Mistaken Identity - The Story of how a Tragic Hunting Accident Saved Thousands

In this powerful episode of Code Red, Pastor Zach Terry sits down with evangelist Mark Witt of Following Our Father Ministry. Mark shares the heartbreaking story of losing his godly father in a tragic hunting accident on the last day of deer season when Mark was just 12 years old. What began as years of bitterness toward God transformed into one of the most remarkable redemption stories.Through this pain, Mark and his brother Dan have seen countless people — including pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers, prisoners, and everyday "rednecks" at wild game dinners — come to genuine faith in Jesus. Mark unpacks forgiveness, the reality of heaven and hell, why so many in church may be "missing heaven by 18 inches" (head knowledge vs. heart trust), and how God turns tragedy into eternal impact. This conversation will challenge you to examine your own eternity and encourage you to share the gospel boldly. If you've lost a father, struggled with unforgiveness, or wondered if God can use real pain for good — this is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & App Promo (Maximum Life Plus) 00:47 The Day Dad Died: The Hunting Accident Story Begins 01:27 Mark Witt Joins the Studio – Old Friends Reunite 02:23 Growing Up: Godly Parents, Hunting Traditions, & Faith 03:39 December 14th – The Last Hunt & Tragic Mistake 04:57 The Shooter’s Redemption: From Bar Owner to Pastor 06:50 How Dad’s Witness Led to Salvation After Death 08:31 God Doesn’t Make Mistakes – Realizing the Bigger Plan 09:46 Finishing Dad’s Sermon on Heaven 12:24 Mom’s Forgiveness & Godly Example 13:29 Teaching Kids Sunday School – Changed My Life 15:22 Discovering the Gift of Evangelism 17:23 Wild Game Dinners & Seeing Half a Church Get Saved 19:15 Touching Dad’s Hand in the Casket – Knowing I’d See Him Again 20:06 Missing Heaven by 18 Inches – Dad’s Warning 22:45 Reaching “Assumed Christians” – Pastors, Deacons, & Longtime Members 25:41 The Enemy Doesn’t Care Where You Go to Hell From 27:30 The Decline of Revival Meetings & the Role of Evangelists Today 31:18 “You’ll Be a Better Deacon If You Get Saved” 33:29 Calling the Shooter to Forgive Him – Grace in Action 36:21 Ministry Going Global – Pakistan & Beyond 39:14 Partnering with Evangelists Like Missionaries 40:05 What Hosting Mark Looks Like – No Fees, Just Travel 41:06 Wild Game Dinners & Men’s Events Playbook 45:56 Fun Hunting Story with Son Zach – Turkey Hunt Gone Wrong (Hilarious!) 48:44 Full-Time Ministry & Retirement 49:23 Connect with Following Our Father Ministry 50:06 Zach’s Endorsement – Integrity in Evangelism 52:33 Closing & Final Turkey Hunt Clip Connect with the guests: Pastor Zach Terry / Code Red: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/zachterrypastor Website & Ministry: https://zachterry.org Podcast: Code Red with Zach Terry (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) Mark Witt – Following Our Father Ministry: Website: https://www.followingourfather.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FollowingOurFatherMinistry Contact for booking, tracts ("Mistaken Identity"), or support: [email protected] (nonprofit 501(c)(3)) If this episode impacted you, share it with someone who needs t...