Christian men urged to Awaken from their slumber

Laughter blended with the serious Saturday at The Awakening Men’s Conference as more than 1,000 heard about life-changing events in the lives of athletes, entertainers and politicians.

The Awakening was a two-day event at the Miller-Murphy-Howard Building on the Georgia National Fairgrounds that featured speakers from many walks of life, all focused on ending the slumber they say characterizes the passive Christian men of today.

And the message was being received by receptive ears in Middle Georgia.

“We’ve been sitting back way too long,” said Jon Nichols of Centerville, who added that he was there for the community and to let people know it was OK to voice your concerns and tell them about Jesus.

Jimmy Wells of Warner Robins, who said he attends St. James CME Church in Perry, said the event was aptly named was like a revival is supposed to be.

“The message is more Christian-based than political and the effect will be longer lasting” he said. “Christ is forever while politics is just for a generation.”

“This is beneficial for men, to hear about life changes, come to know Jesus Christ and make heart changes,” said Earl Chamlee of Perry. “Only Jesus Christ can do that.”

Speakers for Saturday included former UGA football and NFL star Tim Worley, former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, Troy Wynn, senior pastor and founder of the Freedom Church in Warner Robins, and former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Worley led the audience through his career with its joyful ups and serious downs.

“During that time I didn’t know who I was,” Worley said. “I was suicidal and reckless after the cheering stopped.”

In his anger he was seeking solace, not repentance, he said, and it all came to a head in 2008 when he went on an alcohol-laced binge and confronted some police officers.

“I got tasered and it dropped me like a bad habit,” he said. “I got zapped for Jesus and found true repentance.” He quickly added he wouldn’t recommend it for anyone, and that the confrontation is available on YouTube.

“Don’t allow your strength to become a liability,” he said.

Author and educator Alex McFarland said the event showed the power of men to be a positive influence, “men who love God and country.”

McFarland said the event would be beneficial to men who lack training in speaking for their faith.

“This will show them what a man of God looks like, and how men can step it up and witness for Christ,” McFarland said.

Seated at a table with McFarland was Jason Jimenez of Stand Strong Ministries, based in Matthews, N.C., who said one aspect of the event is to empower men to lead their families in faith.

“There is a lack of transferable faith and people are hungry for that,” Jimenez said.

Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms was chatting with and old childhood friend, Gene Golden of Warner Robins.

“God brought me here today,” Golden said, with a twinkle in his eye. He added that he was near remission of cancer in his throat. “I was saved 19 years ago and I’ve been clean,” he said. “Our mothers seemed to take turns whipping our behinds when Randy and I were young,” he added with a smile.

A little while later, Toms introduced Perdue.

“Things seem to be upside down and we’ve lost momentum,” Perdue said before showing a video clip of Lindsey Scott’s legendary 93-yard touchdown catch with less than 90 seconds remaining against Florida in 1980.

There is still time on the clock, Perdue said, and don’t give up all hope. Christians have been a persecuted minority for most of mankind, he continued, but they have been spoiled by living in the United States.

“For the last few decades we’ve had a look-down-our-nose attitude toward others,” he said, “and we’ve blown the lead.”

He said Christians have to acknowledge that they live in the here and now and stop yearning for some mythical past.

“Christians have to be tough, tender and tasty,” he said. “Tasty with the seasoning of the gospel. Christians are the victims and need rescuing.”

The day was enlightening, said Roger Moeller of Bonaire.

“I’m still growing in my faith, and this is long overdue,” he said. “It’s up to us now.”

Emory Johnson of Kathleen said he’s looking forward to working with kindred spirits and “come together to find the heart of God’s will. We in this country need a revival.”

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