West's Archery, Inc.
THE ONLY GOSPEL ARCHERY PROGRAM IN THE WORLD
What do you get when you combine
an Olympic Archer and a Christian Archer?
GOSPEL ARCHERY
  
HOW GOSPEL ARCHERY BEGAN
After the 1972 Olympics, Mark West decided to officially "retire" from the sport at the competitive level. A few months later Mark was asked to participate in a sermon given by a pastor who was a friend of the family. That pastor was Elder Frank Vessels. The date was Thanksgiving of 1972.
Mark West with Pastor Frank Vessels (March 2003)
Six years later (1978) while attending a church in Riverside, another pastor by the name of Arthur Lesko heard of Marks background in archery and asked Mark to participate in a program for some youngsters in the church.
Pastor Arthur Lesko and Mark West at a program in the early 1980's
In the early days a western flavor was used
A few years later, Steve McClain joined the team as a technical advisor coming up with some interesting trick shot ideas for Mark. As a long time friend of the family Steve had seen the Gospel Archery presentations and had some wonderful input.
 
Steve McClain (left) with Pastor Arthur Lesko / Steve Speaks at PSR
In 1992 West's Archery added Mark and Charlene's two sons Mark, Jr and Aaron who were an instant hit with all audiences at the tender ages of 3 and 4 and 1/2.
 
Aaron 3 yrs old (left) and Mark, Jr. 4 and 1/2 years old (right)
1997 was the year that Charlene joined the team as a spokesperson and for a year was also a shooting member of the team. Later she decided to concentrate on her presentations as a speaker rather than an archer. That same year Christian music was added to each program and was an immediate success.
 
Charlene West once did double duty as an archer and speaker
In the last 15 years, West's Archery, Inc. has performed in over 400 programs. Over the years several qualified archers have joined the sharpshooting team making guest appearances around the country.
2003 West's Archery Team
A Target at the Foot of the Cross
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