East Fairview Church of the Brethren will bring the outdoors inside when the church hosts Billy Molls, who bills himself as a "modern-day mountain man." Molls will headline a program at the church, 1187 Fairview Road, Manheim, on Sunday, April 28. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m.

Raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm, Molls developed his interest in outdoor adventures as a young boy. By the age of 4, he was tagging along on his grandfather's trap line and the elder hunter continued to inspire Molls. His grandfather's stories of the vastness of Alaska and the unique animals found there prompted Molls to pursue his passion for hunting. By age 12, he knew he wanted to be a hunting guide in Alaska, and as a teen, he served as a guide assistant.

For the past 24 years, Molls has led sportsmen from around the world to some of the most remote regions in Alaska in pursuit of Dall sheep, moose, caribou, wolves, brown bears and grizzly bears. He's regarded as one of the most successful big-game hunting guides, and he's spent much of his career in the remote Brooks Range in Alaska. As he honed his hunting skills, Molls also fine-tuned his faith, sharing his Christian beliefs with others.

Surprisingly, in all the hunting trips he's led, there's one thing he's never done. "I've never shot a big game animal for myself in Alaska," he stated, "and I really don't have a burning desire to do it."

Instead, Molls enjoys introducing others to the Alaskan wilderness, encouraging people to push out of their comfort zones as he has done throughout his career.

"Hunters and even non-hunters are sure to enjoy Billy's riveting tales of airplane wrecks, grizzly encounters and be inspired by his life-changing experiences in the Last Frontier," said Ashley Kopp, one of the event coordinators. "At East Fairview, Molls will speak about Alaskan hunting adventures as well as his Christian testimony. These days, Molls is a renowned public speaker and master storyteller. His presentation, including close brushes with death in Alaska, keep attendees on the edge of their seats."

Throughout his career, Molls has written about his adventures and has produced "The Modern Day Mountain Man" DVD series. He noted that success as a hunter in Alaska requires a wide range of skills, including strength, stamina and patience. "But the most important is mental fortitude," he said. "Enduring those cold, wet, windy days - Alaska isn't for the faint of heart."

Along with Molls' presentation, the evening will include door prizes and a live auction as well as a grand-prize drawing for a $500 gift certificate to Kinsey's Outdoors. Refreshments and a meet-and-greet with Molls will be featured after his talk.

There is no charge for the program, but space is limited, and registration is required. To register, visit https://eastfairview.com/events.