Riders with a bull in the ProEdge arena. Micah Hart | Collegian

Not even a snowstorm could prevent ProEdge Arena from hosting its weekly Saturday night rodeo.

ProEdge, located in Osseo, is in its seventh season and has never canceled an event. Owner Earl Proctor said even after recent snowstorms and the Feb. 22 ice storm that brought county-wide blackouts, the arena continued as usual.

With the help of prayer and some generators, the arena was ready for a night of Bible and bulls this past weekend. 

Tuff Slieff, 18, said he appreciates ProEdge’s dedication to the sport. 

“In the winter, there are not really many events, so this is the main place,” Slieff said. “I just really like the environment here and all the other riders here.”

Although weather conditions created hazards on the dirt roads of Osseo, fans piled into the arena, ready to watch their favorite riders take on the bulls. 

Blankets and makeshift chairs lined the wooden benches, and 40 minutes before the event, attendees were already packing the stands. Unlike at many rodeos, however, Christian music echoed through the arena, and the building was covered in crosses and nods to biblical events and passages.

“When the enemy wants you to shut down a night of talkin ‘bout Jesus…you pray even harder!” the arena’s Facebook page reads.

The bulls emerged from gates adorned in Bible verses.

Before the lights dim and the competitors take their seats to compete, the attendees gather for a devotion.

The lights turn off. The audience goes quiet. The focus turns to a large screen, where Christian worship music plays. The atmosphere changes from rowdy to reflective, and the pastor or member of the local church community shares the message of Jesus Christ. Proctor said he shares the gospel with audience members because he wanted to share his faith through a sport he knew and loved.

“It’s just a platform to tell people about Jesus,” Proctor said. “I rode bulls for 16 years, so that’s what I know and love, and grace got a hold of me when I was 26.”

Lester Yoder said he rides at the arena not just for the “good bulls,” but also for its commitment to spreading the gospel.

“They bring God into it. They share everybody’s testimony,” Yoder said. “They bring everybody to God, bring everybody closer. They show everybody how good he is, and what he can do for everybody if you just devote your life to God.”

The arena also offers Christian growth for riders and bullfighters, who act as a shield between the riders and bulls after a ride.

Lawayne Wickey, 20, has been bull-riding for a year. He said ProEdge helped his personal and spiritual growth.

“Bull-riding made me stronger mentally, brought me closer to God,” Wickey said.

Proctor said he thinks with God’s grace, the message and the bull riding will continue for years to come.

“So as long as we’re here,” Proctor said, “We’ll do his work until he calls us home.”