A Story of a Boy, a Mother’s Love, and God’s Hand at Work

A few weeks ago, at Longer's Kids Camp in Hamilton, TX, we received an application from a mom who wanted her son to attend. On the surface, it was like any other application. But once we learned their story, it shook us to the core.

This young boy was diagnosed with brain cancer at just nine years old. Tumors spread across his brain, and even today, he still carries a few behind his eyes. But cancer wasn’t his only battle. When he got sick, his world fell apart. His dad walked away. His siblings and extended family had little to do with him. Even his friends stopped inviting him to things, thinking he couldn’t enjoy them anymore.

Now, it’s just him and his mom. Two people standing strong together, with a love that refuses to quit.

When Ryan Longer and I read their application, Ryan's first thought was to give this boy a gift he’d never forget: a ram hunt at Longers Outdoors Wild Worldwide Adventures . A day in the field, chasing adventure. A day to just feel like every other kid.

But then my wife, Melanie Wooten, spoke up with something simple yet profound:

“Why don’t you reach out to the family and see what they really need?”

That question opened the door for God to step in.

When I called, the mom told me that while her son would love the hunt, what they truly needed was something life-changing: a Zeen Walker. Their current mobility device weighs over 200 pounds, making every single outing a struggle. The Zeen would give him independence, freedom, and dignity.

So Ryan made a decision: instead of giving the boy the hunt, he would auction the hunt and use the proceeds for the chair.

And that’s when God began to move in ways none of us could have planned.

Ryan and his team raised most of the funds. Ironmen Outdoor Ministries Gulf Coast Region stepped in to cover the remaining portion, making sure it was fully funded. And then, in what can only be described as divine intervention, I was able to find what seemed to be the only Zeen Walker available in the country outside of buying one brand new, a practically untouched chair sitting just five hours away in Nashville, TN. The woman selling it had just lost her husband after a week of use, and she was willing to let it go.

From there, Festus Potee helped coordinate with one of our disabled veterans, Will Erhard, who went and picked up the chair. He’s now bringing it back during an event in Alabama with WarHawgs. Others stepped in to help with the warranty, cleaning, and preparation so this boy will have everything he needs.

Looking back, there is simply no way all these pieces came together on their own. Too many doors opened. Too many hearts aligned. This was God’s hand guiding, providing, and reminding us that He is always at work.

From January 2–4, we will gather at Longer's Outdoors in Hamilton, TX, and present this chair to the boy and his mom.

What started as an idea for a hunt has become so much more: a story of a mother’s love, a child’s courage, a community’s compassion, and a God who still works miracles.

To everyone who played a part, Ryan Longer and his crew, Melanie for planting the idea, Ironman Outdoor Ministries, Festus, Will, and countless others thank you.

And here’s the truth: this is just one story. There are more kids out there who need help, who need hope, who need to know they’re not forgotten. If you want to be part of this mission whether by donating, connecting us to a child in need, or simply sharing their stories we invite you to join us.

Because when God moves, miracles happen. And this boy’s story is living proof.