Day 11
MANKIND will change and enrich your life.
I started coming to Champions some eight years ago, firstly for my grandson’s dedication, then for Christmas, Easter and other occasional services.
My son-in-law invited me along to MANKIND events, all of which I attended. However, as he noted in an earlier devotional, there was a reticence in my commitment… I was being selective with my faith and my commitment to the Lord.
I hadn’t truly let the Lord into my heart, my mind and my life. Whilst I was coming to church and to MANKIND, I was conscious and in part fearful of how others may see me, and also allowed myself to be distracted by work, golf, football and home.
Four or five years ago at a MANKIND event, three men gave their testimonies about gang membership, gambling addiction, and work-related stresses that had caused dark thoughts and mental health Issues.
The latter I related to… whilst I have held some quite responsible positions over the years, and whilst I thought of myself as fairly balanced (some would say not …. Yes gents, we can have a laugh at ourselves, it is healthy!)
There were times that the workload was very demanding. I had an uncompromising and insatiable drive for myself and others. It was the way I had become; it had got me through school and sports, through my working lifetime.
I felt then, and at times afterwards, really isolated - lonely as I didn’t allow myself to open up…
I contemplated suicide, leaving home and family. I went as far as making arrangements for my wife and children.
My family had no idea about where my mindset was at that point in time, my early years torments and first encounters and relationship with God, how I drifted away.
When I went low, worried or stressed over issues, I would silently pray for help and guidance… over work situations, family, whatever really…. No matter how many people were around me, I was praying in silence and alone.
So, prior to MANKIND 24, I was searching and challenging my own thoughts. I was praying to find the strength, to allow God to come into my life, and for me to lead my family as I should do.
I can recall clearly in the week before the conference that I did not rest too easy. I was talking - praying to our Lord over where I was with my life. On the way to the MANKIND Ranch, I pulled the car over …... I sat there with a large drive-through coffee, asked myself what I might be encountering and prayed for direction. I remember sitting there feeling so tired.
So, on registration at Lenchwood, I was given a card for the fire pit moment that we were to share on the Friday evening.
Putting pen to paper, I knew what I wanted to write. I had it ready and carried it in my pocket throughout the conference. I asked God to help me find the strength to drop the barriers, and to open me up.
I have since learnt that I had to open up fully to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, to truly let them into my heart and mind…. God’s messaging and guidance is progressive, it comes from commitment, discipline and continued faith.
I put my want on the card and burned it in the fire pit, praying to God for His guidance. That night, my son-in-law and myself shared our prayers and tears.
That Friday evening at MANKIND was so big for me. I mean really big …. a re-evaluation. I started to shake off so much hurt.
I recall a moment when the worship team were playing and as a brotherhood we danced and celebrated before the Lord.
“David danced before the Lord with all his might” 2 Samual 6:14
I’m so, so looking forward to this year, to “lace up my boots, put on my backpack and ride with the Lord” …. Yes gents, we will dance…... please do not miss out.
Since MANKIND 24, my life and my family relationships have grown and grown… as have my relationships with the MANKIND men and their families.
I feel I’m in the early years of my walk with God ... I attend church, Mentoring, Tuesday morning prayer, and every time go into the world recharged, with Jesus and the Holy Spirit energising and guiding me.
The fire and drive remain within me. But it has more purpose, focus and satisfaction. And it’s rekindled – topped up by every MANKIND event. We have to fuel the fire by being there.
The successes and life victories are not coming from driven, blind ambition. They are coming from a greater satisfaction and hope - and as part of God’s plan.
The friendship and support of the MANKIND brotherhood is so good.
Gents, don’t hesitate and miss out. Do all you can to come along to MANKIND 26.
Don’t be reticent in attending, letting your thoughts hold you back as I once did. There’s a bravery and a real strength in admitting your vulnerability.
There’s support in MANKIND, our brotherhood can and will help you…You will become stronger, we will become stronger..
The first step is to commit to going along to MANKIND. Let the Lord into your heart, mind and life…
God bless you gentlemen.
