Merle Fredericks chairman and executive director |
David Roose CBA Founder and Board Member |
Mike Peters Vice Chairman |
Linda Dahlen Treasurer |
Josh Wilson Secretary |
Kari Mihal Board Member |
Bryan Sweeney
Board Member
Click below for board member biographies...
Merle Fredericks - Chairman and Executive Director
Rev. Merle R. Fredericks, called of God, became a licensed minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in February 2021, ultimately becoming an ordained minister in August 2022.
Merle has been a devoted supporter of CBA since joining the membership in 1992 and currently as a Lifetime Member. Merle previously served as CBA’s Chapter Coordinator and has served on the board since 2006. Presently he serves as CBA’s Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Christian Bowhunters of America, which includes, but is not limited to: processing all membership and merchandise orders, supporting current chapters and encouraging the
formation of new ones, (CBA currently has 3210 members, though not all are active, and 22 chapters in 14 different states), communicating with and responding to countless emails and phone calls weekly, compiling articles and laying out the CBH magazine quarterly and serving as our Facebook administrator. The responsibility of raising funds, procuring donations, and recruiting archery manufacturers and outdoor businesses to advertise in our quarterly magazine are also some of the many essential duties he performs for the fiscal security of the ministry.
Merle regularly speaks at game dinners and prayer breakfasts for the purpose of sharing bow hunting and the Gospel. Over these past ten years or so, hundreds have made decisions for Christ at these events. He attends and represents CBA at the annual Archery Trade Show, the biennial Pope & Young Convention, and the Compton Traditional Shoot each year in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
In addition to his service at the national level, he is also Chairman of a local CBA chapter; the Bow Bending Believers of Medina NY, a position he has held since its founding in 2003. While under his leadership the Bow Bending Believers hosted three National Shoots in 2006, 2012, & 2015. They have also hosted 16 wild game dinners, featuring many renowned keynote speakers who shared the gospel during their presentations. Over 3500 people have attended these events with 321 people praying to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and another 182 people re-dedicating their lives to the Lord as well. The Bow Bending Believers have also hosted many 3D shoots and youth events where many others have prayed to receive Christ. Currently, the Bow Bending Believers are conducting 8-week NASP/Centershot Classes for youth, grades four through twelve, at their indoor archery range in Medina NY. Merle is a NASP BAI Certified Instructor and a Centershot Certified Instructor.
After a 25-year career in law enforcement, which started in a small local village police department, advanced to the county as a Deputy Sheriff, continued on to become a Criminal Investigator and culminated in his retirement in 2003 as the elected County Sheriff after having served in that position for 5 years.
His love of God’s Great Outdoors and passion for good sportsmanship and safety is demonstrated by his 47 years of hunting, 39 years as a bow hunter and his commitment to teaching as a NYS DEC Certified Instructor for 19 years, now as a Master Instructor.
Merle makes his home in the whitetail woods of western New York overlooking beautiful Oak Orchard River with his wife Mitzi; sweetheart, best friend and hunting partner of 45 years. He feels that she is a huge help to him. She is the recording secretary for the Board of Directors, edits and helps lay out the magazine, assists with the fund-raising campaigns and is a devoted prayer warrior. Mitzi also regularly accompanies Merle, helping him represent CBA when he travels. They are blessed with three children (and their spouses)
eight grandchildren, one great grandson and a great granddaughter on the way.
Merle has been a devoted supporter of CBA since joining the membership in 1992 and currently as a Lifetime Member. Merle previously served as CBA’s Chapter Coordinator and has served on the board since 2006. Presently he serves as CBA’s Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Christian Bowhunters of America, which includes, but is not limited to: processing all membership and merchandise orders, supporting current chapters and encouraging the
formation of new ones, (CBA currently has 3210 members, though not all are active, and 22 chapters in 14 different states), communicating with and responding to countless emails and phone calls weekly, compiling articles and laying out the CBH magazine quarterly and serving as our Facebook administrator. The responsibility of raising funds, procuring donations, and recruiting archery manufacturers and outdoor businesses to advertise in our quarterly magazine are also some of the many essential duties he performs for the fiscal security of the ministry.
