Pat and Renee Alphin are gearing up for the 2025 Cody Nite Rodeo, an annual rodeo held in the Rodeo Capital of the World—Cody, Wyoming—that will take place June 1 through August 31. God uses Pat’s gift of gab and his passion and expertise as a retired rodeo competitor and Renee’s rider videos to share the gospel. 

“What is cowboy religion?” a Polish tourist asked Pat of Cody Cowboy Church, the cowboy church he planted in 2016. 

Pat clarified to the tourist that the cowboy church isn’t a religion for cowboys. Instead, it points all people toward a personal relationship with Jesus. 

Pat’s work enables him to engage with cowboys and cowboy enthusiasts from all over the world. He uses his rodeo expertise to give advice and speak to spiritual matters in a way that connects with this unique audience. 

One cowboy took a fall and landed near the fence. Pat asked, “Where were you looking before you landed on the ground?” 

The cowboy replied, “The fence.” 

“You’ll go where you’re looking. You looked at the fence, and you landed there. Keep your chin tucked in and look at the swells [the front of the saddle].” The cowboy won the show.  

“Life is the same,” Pat said. “We will go where we’re looking. When Satan puts a fence in front of us, keep your eyes on Jesus, or you’ll end up piled up in the fence.”  

Pat added, “Everyone has a unique personality, abilities, desires, and spiritual gifts. God uses the whole package to fulfill His purpose.” 

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By Audrey Hector