Testimonies
The Gathering is My Compass:Life seems to throw so many hurdles at us and each day brings a new and different challenge. The Gathering gives me time to focus on what's really important. (GOD). I have been to every one and each time I have come away with a new perspective on life. The Gathering is where I charge my spiritual battery and lay my burdens down. It's a blessing that I wish everyone made the time to experience.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Bagby
The first Gathering I went to I remember specifically praying that this would not be another weekend (wasted) where a bunch of guys get together and fake caring what's going on with each other. I know the word fake may be a little harsh but, in reality, men tend not to care about another guy's problems. "Hey, I got enough of my own issues to deal with, without trying to figure out someone else's." is our usual thought process. Well, if that's you (I know it was me), this is the place to be. I finally realized that I'm not a freak after all. I found out that, on some level, every other guy has the same issues I have: lust, perversion, money, control, and anger to name a few. Everyone there really cared about my problems, because they had them too, and were tired of denying it. It was time to deal with it, and get it dealt with. Now I come prepared to be open and transparent because I know I am wasting my time and effort by "faking it".
Jason Allen
The gathering is a place where I can go to feel Gods presence and to be around godly men who love to pray and fellowship. When I first went to the gathering I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t expect this! God is good. The Gathering has changed my life. I know some things now that I didn’t know before, like my
"authentic swing." God is good and I’m blessed to be a part of such a wonderful work of God.
Ken Adeniran
The Gathering group has ministered to me in two ways.
First, it played an important role in my life the last couple of years. It occurred at a time when I had lost my job and a year later when I was again transitioning jobs. Both times our prayer times really encouraged me to trust the Lord and let Him lead. Jennifer and I experienced great peace during this period and the Lord did indeed take care of the details.
Second, I was overwhelmed that a bunch of "kids" could, would and did share on such a deep level with one another. It's awesome. It's refreshing. It's encouraging. It's faith building. It's unprecedented. It's scriptural. It's God. WOW!
Each person there is a gift to the group. Bless each and every one of you.
Bill Crain
I went to the gathering not really knowing what to expect or what would happen. I had a very hard heart. But by being there, in the company of men who were open about what they believed and willing to share themselves with one another, I was able to hear things that softened my heart: The story of the past few years of another brother’s life – the counsel of someone who was further along life’s journey and was able to share his experience in a way I could relate to – the powerfully strong whisper of God’s voice when I was able to find a truly quiet moment and fully open myself up to Him.
I came away from the gathering with an intense desire to have God break my heart and remake it closer to the image of His. I still have a lot of building to do before I’ll be living fully as Christ intended, but the gathering gives me the kind of bricks I need to build a solid life.
God Bless.
Chaz Donnell, (Houston, Texas)
I was a little nervous about attending my first Gathering. I was excited about worshipping our Lord, but the idea of getting intimate and close with a bunch of men, most of whom I didn’t know, was somewhat alarming. As we introduced ourselves and talked about our lives, I found it easy to connect with them. I know God was working in each of us as we prayed, worshipped, and fellowshipped together.
What God showed me is not to worry what others thought about me. As I let go of my pride, my fear of sharing my faith began to melt away. It was replaced with a compassion to let old friends and co-workers know His saving grace. I thank God that I went to the Gathering, and I am excited to go again.
God Bless,
Clay Falcon, (Missouri City, Texas)
I was invited to a "Mens Gathering" to fellowship with some men and to praise the Lord. That weekend planted a seed in my heart to seek the Lord. Talking with the men at the Gathering strengthened me for the battles ahead. I was laid off from my job and forced to find a new place to live. This was a wake up call from the Lord. I told God that my life was NOW completely in his hands! I began to read the Word …. Then Bible study.... Then Sunday …. Now.... I need a message almost everyday.
Three days before I had to move out, God provided me a two bedroom apartment for less than any one bedroom I had found on my own – first month’s rent FREE. He provided me with all of my deposit back, meals were provided at opportune times, and now he has provided me a job – at a salary that is MORE a year than what I made before.
So, don't let anyone tell you that "life is what YOU make of it," because… "Life is what you allow GOD to make of it!" I never thought I could achieve such a sense of peace in my life, and it all started with one weekend hangin' with some guys and praising the Lord!
God Bless,
Chad Chesney, (Dallas, Texas)