Merle regularly speaks at game dinners and prayer breakfasts for the purpose of sharing bow hunting and the Gospel. Over these past ten years or so, hundreds have made decisions for Christ at these events. He attends and represents CBA at the annual Archery Trade Show, the biennial Pope & Young Convention, and the Compton Traditional Shoot each year in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
In addition to his service at the national level, he is also Chairman of a local CBA chapter; the Bow Bending Believers of Medina NY, a position he has held since its founding in 2003. While under his leadership the Bow Bending Believers hosted three National Shoots in 2006, 2012, & 2015. They have also hosted 16 wild game dinners, featuring many renowned keynote speakers who shared the gospel during their presentations. Over 3500 people have attended these events with 321 people praying to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and another 182 people re-dedicating their lives to the Lord as well. The Bow Bending Believers have also hosted many 3D shoots and youth events where many others have prayed to receive Christ. Currently, the Bow Bending Believers are conducting 8-week NASP/Centershot Classes for youth, grades four through twelve, at their indoor archery range in Medina NY. Merle is a NASP BAI Certified Instructor and a Centershot Certified Instructor.
After a 25-year career in law enforcement, which started in a small local village police department, advanced to the county as a Deputy Sheriff, continued on to become a Criminal Investigator and culminated in his retirement in 2003 as the elected County Sheriff after having served in that position for 5 years.
His love of God’s Great Outdoors and passion for good sportsmanship and safety is demonstrated by his 47 years of hunting, 39 years as a bow hunter and his commitment to teaching as a NYS DEC Certified Instructor for 19 years, now as a Master Instructor.
Merle makes his home in the whitetail woods of western New York overlooking beautiful Oak Orchard River with his wife Mitzi; sweetheart, best friend and hunting partner of 45 years. He feels that she is a huge help to him. She is the recording secretary for the Board of Directors, edits and helps lay out the magazine, assists with the fund-raising campaigns and is a devoted prayer warrior. Mitzi also regularly accompanies Merle, helping him represent CBA when he travels. They are blessed with three children (and their spouses)
eight grandchildren, one great grandson and a great granddaughter on the way.
David Roose - CBA Founder
I was born on Sept. 17, 1942 in a Wesleyan parsonage in Indiana. Early in life I learned about the love of God and home.
I grew up in Mio, Michigan and there grew to love the out-of-doors, fishing and hunting. My 9th grade shop teacher was my bowhunting mentor and in the 9th and 10th grades I had my first whitetail deer encounters with a bow in my hand.
I graduated from high school at a Christian School in KY and while there truly found God’s saving grace real in my life. I felt called to pastor as a senior in High School and went on to graduate from Kentucky Mountain Bible College in 1963. There I began dating my wife, Cullann. We were married in June, 1964 after she graduated from KMBC. Our first church was in Laketon, IN. While pastoring, I received my AB in Religion at Marion College, now Indiana Wesleyan University. We later pastored in White Hall, Midland and Lake Ann near Traverse City, MI.
A negative pastoral experience while at Lake Ann caused me to enter the building trades with the help of my older brother in Plymouth, MI. Not liking the “big city” I moved our little family, back north to Cadillac. That was 40 years ago come 2016. While here I got my State builders license and made a reasonable living. Cullann had received her BS in Elementary Education and taught in a Christian school for 16 years.
My passion for ministry would not die. After many applications and closed doors, God brought the concept of a ministry to bowhunters to my mind. That was in 1983 and by July, 1984, with the help of an attorney bowhunting friend, Christian Bowhunters of America was born. I never looked back. Construction was my means of making a living, CBA was my calling and Michigan Bowhunters my first mission field. As Founder of CBA, I have been B.O.B chairman for 21 years. With the help of many talented men and women we still are doing effective ministry today. As President and Chaplain of MBH, I earned the right to be heard. God has given spiritual fruit there over the years.
I retired from construction at age 62 and became Pastor of Senior Adults at THBC, our home church for all our time in Cadillac. I retired from the church after 7 years of effective ministry.
Cullann & I have 4 grandchildren now from 23 years to 8 months. God has been good to us over the years as we’ve walked in His leading. I continue to enjoy bowhunting at age 73 (51 years with a recurve in my hand). I’m very grateful CBA continues to be an effective ministry. And I’m expecting the return of my Saviour anytime now. Rev. 22:20
I grew up in Mio, Michigan and there grew to love the out-of-doors, fishing and hunting. My 9th grade shop teacher was my bowhunting mentor and in the 9th and 10th grades I had my first whitetail deer encounters with a bow in my hand.
