By: G. J. Fortier

You have an opportunity!

If you aren't already aware of it, the Rehoboth Baptist Association along with IronMen Ministries and R.U.S.H. Ministries is sponsoring a Christian men's conference this summer that's happening on Friday evening and all day Saturday, August 12 - 13. It's open to men of faith from all denominations and its purpose is to … and you may have already guessed this … wake Christian men up!

We (Christian men) as a whole have become complacent, inattentive, distracted, oblivious … in other words, we've simply gotten lazy. Oh, we may be aware of the alarming rate at which our country has fallen into moral decay. We see it nearly everywhere we look. In books, magazines, movies, television, the internet, billboards. Wherever we turn there are images and messages that we, frankly, don't need to see. You know what I'm talking about. And they're there to sell us stuff; everything from automobiles to zinc. We associate these images with success, popularity, and even self-worth. They are poison that we can't even avoid because our society is saturated with them. Sure, we can turn our heads, look at the ground or our wives and children and pray that they aren't being affected by them, but do we?

Have you ever been or wanted to be part of something that's bigger than just you? Something that makes you feel good about yourself in the knowledge that you're doing something worthwhile not only for yourself and your family, but the community at large? Whether you answered “yes I have”, “no I haven't” or “I already do things like that” (good for you!), here's your chance.

The Awakening 2016 will be a powerful wake up call for all Christian men … and it's right here in central Georgia! You will hear from speakers such as Pastor and actor Ken Bevel who appeared in the movie Courageous, former Governor and presidential candidate and Pastor Mike Huckabee, Pastor Jason Jimenez with Stand Strong Ministries and Alex McFarland of Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. We will also have Former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, R.U.S.H. Ministries founder Pastor Marc Pritchett, Pastor Danny Singleton, and former UGA and Pittsburg Steelers running back Tim Worley. So, there will be eight marvelous speakers, music from the band Drawing From Heaven and a weekend of Christian fellowship to enjoy.

What more can you ask for?
Oh, you wanna know what it's all about.
Okay.

It's all about how you can have an impact on your little corner of the world! And if we each do just that much, before long, most of the corners will be covered!

This is my fourth column for IronMen Ministries and if you've paid attention, you've probably seen a pretty consistent theme. I'm trying to emphasize the importance of you stepping up to the plate and going to bat for Jesus Christ. They've been about fellowship and the power that it can have in your life, your church, your community and, yes, even your country. I have heard too many men say things like “My vote won't make a difference” or “I can't influence anybody” or “I don't have time” or my personal favorite “My opinion doesn't matter.” The fact is, you have no idea what kind of impact you might have if you surrender yourself to the idea that, if you're still here on Earth, God has a purpose for you! Who are you to say what that purpose may or may not be? Six months ago, I never dreamed that I'd be writing a monthly article for IronMen Ministries, but here you are reading it. The point is, you just don't know what God has planned for you and one thing that I have personally discovered is that he has done a better job running my life over the past ten years than I ever did with the first forty-two.

I bet that when you read the very first sentence you thought that the opportunity was attending the conference itself. But I'm very pleased to tell you … it isn't. The opportunity that you have will come after the conference. See, conferences are great. The speakers, the music, the fellowship is all intended to get you fired up. And that's a wonderful thing. But … there's always a “but” isn't there … how long does that fired up-ness last? A week? Two? Maybe a month? Now I bet you're asking yourself, “What kind of an impact can I have in a month?” Well, I'm here to tell you ...

Not much.

No, the message that you'll be taking away from The Awakening 2016 is that it takes a little dedication, a little fortitude, a little stick-to-ive-ness to be of any use at all. The opportunity that you will have is to establish something back home that will take root and grow. To take the reins and be that man who makes the difference that you never thought you could make. To be more of the man of God that He wants you to be.

Does this idea scare you?

Good! It should! If it didn't, I'd question your motives. This is not about you doing all of the heavy lifting … and taking all the credit. Let God do that. Your role will be to organize other men to step up and be a part of your fledgling ministry. You can't … let me repeat that … YOU CAN'T do it all yourself. Use those skills that you've learned in your career and delegate! There are lots of men that you know who are more than capable of helping you. Not to mention the fact that God has a plan for them too.

The Awakening 2016!

Be there or be square! (for you younger folks … just ... be there)

G. J. Fortier is a member of Ironmen Ministries and First Baptist Church, Centerville, GA. Look for his novels on Amazon on Kindle and paperback. Or visit his website at www.GerardFortier.com