STRICTLY OBSERVING: Deer Park that’s good camping

By ZACH COOLEY

On Aug. 30, I visited the Deer Trail Park and Campground at the invitation of my friends Rocky and Jennifer Bilbrey.  This beautiful area of Southwest Virginian land was converted to a full-fledged camping retreat three years ago when Ted and Kathi Martin took it upon themselves to build the campground they had always desired to visit.  As experienced campers and obvious lovers of the outdoors, the Martins immediately chose this Big Walker Mountain area to build their dream park. 
Included on the facility are biking and hiking trails, a heated swimming pool, fishing pond, a playground for children, horse corals, and area specifically designed for such outdoor sports as volleyball, badminton and horseshoes.  If you are a fan of the outdoor beauty our area has to offer, you will find its natural assets very appealing.  The majestic trees of the Jefferson National Forest provide plenty of shaded areas for campsites along the flat, open valley that encompasses a babbling brook.  Pot luck picnics are occasionally offered as well such as the one offered the evening I visited.  Featured on the menu was homemade beef stew and some of the best barbecued chicken I’ve ever eaten.
Following the meal, a spiritual message was delivered by Pastor Buddy Dillow of the Cowboy Church of Virginia, which now meets there every Saturday evening at 7:00 PM.  Established in September 2005, the first service was held at the Wythe County Livestock Exchange.  The principle of the Cowboy Church is to allow all people the opportunity to worship God in a casual environment with special emphasis on farmers, ranchers, rodeo participants and horse owners.
Afterward, the main attraction of the evening was presented.  Well-known country gospel artist Jerry Jones took the stage after a brief introduction from his wife, Jeannine.  The couple had been married for twenty three years before Jerry finally agreed to attend church with his wife after she had spent their entire married life praying for his salvation.  That was five years ago.  Ever since, Jerry and Jeannine have committed their entire lives to serving the Lord through their music and ministry.  This past January, they sold their home and now live in an RV while traveling the country as Jerry performs his gospel music.  Originally an aspiring country musician on the bar scene, Jones converted his musical repertoire completely to gospel after becoming a born again Christian.  He has since written and recorded his own songs as well as covers from other renowned country gospel artists.
Some covers include such Josh Turner tunes as “Long Black Train” and “Me and God.” Also featured during this performance was a cover of the gripping Randy Travis song “Three Wooden Crosses” and Elvis Presley’s classic, “Crying in the Chapel.” A rather obscure tune originally recorded in the 1940s by Hank Williams, Sr. called “House of Gold” and a cover of Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe” was also included.  Of course, several of Jones’s original tunes were performed as well including “Calvary” and “Read the Word.” Though I’ve never been a big fan of country music, the style in which these songs were performed had nothing to do with what I took away from the evening.  It was the powerful message blended with the personal story of Jones’s Christian life that proved to be a prime testament to the fact that, through God and the power of prayer, nothing good is impossible.
I am grateful to have heard that message through such great musical talent.  I also appreciate the genuineness with which it was performed.  Hearing it along with the backdrop of the beautiful mountains and trees God created so that we may have a lovely place to live made it even more enjoyable.  For more information on Jerry Jones, please visit http://www.jerryjonesministries.com.  For more information on Deer Trail Park and Campground, please visit http://www.deertrailpark.com.  For more information on the Cowboy Church, please visit http://www.cowboychurchofva.com.
A graduate of Wytheville Community College, Zach Cooley lives in Wytheville. Contact him at .