I graduated from high school at a Christian School in KY and while there truly found God’s saving grace real in my life. I felt called to pastor as a senior in High School and went on to graduate from Kentucky Mountain Bible College in 1963. There I began dating my wife, Cullann. We were married in June, 1964 after she graduated from KMBC. Our first church was in Laketon, IN. While pastoring, I received my AB in Religion at Marion College, now Indiana Wesleyan University. We later pastored in White Hall, Midland and Lake Ann near Traverse City, MI.
A negative pastoral experience while at Lake Ann caused me to enter the building trades with the help of my older brother in Plymouth, MI. Not liking the “big city” I moved our little family, back north to Cadillac. That was 40 years ago come 2016. While here I got my State builders license and made a reasonable living. Cullann had received her BS in Elementary Education and taught in a Christian school for 16 years.
My passion for ministry would not die. After many applications and closed doors, God brought the concept of a ministry to bowhunters to my mind. That was in 1983 and by July, 1984, with the help of an attorney bowhunting friend, Christian Bowhunters of America was born. I never looked back. Construction was my means of making a living, CBA was my calling and Michigan Bowhunters my first mission field. As Founder of CBA, I have been B.O.B chairman for 21 years. With the help of many talented men and women we still are doing effective ministry today. As President and Chaplain of MBH, I earned the right to be heard. God has given spiritual fruit there over the years.
I retired from construction at age 62 and became Pastor of Senior Adults at THBC, our home church for all our time in Cadillac. I retired from the church after 7 years of effective ministry.
Cullann & I have 4 grandchildren now from 23 years to 8 months. God has been good to us over the years as we’ve walked in His leading. I continue to enjoy bowhunting at age 73 (51 years with a recurve in my hand). I’m very grateful CBA continues to be an effective ministry. And I’m expecting the return of my Saviour anytime now. Rev. 22:20
Mike Peters - Vice Chairman
Mike Peters, father of four has been an avid bowhunter since 1980. He has bow hunted whitetail deer, wild hogs, moose and bears. Currently chairman of Lord of the Harvest Archery Club, a chapter of CBA, Mike is also involved in National Bowhunter Education as an instructor, Ohio Hunter Education, Pope and Young Club, Ohio Society of Traditional Archers, Ohio Bowhunters Association, the NRA, Buckmasters and his church.
Mike and his wife of 42 years, Ruth have attended all but three CBA National shoots. The CBA fire was lit by an elderly woman at Mikes church who brought a newspaper article about a local CBA chapter starting in the area. Mike attended a meeting and he and Ruth decided that they could do this ministry together. The rest is history!
Mike annually speaks at different events from game dinners to chapel services. One of his favorite things to coach newcomers to bowhunting.
“My own personal goal for CBA is to equip and educate each chapter so they can meet the great commission and not become a good old boys shooting club. Serving as a CBA board member is exactly that 'Serving'. Please feel free to contact me for help in any way.”
Mike and his wife of 42 years, Ruth have attended all but three CBA National shoots. The CBA fire was lit by an elderly woman at Mikes church who brought a newspaper article about a local CBA chapter starting in the area. Mike attended a meeting and he and Ruth decided that they could do this ministry together. The rest is history!
Mike annually speaks at different events from game dinners to chapel services. One of his favorite things to coach newcomers to bowhunting.
“My own personal goal for CBA is to equip and educate each chapter so they can meet the great commission and not become a good old boys shooting club. Serving as a CBA board member is exactly that 'Serving'. Please feel free to contact me for help in any way.”
Linda Dahlen - Treasurer
Raised in a hunting family but never hunting as a child, Linda always yearned for both the outdoors and for the hunt. She did not hunt as a young adult either, but later when her young son showed a keen interest in guns and hunting, she ran with their shared interest. She quickly became proficient with handguns and long guns, going on to get certified by NRA as an Instructor. She is also certified as a Firearm Safety Instructor and Bowhunter Education Instructor in Minnesota. Firearms hunting came first, then archery.
A longtime writer, Linda soon was writing outdoor articles for magazines, newspapers and websites about her hunting adventures. She invented a line of trail markers called FireTacks, bringing them to market in 2001. She later got involved with Christian Bowhunters of America as a member in 2003 after discovering CBA at an Archery Trade Association trade show.
Linda was raised Catholic and cherishes her spiritual roots in the Catholic Church. In her late 20’s she accepted Christ which completely changed her life and while she attends Protestant (Evangelical) church now, she knows that being a Believer in Jesus Christ is not about denominational labels. Today, her main hunting partners are her husband, her son and his wife, and a number of other likeminded hunting enthusiasts in Minnesota and around the country. Linda has harvested 4 bear, over 70 whitetails, wild pigs and countless varmints with her bow as well as many turkeys with shotgun and deer with rifle.
