Brooklyn Johnson, June – Have you ever wondered why there are so many different designs/colors of bows and arrows? Maybe the different colors of bows offer a variety for archers to choose from. However, some were specifically made for a purpose.
For example, a unique bow, called the LifeBow™, was created for a specific objective. This goal was to share the good news about Jesus Christ. The bow uses color coordinations to explain each part of the story. For example, the LifeBow™ has a riser that is colored red. This demonstrates how Jesus died for our sins on a cross and resurrected from the grave a couple days later. Just like how the riser is very essential for the bow, Jesus is also essential for us to be saved. We can’t do it without Him.
The LifeBow™ was created by a variety of different people, and is very important to many archers and adults. Centershot® Executive Director, Aaron Scheer, helped to improve the bow later on so that more of the Gospel could be shared. Scheer is very passionate about the LifeBow™ and sharing the good news about Christ. “The purpose of the LifeBow™ is to empower people. One, it is to introduce them to archery, but also introduce them to faith in Christ. And it helps unpack the Gospel Story in a way that people can learn about it. We have ways to share the Gospel. We believe that the LifeBow™ is one of the best ways to share it.”
Scheer also explains his opinion on why he thinks some archers choose to shoot a LifeBow™. “I think it reminds them of what Christ has done for them, but it also is a great conversation starter. Kids get asked all the time, ‘Oh, where’d you get that cool bow?’ And they’re like, ‘Oh, well this bow is my LifeBow™. It tells a story.’ ‘Oh, what story is that?’ Well, now they’re talking about their faith and sharing it. So, I think they care for their friends, and they want to show their care for their friends by introducing them to Christ.”
Not only does the LifeBow™ tell a great story, but some people choose their arrows for unique purposes as well. For example, my dad, Andy Johnson, created his own arrows by gluing different color fletchings to the shafts. This gave him an opportunity to be creative in the designs. He created his arrows to have pink and blue fletchings on blue shafts. “I chose blue and pink fletchings to raise awareness for both breast cancer (pink) and colon cancer (blue). I think everyone has known someone who’s battled breast cancer and it is just my way of showing that those affected are in my thoughts and prayers. Colon cancer has affected my immediate family greatly. Some in my family have battled it and won, and I’ve also lost some family members to it. I ,myself, had colon cancer when I was 39. It’s just my way of bringing attention to the disease and the importance of being screened.”
So, what about you? Do you know someone who chose their bow and/or arrows for a particular reason? It is a very unique idea, and an amazing way to share a story that has affected you or someone you know. It reminds us that there is so much more to archery than just shooting. Sometimes, it’s just hidden under the surface, waiting to be discovered.
To learn more about the LifeBow™ and its story, visit Centershot Lifebow (youtube.com)
