Shiloh Men's Ministry Newsletter

July 2004 Men's Ministry Updatee

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friends. Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)

Men Receive Double Blessing During Fellowship in May

Dr. William S. Browner

Dr. William S. Browner, former Director of Men's Ministry at Shiloh and well-known local pediatrician, was the featured speaker at the Men's Fellowship Breakfast held in the Alonzo B. Patterson Gymnasium on Saturday, May 15

Dr. Browner spoke to approximately 80 attendees concerning the physical and psychological impact we have on our young boys and men, and how one's relationship with God through Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit can diffuse an otherwise underdeveloped generation of men.

Dr. Charles J. Beady Jr., President of Piney Woods Country Life School (in Piney Woods, Mississippi), one of four black boarding schools in the nation, graced us with his unexpected presence. Dr. Beady, invited guest of Brother Hennies McConnell, shared with the men directly from his CD "Whatever it Takes (2 Motivate 2-Daze Youth)" and his book "Don't Be A Fool For Hip-Hop". Contact Reverend Dennis Davis at 632-8810 or 552-8141 if you are interested in receiving the book, CD, or both.

AARTH Cofounder and Board President Speaks at State Convention

Dr. Charles J. Beady Jr.

On June 10-13, Shiloh hosted the 2004 Alaska Baptist Churches State Convention. Reverend Reginald Diggs , Cofounder and Board President of African-Americans Reach and Teach Health (AARTH), addressed pastors and preachers in one seminar and parishioners in another seminar and general assembly. AARTH is a faith-based capacity-building nonprofit organization established to respond to HIV/AIDS and other major health issues affecting people of African descent.

Reverend Diggs and his mother, Reverend Mary A. Diggs-Hobson, Cofounder and Executive Director of AARTH, dispelled myths and innuendoes about HIV/AIDS while speaking about the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases among heterosexual African-Americans, specifically women between the ages of 25 and 44. Reverend Diggs stated that African-Americans comprise only 15% of the population, yet account for over 50% of the HIV/AIDS cases.

Men, we can no longer hold to the adage that HIV/AIDS topics are taboo in the church, not when the disease is affecting and infecting the church. During July, the Men's Ministry Team will promote HIV/AIDS awareness through active participation. Stay tuned for more details.

Men's Fathers Day Fellowship Breakfast - "Celebrating Fatherhood"

On June 19th, the Men's Ministry sponsored a Fathers Day Fellowship Breakfast in the Alonzo B. Patterson Gym. The theme was "Celebrating Fatherhood" and the speaker for the occasion was our own youth pastor, husband and father of four, and supporter of the Men's Ministry, Reverend Al Cheathon.

Rev. Cheathon began by stating that when we celebrate fatherhood we have to celebrate God who is the epitome of fatherhood. Psalm 103:13 says, "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him." Surrounding the key passage is God's expression of love for God's creation. God forgives, heals, redeems, and renews us, not because we deserve it, but because God graces us with his loving kindness and tender mercies.

Reverend
Al Cheathon
Youth Pastor

When we think about fatherhood and all that many of us have done to mess up our relationship with our heavenly father, we can not but thank God for extending to us unmerited favor. Like God, we fathers, grand- fathers and future fathers have a responsibility as God's caregivers to lead, nurture, and discipline our families in the Way of the Lord. This also means having the heart to forgive and to be merciful.

Be mindful that there are those who are growing without fathers in their homes, and they too need to be shown the "Way of God the Father" through your life's example. Men, celebrate fatherhood by giving to others what God has given to you - fatherly love.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and
all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33