The Men of Integrity 2011 Coed Conference has come a long way. It has evolved from a small gathering of men who occasionally met for fellowship into an annual conference.
Apostle Nick Law-Hines, pastor and founder of the Ministries of Jesus Deliverance Outreach Center in Midway and conference visionary, said this is the conference’s 15th year. The 2011 conference will be held Nov. 11-13 at Trinity Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Hinesville.
“The initial purpose of the men coming together was to discuss issues they faced as Christian men. They wanted to become better family men and to be able to better serve as husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and uncles. These men wanted to be seen as positive role models in the family, church and community,” Hines said.
“The first conference was held in 1996 at the Zion Temple Holiness Church in Midway. It focused primarily on issues dealing with men. However, since its small beginning, this conference now offers something for the whole family.”
In 2001, the conference’s focus shifted to the whole family. Hines realized the importance of addressing issues that involve the family.
“In this fast-paced society, so many families are being torn apart. Therefore, the first Men of Integrity Coed Conference was held in November 2001. Since that conference, each year more and more people have become involved in it,” he said.
“Attendees have traveled from as far away as Miami, Fla., North Carolina and South Carolina to participate. Each year the conference presenters address a variety of subjects. This year’s conference’s overall theme is: ‘The Man, the Mandate and the Mantle.’
“We are excited about what God is doing, and the conference has outgrown our present location. This is the second year that the conference will be held at Trinity Missionary Baptist Temple,” Hines said.
The conference starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, with Prophetess Annie Ruth
Chisholm of Savannah. On Saturday, Nov. 12, intercessory prayer will run from 9-9:45 a.m. followed by a seminar luncheon.
Various speakers are scheduled to present workshops on a variety of subjects, including the clarion call, preparation for the assignment, a call to fasting and prayer, a call to know your spiritual gift, a call to suffer, a call to fight and a call to healthy living.
At 7 p.m. Saturday, Bishop Vernon Walker of Jacksonville will speak. The conference will culminate at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Ministries of Jesus Christ in Midway with Hines as the speaker.
The 2011 conference also will feature the conference choir on Friday and Saturday nights.
Hines’ vision for the annual conference is to see it grow bigger and reach more people in the community.
“We want the community to be a part of this annual conference,” he said.
For more information about the conference, call the church at 884-2265.