Lomax Assembly of God and EPIC Student Ministries will host the inaugural STL fishing tournament on April 16 on Lake Mitchell.

Proceeds raised during the event will go toward Speed The Light Ministry, which is a student-initiated charitable program that offers much-needed equipment to missionary efforts throughout the world.

“Our church makes an effort every year to raise money and help out those in need,” Lomax Pastor Hunter Staggs said.

The current cause that Lomax has concentrated its efforts toward helping is in the fight against sex trafficking.

Lomax has partnered with the program “Free International” to help bring awareness and help for those that have encountered such suffering.

“There is always a need,” Staggs said.

Staggs said he understands the importance of Lomax’s relationship with Speed The Light, which has been known in the past to provide missionaries with vehicles and more reliable modes of transportation.

According to Staggs, the goal of the Speed The Light program is to make sure that missionaries can continue to spread the word of God by helping supply the missionary with the necessary means to do so.

There will be a 50-percent payout to the top finishers while the other half of the proceeds will go toward Speed The Light.

The prize money will vary depending on the number of boats entered in the competition.

Two boats will be awarded prize money with a minimum of 10 boats entered, while four will be selected with 20 boats and six selected with 30 boats.

The tournament will begin at safe daylight and will end with a weigh-in taking place at Higgins Ferry at 2 p.m.

Lunch and raffle prizes will be available at the event.