HAROLD KELLER

Real men stand up for Jesus every day Many times when you are invited to a function at a church you’ve never been to, it’s good to prepare yourself to expect the unexpected. Last Sunday was one of these occasions. About a month ago, a friend, Brother Dwight Boyd of Boutte, invited me to attend a special service at the Mt. Airy Baptist Church in St. Charles Parish, where he is a member. The theme was “Past, Present, Future and Future Perfect,” and the call was to appeal to 100 men, suggesting that they dress in black, and most of them did. The purpose was “…not simply program-oriented, but to bring men together in unity and to stir men up in awareness of their Christian duties outside of the church walls. Christian men must set an example to be demonstrated in everyday life that would be attractive for others to follow. We call this service Men in Black, not for a fad or fashion statement, but to show that men are united in standing up for Jesus. So pray that men would stand up and be counted, not just to make numbers, but to make numbers count.” The challenge to the men was to become real and suggested that real men love and serve Jesus. The Rev. Donald Robinson of the Marine and Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in New Orleans was the guest speaker. His message was taken from I Kings 2:1-3, “Then the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon, his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth, be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the commandments, His judgements, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.'” The service lasted three hours. That’s right! Three hours! Did it seem that long? No, because the spirit of God was evident. The all-male choir lifted up the name of Jesus and the worship was great! The Rev. John Dorsey of the Mt. Airy Baptist Church, a sweet-spirited man, was excited. After the service, people stayed around, not in a hurry to leave. My good friend, Parish President Albert “Punk” Laque, was in attendance and as we parted, he said, “Harold, this was a great experience!” He was touched. I agreed that it was a great night! Here were men anxious to take their godly roles in today’s society. How exciting! Enough manpower to change all of St. Charles Parish. I was blessed to be invited. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477.