The modern English dictionary describes the word Influence as “the power to change or to affect someone or something”. It goes without saying, influence is a device that has a direct impact on people and is neutral in nature meaning the direction to which it goes is dependent on the source that channels it. Everyone in the world has a degree of influence. It may vary from one person to another but that influence is certainly present. As a man, one must ask oneself, what is my influence? Who am I influencing? What is the impact of my influence on others? More importantly as men called by the Lord, ask yourself, am I taking charge of the great commission we live for as God’s children? Is my influence helping to spark an inspiration in others, believers and non-believers alike? How is my influence contributing to the enlargement of the family of God through the ministry we are tasked to do?
The scary reality which is still very much present in this time, is when we deny the influence that we have. Some deny it out of the premise that the realities of life keep them away from doing the great commission. Others deny it out of fear. Fear that they are inadequate because of a lack of resources, skills or talents they might have been perceived as a “requirement” to do what we Christians are called to do. By giving in to this denial, men of the Lord fall into a slumber. A sleep that hinders the spirit of the Word and makes it dormant and this slumber has caused many a man in failing to contribute what latent influence he has inside of him.
Men of God, the time of slumber is over. There is no better time than the present to awaken that sleeping giant and take up arms to join the fray in marching forth for the Lord. On October 26 and 27 at the Baguio Convention Center, the National Men’s Conference of the Assemblies of God will be happening. An event that will equip you to inspire, be in-charge and enlarge the men’s ministry of your church.
No role is too small in the kingdom of the Lord as everyone has a part to play, you will be hearing from a fantastic lineup of speakers that includes Rev. Rodger Frievalt, Rev. Choe Yong Gill, Rev. Yang Man Kang, Rev. Hyon-ok Shin, Rev. Thim Bugtong, Rev. Jery Pecsoy, Rev. Conrado Lumahan and Rev. Jerry Balbuena. The rate of registration is at P700 and it includes 4 meals and training materials to be used for the whole conference.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson stated, “God will not have his work manifested by cowards.” And men of God certainly have no reason to fear because as Matthew said, He who is in you, is greater than he who is in the world. Let us allow our influence to be aligned with how Christ intended it to be. And that is to utilize it to strengthen the church. The time is right to answer the call for the work of the Lord to be manifested in the Men’s ministry starting in the church, then the district and in the near future, within the whole nation.