I started coming to Champions some eight years ago, firstly for my grandson’s dedication, then for Christmas, Easter and other occasional services.
My son-in-law invited me along to MANKIND events, all of which I attended. However, as he noted in an earlier devotional, there was a reticence in my commitment… I was being selective with my faith and my commitment to the Lord.
I hadn’t truly let the Lord into my heart, my mind and my life. Whilst I was coming to church and to MANKIND, I was conscious and in part fearful of how others may see me, and also allowed myself to be distracted by work, golf, football and home.
Four or five years ago at a MANKIND event, three men gave their testimonies about gang membership, gambling addiction, and work-related stresses that had caused dark thoughts and mental health Issues.
The latter I related to… whilst I have held some quite responsible positions over the years, and whilst I thought of myself as fairly balanced (some would say not …. Yes gents, we can have a laugh at ourselves, it is healthy!)
There were times that the workload was very demanding. I had an uncompromising and insatiable drive for myself and others. It was the way I had become; it had got me through school and sports, through my working lifetime.
I felt then, and at times afterwards, really isolated - lonely as I didn’t allow myself to open up…
I contemplated suicide, leaving home and family. I went as far as making arrangements for my wife and children.
My family had no idea about where my mindset was at that point in time, my early years torments and first encounters and relationship with God, how I drifted away.
When I went low, worried or stressed over issues, I would silently pray for help and guidance… over work situations, family, whatever really…. No matter how many people were around me, I was praying in silence and alone.
So, prior to MANKIND 24, I was searching and challenging my own thoughts. I was praying to find the strength, to allow God to come into my life, and for me to lead my family as I should do.
I can recall clearly in the week before the conference that I did not rest too easy. I was talking - praying to our Lord over where I was with my life. On the way to the MANKIND Ranch, I pulled the car over …... I sat there with a large drive-through coffee, asked myself what I might be encountering and prayed for direction. I remember sitting there feeling so tired.
So, on registration at Lenchwood, I was given a card for the fire pit moment that we were to share on the Friday evening.
Putting pen to paper, I knew what I wanted to write. I had it ready and carried it in my pocket throughout the conference. I asked God to help me find the strength to drop the barriers, and to open me up.
I have since learnt that I had to open up fully to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, to truly let them into my heart and mind…. God’s messaging and guidance is progressive, it comes from commitment, discipline and continued faith.
I put my want on the card and burned it in the fire pit, praying to God for His guidance. That night, my son-in-law and myself shared our prayers and tears.
That Friday evening at MANKIND was so big for me. I mean really big …. a re-evaluation. I started to shake off so much hurt.
I recall a moment when the worship team were playing and as a brotherhood we danced and celebrated before the Lord.
“David danced before the Lord with all his might” 2 Samual 6:14
I’m so, so looking forward to this year, to “lace up my boots, put on my backpack and ride with the Lord” …. Yes gents, we will dance…... please do not miss out.
Since MANKIND 24, my life and my family relationships have grown and grown… as have my relationships with the MANKIND men and their families.
I feel I’m in the early years of my walk with God ... I attend church, Mentoring, Tuesday morning prayer, and every time go into the world recharged, with Jesus and the Holy Spirit energising and guiding me.
The fire and drive remain within me. But it has more purpose, focus and satisfaction. And it’s rekindled – topped up by every MANKIND event. We have to fuel the fire by being there.
The successes and life victories are not coming from driven, blind ambition. They are coming from a greater satisfaction and hope - and as part of God’s plan.
The friendship and support of the MANKIND brotherhood is so good.
Gents, don’t hesitate and miss out. Do all you can to come along to MANKIND 26.
Don’t be reticent in attending, letting your thoughts hold you back as I once did. There’s a bravery and a real strength in admitting your vulnerability.
There’s support in MANKIND, our brotherhood can and will help you…You will become stronger, we will become stronger..
The first step is to commit to going along to MANKIND. Let the Lord into your heart, mind and life…
God bless you gentlemen.