By Joyell Nevins ~ Photos by Michael Lindsey
At Christian Family Fellowship Ministry, whether you’re young, old, male, or female, we believe that God has work for you to do and a purpose for your life!
Godly men of all ages were reminded of this value at the recent Men’s Discovery Weekend. Seventy men from 14 different states were encouraged to quest after a discovery of who God is, who they are, and to ENERGIZE the vision God has for them!
“I pray that the eyes of your heart be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe…” Ephesians 1:18-19 NIV
Out in the Field
But even though CFFM officially hosted the event, the men weren’t actually in the building very often! Sessions also took place around a campfire, at the rustic Tipp Roller Mill, and the fancy Troy Country Club.
The men also visited Troy Skate Church, a place dedicated to bringing together skaters and Jesus. There were some skaters on hand to demonstrate their skills, and a couple of the men even attempted to skate in the beginner area!
Instead of having a traditional set of teachers, Pastor Kevin Guigou informed the men at the beginning of the weekend that there would be “70 speakers” – as in, each one of the attendees had something to share and give to those around them.
The men got a glimpse of these varied gifts through a plethora of musicians and a panel of leaders living their vision out in very different but powerful ministries.
Norman Brown of the non-denominational apostolic J. Jireh Ministries Church networks with Christians to provide a unique forum for the building of God’s kingdom. J. Jireh uses occupation and vocation as tools to train and disciple those in the neighborhood it serves.
Roots in the Word with Mike Peebles uses the Bible as a basis for leadership training and programming.
Reaching the Nations International (RTNI) owns physical “Jesus Houses” and works with young people in downtrodden neighborhoods. Their goal is to develop “life-on-life discipleship” for those who have been “forgotten by society.”
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:20 ESV
A Life of Service
Whether it is ministering within the walls of their own home or reaching out to a totally different population, all of the men at the Discovery Weekend were encouraged to walk in the vision and purpose God has given them to do.
As Jesus once sent out the seventy, these men left refreshed and ready for great days ahead in service to the Lord.
“… Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes and see that the fields are white for harvest.” John 4:35 ESV
If you’d like to get a little taste of the weekend, you can hear Grant Guigou and Jamil McGhee share on Sunday morning in the YouTube video Energizing Your Vision.