BINGER, Oklahoma (EAP) - Take a stroll through the small town of Binger, Oklahoma, and you're likely to run across Wyatt Patterson, self proclaimed preacher of God to our insect world. Last spotted preaching to a mound of red ants on the corner of 4th and Main St. in downtown Binger, Patterson has become a common sight around town.

Wyatt Patterson moved to Binger last summer in search of the rare indigo dung beetle. He says that he's on a mission of God to preach the gospel to the insect world.

"I've been chosen by God to preach his gospel to beetles and spiders and ants," he stated in a recent interview.

"We like Wyatt, he's a nice fellow," says Larry Mantle, lifelong resident of Binger. "He may seem a little kooky at times, but he's become a part of our town, and we've grown to like him."

When asked if he thought that the insects could actually understand what he was preaching to them, Patterson replied "It dosen't matter, God knows what he's doing, and I'm just following his word."

According to reports from several citizens of Binger, Patterson has been spotted picking flies out of spider webs in an attempt to gain the attention of the spiders. "They can't pay attention to me if they're eating flies," he was quoted as saying.

Binger Medical Center reports that Patterson has been admitted to their emergency ward several times after being stung by bees and fire ants. "We just don't know what's going through his mind, but God must be involved," said Susan Adams, emergency room nurse who treated Patterson on several occasions.

A few citizens seem to have taken an offensive attitude to Patterson's presence, claiming he's only encouraging the insects to spread and take over the town.

"We had just a small fire ant problem last year, but this year we seem to be completely overrun with them," said Bob Jones, local resident of Binger. "Wyatt is preaching for these insects to be fruitful and multiply, and this is becoming a real problem for us."

When confronted with such opposition, Patterson claims he's not the least bit concerned about it. "God wants me to be his messenger to our insect friends, and I just have to trust him," he said. "It dosen't matter if I get stung once in a while, it's all worth it to me if I get to go to heaven."

Patterson has been spotted roaming the peanut fields at night, chasing fireflies and preaching to them. "Fireflies are a nice change from those pesky bees and fire ants who keep stinging me," he said.

"I can't wait for next summer when all the June bugs come out," says Patterson. "I just love standing under the street lights and preaching to all of the insects flying around. It's given me a reason to live."