History

A Seed Waiting to Serve

Founded in 1988 out of a passion for serving youth utilizing fishing as a way to help teens with specific needs.  

Started as a seed while in Seminary working with the youth through various outdoor activities like fishing, camping, skiing, and biking.  Many youth would contact me and want go to lake and fish and spend time talking while enjoying the outdoors.  Many celebrations, frustrations, joys and tears have been experienced while on the water.

In the Beginning

Eric Lawler, whose family owned Norcross Marine, encouraged me to be more intentional and apply for sponsorships. Thanks to Eric I was able to secure help from a boat manufacturer, motor manufacturer, and marine electronics company.  We no longer have commercial sponsors as we are not for profit.  Many folks have generously contributed to the mission in so many ways and continue to offer support.

The next folks that helped were Gary Merriman at the Fish Hawk in Atlanta and Lake Lanier Guide and Outdoor Writer Bill Vanderford.

• Gary was an early encouragement with contacts and resources.  
• Bill wrote amazing articles for the press.  Bill would even allow me to guide for his guide business.

Then there is Tom Hall, a manufactures Representative for Fishing Goods, assisted with fund raising, products to give to participants, overall encouragement and a listening ear.

It was Tom that introduced me to Carl and Betty Logan.  Carl’s company Simpson Sales, was the Shimano Manufacturers representative, and they would donate great items for our fund raising tournaments and items to give to the youth.  Betty was even one of our volunteers for fishing events with the youth.

Currently

Through the years, after incorporating in 1987, I have maintained the ministry.  Now in retirement, it has become a passion and have had much encouragement from friends, family, and co-workers to continue what started over thirty five years ago.

Currently Highland Ministries has worked with Superior Drug Court participants as an outlet for recovery and recreation through fishing.  The founder also serves as a facilitator for Juvenile Court with a program called T4C (Thing For a Change).  This program works with Juvenile misdemeanor offenders.  He also tutors struggling students of Juvenile Court on a regular basis to help students achieve academic success.

About the Founder

Our founder holds a Master of Divinity from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, Clinical Pastoral Education Certification (CPE) from Georgia Baptist Medical Center, and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Psychology from University of Tennessee at Martin. 

A retired minister, hospice chaplain, and special education school teacher, he continues his passion for fishing and ministry by devoting his time to Highland Ministries.