Be a man, be a father and fulfill God's mission for you

FRIDAY, JUNE 1: Have you ever asked yourself where are the men?

We see a lack of men taking responsibility for their children, in leadership in our society, as well as for their own lives.

The current gang movement in Bermuda is another example of our males needing positive role models in their lives to turn the corner to a productive and successful life.

We understand that part of the answer is for men to fulfil their God-given mission to be present, to be participating, and to be productive in our society.

As a result United for Change will be hosting their first men’s conference on Saturday, June 16 from 8:30am to 11:45am entitled, ‘Breakfast of Champions: Being Men with His Mission’, at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.  

International guest speaker Richard Coekin, the founder of the London Men’s Convention, will share two powerful messages entitled: ‘What Is A Man?’  and ‘What Is Our Mission?’

Reverend Nick Dill, who is on the administrative team for United for Change, stated: “Each year in London, over 3,000 men from over 300 churches gather to encourage one another, to hear God’s word as it applies to men and then go back to their churches and communities encouraged and emboldened, charged up and ready to serve.

God’s man

“We would like to see a similar thing happening here from across all denominations — men coming together in Bermuda, encouraging one another to be God’s champion, His man with His mission on their hearts.”

Reverend Dill added: “In his book To own a Dragon, writer Donald Miller quotes statistics taken from agencies across the United States on the effect of fatherlessness on children and young people.

“Here they are:  63 per cent youth suicides are from fatherless homes; 85 per cent of all children who show behavioural disorders come from fatherless homes; 80 per cent of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes ; 71 per cent of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes; 75 per cent of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come  from fatherless homes; 70 per cent of youths in state operated institutions come from fatherless homes; 85 per cent of all youths in prison comes from fatherless homes.

“Behind these statistics is a question that is asked again and again — where are the men who will father, mentor, support and provide role models for younger men?

Manhood

“Are we facing a ‘crisis of manhood’ as many would have us believe?  This is an issue that has also affected the Church.

“God is revealed to us as our Father, yet in many of our Churches, He is experienced through the unconditional love of the mothers of the Church — which is wonderful embracing, consistent, serving and loving — but something, or rather, someone is missing.

“As a result we would like to encourage all men to be a part of this conference and see the powerful impact we can have on one another. 

“We also encourage ladies to encourage the men in their lives to attend: your husband, brother, father, uncle, son or nephew. 

“Our nation is depending on them to make a difference as they fulfill their mission under God.” 

Pastor Mark Hall stated: “We really need to see a change in our nation. We need an increase of men in the home, in the schools, and in our society that will be men of integrity that fully understand their God-given role to bring about change.  

“As pastors we witness the devastating pain children endure when a male figure is not consistently involved in their lives. 

“Men, come out and be among others that will only encourage you to be the man that God desires of you.” 

The discounted cost of the conference is $35 per person, which includes a continental breakfast, special music and the power-packed sessions. 

However, the next day is Father’s Day, and as a result there is a special of $60 for both you and your son — aged 13 years or older.

For more information and to register for the United for Change Conference please visit www.ufcbermuda.org today or call (441) 734-4673.