Wild Pursuits

What happens when your love for art, fly fishing, and the outdoors becomes the very thing God uses to reach the next generation? Duane and Marlene Hada have been living that answer for nearly a decade.

Duane serves as the State Director of Cross Trail Outfitters Arkansas, while Marlene stands faithfully beside him—encouraging, mentoring, cooking, and helping create a home away from home for the boys they serve. In this episode of Wild Pursuits, they share how their unique gifts and shared faith have been woven into a life-changing ministry that uses the outdoors as a backdrop for transformation.

Together, they offer a powerful picture of how God uses ordinary people and everyday skills to make an eternal difference. Whether you’re into ministry, mentorship, or just love hearing stories of lives changed in the wild, this one is for you.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

In this episode of Wild Pursuits, we hear directly from two young members of Cross Trail Outfitters—one just getting started and one with several years of experience—as they share what CTO has meant to them. From forging lasting friendships to unforgettable duck hunts with the Roanoke River Delta chapter, their stories offer a fresh perspective on how God uses time in the outdoors to shape lives. This candid conversation highlights the unique experiences and spiritual growth that happen when young people step into the field with CTO.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

Welcome back to Wild Pursuits! This episode is part two of our conversation with North Carolina Outfitter, Josh East. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, be sure to check it out!

Josh dives deeper into what it means to hear from God, even in the quiet moments. He shares powerful insights on recognizing God’s grace in everyday life, the importance of humility, and how acknowledging His presence can transform the way we see the world. From using a simple “grace clicker” to keeping a gratitude journal, Josh offers practical ways to shift our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in God’s eyes.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

In this first part of a two-part conversation on Wild Pursuits, we sit down with Josh East, the Manteo chapter Outfitter for Cross Trail Outfitters of North Carolina. From his early days of hiking alone in the mountains to hearing God’s call to mentor young men through the outdoors, Josh shares his incredible journey of faith, obedience, and purpose. Listen as he recounts the moment he realized CTO was the vehicle for his calling, the power of trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and the countless ways God has shown up in the field, on the water, and in the lives of the boys he leads. This episode is packed with faith-filled adventure, divine encounters, and lessons in answering God’s call. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will challenge you to listen, trust, and step into the calling God has placed on your heart!

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

Join us as we sit down with two longtime members of CTO North Carolina. They share how CTO has shaped their lives, from unforgettable hunting and fishing adventures to the life-changing moments of accepting Christ and being baptized. Listen as they recount brotherhood, personal growth, and the impact of faith in the great outdoors. Plus, hear about the Blackduck Island camp, thrilling duck hunts, and the unforgettable “stingray and eggs” tradition. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

What does it mean to grow up surrounded by faith, mentorship, and the wild? In this episode of Wild Pursuits, we gather in a bunkhouse rich with CTO history alongside Kyle, Parker, and Will, three men whose paths from boyhood exploits to deep faith were shaped by Cross Trail Outfitters. Now guides and mentors, they share defining moments including a powerful decision to forgive a father, perseverance in the midst of challenges, and the impact of investing in the next generation. Their stories embody the spirit of CTO, where faith, friendship, and the great outdoors forge boys into men.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

What does it look like to step out in faith and follow God’s call? In this episode of Wild Pursuits, we join Casey and Tiffany Allen as they share their incredible journey into full-time ministry. Casey, a former military serviceman, recounts his path from starting out in CTO as an outfitter to becoming a state director, while Tiffany reflects on her role as a wife, mother, and photographer supporting the mission. They discuss the challenges of raising their own support, the impact of mentorship, and the unforgettable moment when a young man gave his life to Christ.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

In this episode of Wild Pursuits, we sit down with Maverick Lopez and his mother, Cassandra, to hear their powerful story. Maverick was one of the first boys in CTO Missouri’s history, and his journey with CTO has been life-changing. From his first deer hunt in freezing temperatures to a powerful campfire moment that shaped his faith, Maverick shares how CTO helped him navigate the loss of his father and find his purpose. Cassandra also reflects on the impact CTO had on their family and the importance of Godly mentorship. Their story is a testament to God’s presence in both the struggles and victories of life.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

In this second episode, we sit down with Kirk Bouse, our Executive National Director, and his wife, Jennifer. With nearly 17 years of involvement in Cross Trail Outfitters, they have a powerful story to share. Kirk took a leap of faith, selling his successful business to follow God’s calling for his family. From raising young daughters to now serving as empty nesters, Kirk and Jennifer’s journey with CTO is one of faith, sacrifice, and purpose.

Join us as they reflect on their path and the impact CTO has had on their lives.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

In this episode of Wild Pursuits, we hear from two young men whose lives were forever changed by Cross Trail Outfitters. They joined CTO as teenagers and found mentorship, faith, and a brotherhood rooted in the great outdoors. Their stories are a testament to the life-changing impact of CTO.

If you would like to support us or are interested in getting involved, visit our website at teamcto.org.