History of On Target For The Lord

It was the summer of 2002. Our associate Pastor, Wayne Stuntz was building a Deck at his home. Several of us volunteered to assist. One day while putting away the tools in his garage, I saw a Dart Board on the floor leaning against the wall. I admonished him for not having it in an appropriate location. We laughed and went on to talk about darts. I spoke of the days that I used to play with the Central Ohio Darters (COD) during the late 70's and early 80's. Wayne had played off and on over the years and just did not have a chance to install the board since they moved in. I missed darts since deciding that frequenting the bars to play could not be a part of my life. Conversations of darts came up every once in a while during the construction of the deck. One day Wayne suggested I start a Dart league at the Church. I kicked the idea around for a while and finally decided that he had a good idea. It took me more than a year to make up my mind. I thought that it would be a good way to get back into darts and bring people into a safe environment for fun and fellowship at the same time.

Where would I find a pattern for an easel? I had not seen one in ages. Then I remembered Mike Wielbacher. He had two that he bought from the COD years ago after their membership had dwindled. He was gracious enough to lend it to me. He said he knew I would take good care of it and would always know where to find it if he needed it. With this easel in hand I set out to build two more. With the help primarily of Wayne and his carpentry tools and assistance from Bill Hosterman and Kevin Stuntz we completed them just days before the first league night. Light fixtures were purchased, Boards were donated and we were off in January 2004.

We started with 6 teams. All of which had 4 people except one with 5. Our Sub List had 3 people on it. Year 2005 most teams had 5 players. Year 2006 we pushed hard to get the 7th and 8th teams. Most of them had 4 players. With a short Sub List again many nights saw 3 against 4 matches during 2004, 2005 and 2006. In the year 2007 we started with 8 teams again. Most have 5 regular members. Our Sub list has 7 people on it.

From 28 Regulars and subs in 2004, we now have 44 regulars and subs. I would expect by next season we would have 10 teams. It has become a wonderful way to get to know others within our church. Within the four services held at our church there would not have been much of a chance to meet most of these people. Friendships have been started, renewed and nurtured through this odd ministry. A Dart League in a Church? Who would have thought of it? Well, I guess we know the Lord thought of it. We are just acting on it.

Stay on Target for The Lord!