Game Dinners & Men’s Events Playbook45:56 Fun Hunting Story with Son Zach – Turkey Hunt Gone Wrong (Hilarious!)48:44 Full-Time Ministry & Retirement49:23 Connect with Following Our Father Ministry50:06 Zach’s Endorsement – Integrity in Evangelism52:33 Closing & Final Turkey Hunt ClipPastor Zach Terry / Code Red: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/zachterrypastor Website & Ministry: https://zachterry.org Podcast: Code Red with Zach Terry (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)
Mark Witt – Following Our Father Ministry: Website: https://www.followingourfather.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FollowingOurFatherMinistry Contact for booking, tracts ("Mistaken Identity"), or support: [email protected] (nonprofit 501(c)(3))
If this episode impacted you, share it with someone who needs to hear about forgiveness, eternity, and the power of the gospel. Drop a comment: Where would YOU spend eternity if you died today?
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