Dogwood Days Rodeo @ Woodville, Texas 2010
Pastor Ford Adkins
Dogwood Days Rodeo @ Woodville, Texas 2010
By the age of ten he set a goal of becoming a Professional Rodeo Cowboy; being inspired by the movie "The Great American Cowboy" starring his hero "All Around World Champion Cowboy," Larry Mahan. After watching the movie 8 times in one weekend at the theater and going through boxes of popcorn, cokes and sugar babies, his mind was made up and his destiny was set.
At 14 Ford rode a Continental Trailways Bus to a rodeo school in Kansas to perfect his rough stock riding skills. The mental attitude and physical fitness training he received carried on throughout his career and is still a part of his life today.
Ford won many Youth & Junior Titles and qualified 4 years to the High School State Finals in Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding, becoming a Texas State high School Champion in bareback, All Around and won a Top 4 Championship at the national Finals. The following year Ford was an N.I.R.A. College Regional Contender and joined the Pro ranks earning P.R.C.A. Texas circuit Rookie of the Year Title.
Over twenty year career he competed in six P.R.C.A. Circuit Finals, qualified for the Dodge national Circuit Finals and twelve other association year end Finals, including the I.P.R.A., C.P.R.A. and U.P.R.A. Ford was actively involved not only as a contestant, but as an event director and serving on the board of directors.
After winning over 50 championship buckles, 8 saddles and a prestigious National Cowboy hall of Fame Award, Ford formed a Pro Rodeo School to teach aspiring young cowboys the sport he loved all his life.
All of the years and miles came with a price, as Ford admits to many valleys and storms in life that were caused by bad choices due to his priorities not being in order.
He states, "Many people make mistakes and poor choices in life that they cannot go back and change, but what God is interested in is repentance (change) and what path we are on now."
The Apostle Paul states, "Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead."
Reaching forward with the task God has for him is Ford's focus now. God has a purpose in all things, even in the theater where his passion for rodeo began, which led him to the school in Kansas where Ford received Christ as his Savior. Then, serving in the Rodeo Ministry for years; preaching in arenas, behind the chutes and leading many students and their family members to salvation at his Pro Rodeo Schools.
As he looks back on his life, he can see that all roads have led him to Lufkin, Texas, where he is pastor of Cross Timbers Cowboy Church. He has found true contentment and joy serving God and others with his heart and life.
Ford is very proud of his family and where they came from; with 3 younger Brothers that also were talented rodeo athletes and a Father & Mother that stood behind our dreams.
Ford and his wife Katie have two sons Austin & Chase. He also has an older daughter, Leah that he is very proud of. Leah is serving in the ministry as well.
On October 19, 2009 Katie went home to be with Jesus after a long battle with cancer.
Ford encourages people to follow their dreams and seek God's purpose and will on every road they follow. His favorite scripture is:
"Philippians 4:13...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
2010
The Adkins Family
Ford & Jana @ the Bradley W Due Memorial Ranch Competition 2010
Wedding Day June 4, 2010 * Reception June 13, 2010