Linda serves as a worship song leader at her church doing contemporary Christian music, as well as overseeing some hospitality functions. She and her husband Don hunt at both their home in Isle, MN and also at her private land in the area.
The best part of the hunting experience for Linda, is the time alone with her Savior to ‘Be still and know that I am God’. “The miracles in nature cry out the majesty and glory of God in a way you cannot experience anywhere else”, she says.
Linda was elected as the first female Board member of CBA, and began serving as Treasurer of the organization shortly thereafter.
A longtime writer, Linda soon was writing outdoor articles for magazines, newspapers and websites about her hunting adventures. She invented a line of trail markers called FireTacks, bringing them to market in 2001. She later got involved with Christian Bowhunters of America as a member in 2003 after discovering CBA at an Archery Trade Association trade show.
Linda was raised Catholic and cherishes her spiritual roots in the Catholic Church. In her late 20’s she accepted Christ which completely changed her life and while she attends Protestant (Evangelical) church now, she knows that being a Believer in Jesus Christ is not about denominational labels. Today, her main hunting partners are her husband, her son and his wife, and a number of other likeminded hunting enthusiasts in Minnesota and around the country. Linda has harvested 4 bear, over 70 whitetails, wild pigs and countless varmints with her bow as well as many turkeys with shotgun and deer with rifle.
Linda serves as a worship song leader at her church doing contemporary Christian music, as well as overseeing some hospitality functions. She and her husband Don hunt at both their home in Isle, MN and also at her private land in the area.
The best part of the hunting experience for Linda, is the time alone with her Savior to ‘Be still and know that I am God’. “The miracles in nature cry out the majesty and glory of God in a way you cannot experience anywhere else”, she says.
Linda was elected as the first female Board member of CBA, and began serving as Treasurer of the organization shortly thereafter.
Josh Wilson - Secretary
Josh grew up in a home and church where a love for the Lord, the bonds of family and an enjoyment of archery, hunting and the outdoors formed a foundation for life. He has known Jesus as his Lord and Savior since childhood, and has experienced general growth in his faith along with specific periods of more intense spiritual development at various points along his journey through life.
In college Josh majored in biology and minored in education. He has been a high school teacher, a church youth ministry director, and a staff intern with Young Life. He is currently the Executive Director of the Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry venison donation ministry, and a part-time instructional assistant with the local school system. He volunteers with Young Life, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a Basic Archery Instructor with the National Archery in the Schools Program.
Josh and his wife Gwen have been married for over 20 years and have four children spanning elementary, middle and high school. Together they have attended several CBA National Shoots. They desire to help people use their passion for archery and bowhunting to share the good news of the Gospel and help others grow in their faith.
In college Josh majored in biology and minored in education. He has been a high school teacher, a church youth ministry director, and a staff intern with Young Life. He is currently the Executive Director of the Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry venison donation ministry, and a part-time instructional assistant with the local school system. He volunteers with Young Life, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a Basic Archery Instructor with the National Archery in the Schools Program.
Josh and his wife Gwen have been married for over 20 years and have four children spanning elementary, middle and high school. Together they have attended several CBA National Shoots. They desire to help people use their passion for archery and bowhunting to share the good news of the Gospel and help others grow in their faith.
Kari Mihal - Board Member
I was saved and baptized when I was around 11. I always loved the outdoors, but didn't start hunting until I met my husband Tim. In 1998, he put a bow in my hand and the rest is history. We’ve been married for 23 years and we have a son, Koleman, who is currently in college.
In 2007 we found CBA at the WV Hunting and Fishing Show. Almost Heaven Archers, a chapter of CBA invited us to an upcoming archery weekend, that ended up being a CBA National Shoot. My husband gave his life to Christ that weekend, and not to long after that our son was saved as well.
Fast forward to today, and I'm the current chairman of Almost Heaven Archers and a Regional Rep for the West Virginia Bowhunters Association. I got to work with 4 other CBA chapters to help host a CBA National Shoot and I get to volunteer with our local DNR to help with the Archery in School Program and other events. Before COVID-19 hit, I got to serve as a youth leader and be part of the Ladies Mission Circle in my home church.
