“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”      Proverbs 27:17

   The Appling Archers of the Christian Bowhunters of America was begun in 1997 as a men’s ministry of Kiokee Baptist Church in Appling, Georgia, the county seat of Columbia County, near Augusta.  KBC is the oldest Baptist church in Georgia, founded in 1772 on the banks of Kiokee Creek.  Tradition has it that “Kiokee” derives from the Creek Indian word for “sweet water.”

Kiokee Baptist Church, 3rd worship house, Appling, GA , circa 1806

    Many local men and women are avid hunters and archers who believe we honor our Christian calling to “make disciples” when we strive to meet the spiritual needs of those who share our passion for the bow and arrow. Our CBA chapter was conceived in prayer and God has richly blessed us with every resource. Our theme verse from Proverbs has proved itself over and over, that by God’s grace each of us has the ability to sharpen those around us - IF we are willing to take an edge ourselves! Our numbers have grown to include folks from around the area of various congregations, and so has our commitment to making the Appling Bowhunters Festival a truly memorable archery and spiritual event for you and your family! We hope you’ll come and taste the “Sweet Water” yourself.

“By Grace you have been saved through Faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”      
Ephesians 2: 8 - 10