Alex Floyd
Guest columnist
Thursday night, over 100 mighty men of faith gathered at First Baptist of Pembroke joined together by the love of God and of course steak. The program was entitled “What’s at Steak?” is a local spinoff of an ongoing program begun in Hazlehurst that brings men together to hear a minister or speaker and discuss the issues facing today’s men and the communities they serve as Christian leaders.
Pastor Tommy Smith at First Baptist Pembroke sees these issues firsthand in a congregation that has experienced great growth in his time there.
“The movement we are seeing and are experiencing comes directly from a study that several families went through at FBC called “Experiencing God”. Author Henry Blackaby shares a simple truth that we are trying to implement at FBC, “find out where God is at Work and join in”! That’s all we have done and all we are working towards; we want to join the LORD in reaching and encouraging those Disciples Jesus prayed for in John 17.”
The men in attendance were aged 5 to 80 plus and were treated to a meal prepared by a team of seasoned experts in the fine art of Baptist eating.
Let’s just say a poor Dixie paper plate wouldn’t have stood a chance. Music and opening worship was led by Bobby Creech and the bass notes were plentiful. The speaker was introduced by Robbie Lane.
Pay close attention to young Lane, he’s going places. A message was given by L.E. Hewitt. Hewitt runs a wedding venue called Spring Hollow in Daisy (one fence away from Lane).
The message centered on The Gospel of John chapter 17 verses 1-21. It is Jesus’ prayer thanking God the Father for the men he had placed in his life (the disciples). Hewitt emphasized that Jesus was not just praying for the original 12 disciples but for all men to come that choose to follow. Jesus prays that these men face trials well and sanctify themselves with truth just as God himself is truth. At the end of the program 14 ministers present from at least four counties came forward and all gathered to pray over these disciples and empower them to continue their good work.
Pastor Tommy reminded the group “Our time together on Aug. 3 with ‘What’s at Steak’ was not about FBC Pembroke, it’s really about finding an avenue to connect with as many men as we can from surrounding churches and counties whether it’s a first time encounter with Jesus that leads to Salvation or an encouraging time for the many men who have served for decades and need a time of refreshing and gather among like-minded men.”
Alex Floyd is a local writer.