I went from hunter, to prey.
Back in September 2015, I had a near-death experience that changed my life completely, as I was attacked by a grizzly bear in the deep wilderness of Canada.
Some could say I’m very lucky for being alive. But for me, that was the ultimate sign of how God’s pre-determined plan is infinitely clearer than any effort or resolution we may have.
While I’m still looking for an answer as to why I was allowed to carry on in this life, I decided to share my story with as many people as possible. I believe that if someone out there can feel inspired to reevaluate their life’s priorities through knowing of my close call with death, then it all would be worth it.
“The two most important days in your life are – the day you were born and the day you find out why.”
– Mark Twain
About The Bear Man
Raised on a Michigan farm, James H. VanSteenhouse went on to build a successful career in the mortgage banking industry, leading Texas-based InterLinc Mortgage Services as CEO & Owner for more than two decades.
Beneath the businessman was the heart of an avid outdoorsman. His rural roots sparked a lifelong passion for hunting that ultimately led him into some of the world’s most remote wilderness regions.
In September 2015, while on an archery moose hunt in Canada’s NWT, Jim went from hunter to hunted. Deep in the wilderness & miles from base camp, he was attacked by a Grizzly Bear. By the unmistakable Grace of God, he survived.
The grizzly bear survival was a quintessential turning point in Jim’s life; from it, The BearMan story was born, and the seeds of his ministry began taking root soon thereafter.
In 2021, with the ministry in full swing and believing his life carried a much higher purpose, Jim stepped away from daily company leadership, ultimately transitioning ownership in 2024 to fully devote himself to ministry. The words of Isaiah 6:8 now guide his calling: “Here am I. Send me.”
Today, Jim and his wife, Elizabeth, reside in Michigan and are the parents of three adult children. Together, they love traveling to wherever the Lord directs their steps, sharing a message of Faith, Resilience, and the Redeeming Grace of God.
Endorsements
I became a grizzly attack survivor for a reason, not an accident.
People of faith know that God promises a safe landing. However, He does not promise a calm passage. Allow me, the “BearMan,” to share this life-changing experience with you, and hopefully my scars can spark some thoughts of gratitude and appreciation for life, while you go through your own journey.