When I look back, Its amazing to see how God used archery to change our lives as a family and as individuals. Because of that, it has become my passion to share that same love to those around me, and I get to do it with my family right by my side.
I love this ministry and what it stands for. It’s a blessing to be allowed to use the outdoors and a bow an arrow to share the love of Jesus Christ. I believe people need to know Christs love, now more than ever. I've seen God work through this ministry and I am honored to serve as a Board of Director for CBA.
In 2007 we found CBA at the WV Hunting and Fishing Show. Almost Heaven Archers, a chapter of CBA invited us to an upcoming archery weekend, that ended up being a CBA National Shoot. My husband gave his life to Christ that weekend, and not to long after that our son was saved as well.
Fast forward to today, and I'm the current chairman of Almost Heaven Archers and a Regional Rep for the West Virginia Bowhunters Association. I got to work with 4 other CBA chapters to help host a CBA National Shoot and I get to volunteer with our local DNR to help with the Archery in School Program and other events. Before COVID-19 hit, I got to serve as a youth leader and be part of the Ladies Mission Circle in my home church.
When I look back, Its amazing to see how God used archery to change our lives as a family and as individuals. Because of that, it has become my passion to share that same love to those around me, and I get to do it with my family right by my side.
I love this ministry and what it stands for. It’s a blessing to be allowed to use the outdoors and a bow an arrow to share the love of Jesus Christ. I believe people need to know Christs love, now more than ever. I've seen God work through this ministry and I am honored to serve as a Board of Director for CBA.
Bryan Sweeney - Board Member
My wife's name is Kelly and we have three children. I just celebrated 36 years of being a Christian. I was ordained in 1994 by the West Virginia Baptist convention.
I first started shooting archery at summer camps at about the age of 10 or 12 and have loved it since then. My father nor many in my family hunted very much but my best friend and his family did. So I started hunting with him and I actually harvested my first deer with a bow before even taking one with a gun.
As a minister I began a bow hunting retreat at our West Virginia Baptist convention conference center in 1998. At one of those retreats we began talking about CBA and decided to begin a chapter here in West Virginia in 2005. And we have been blessed many times over in the last 10 years of ministry for CBA. We all believe it is a ministry where we get to incorporate two of our greatest loves, Jesus and archery or bow hunting!
We have been blessed to be able to purchase several bows and targets and arrows and get to introduce archery to many people of all ages while also telling them about Jesus. We take those archery tools to churches, Bible schools, 4-H camp's, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and get to shoot archery and talk about Jesus. We feel blessed to get to do that.
We also have set up booths at many hunting and outdoor shows including the biggest one for our whole state in the capital of Charleston, West Virginia every January. In January 2016 we were invited to conduct a worship service at that event on Sunday morning for all of the vendors.
We have been very thankful as a Chapter - Almost Heaven Archers - for the support and resources that CBA has given us over these 10 years. We look forward to what God has in store for us in the coming years in our association with CBA.
I personally am very honored and excited to serve as board of director chairman for CBA, working together to further the Kingdom with all CBA members and chapters, board members, and our executive director Merle Fredericks!!
I first started shooting archery at summer camps at about the age of 10 or 12 and have loved it since then. My father nor many in my family hunted very much but my best friend and his family did. So I started hunting with him and I actually harvested my first deer with a bow before even taking one with a gun.
As a minister I began a bow hunting retreat at our West Virginia Baptist convention conference center in 1998. At one of those retreats we began talking about CBA and decided to begin a chapter here in West Virginia in 2005. And we have been blessed many times over in the last 10 years of ministry for CBA. We all believe it is a ministry where we get to incorporate two of our greatest loves, Jesus and archery or bow hunting!
We have been blessed to be able to purchase several bows and targets and arrows and get to introduce archery to many people of all ages while also telling them about Jesus. We take those archery tools to churches, Bible schools, 4-H camp's, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and get to shoot archery and talk about Jesus. We feel blessed to get to do that.
We also have set up booths at many hunting and outdoor shows including the biggest one for our whole state in the capital of Charleston, West Virginia every January. In January 2016 we were invited to conduct a worship service at that event on Sunday morning for all of the vendors.
We have been very thankful as a Chapter - Almost Heaven Archers - for the support and resources that CBA has given us over these 10 years. We look forward to what God has in store for us in the coming years in our association with CBA.
I personally am very honored and excited to serve as board of director chairman for CBA, working together to further the Kingdom with all CBA members and chapters, board members, and our executive director Merle Fredericks!!
