Men’s Ministries’ Report

Dr. Samuel Huddleston

I was recently privileged to hear the writer of the book, “Teach Us To Pray,” Corey Russell speak at an event. In his book, he asks the following question, “What keeps you in the furnace (referring to the tough times of life) when everything around you says, ‘Quit.”

This past year has been one filled with many challenges for us all. But this report is about our men. I am privileged to be able to lead our men with the help of our great Men’s Ministry Team: Isaiah Vi, Papa Greg Crabtree, Davin Johnson, A.J. (Arthell) Jones, Derik Scott, Jim Uhey, Dan Chrystal, Jeff Green, and Natalie Aspenlind. Recently we have added to that number: Jordan Foster, Joe Cordeiro, Michael Stoutmire, Nelson Vega Jr, and Stephen Wilks. I am looking forward to serving with them as well. 

In 2023 we had 3 men’s gatherings. Eureka under the leadership of Pastor/Executive Presbyter Willy Bowles and his team, San Jose under the leadership of Pastors Richard Hernandez and Derik Scott and their team, and then our event here in Sacramento. Each was catered to the location. No cookie-cutter formula. Each was led by the men in that area. I was privileged to be at each to pray with the men and enjoy the services.

 These events were filled with powerful times of worship and prayer. The altar times were refreshing for the men as they were able to connect and for some reconnect with the One who promises to always be with them, no matter what.   

Men’s Conference Bay Area - San Jose, California

The event was held at Family Life A/G where Pastor Rich Hernandez is the Pastor and was our host. There were well over 350 men, young and old. His speakers were varied but all had the same message and were giving God praise. Andre Ward, former professional boxer. He retired with an undefeated record and held multiple world championships. Rapper Mile Minnick lit the crowd up with his message and then Pastors Derik Scott and Rich Hernandez both had timely messages for the men. Seeing men worship without any shame always blesses my heart. The more I know their stories the more I understand the depth of their worship.

 I’m reminded of Jesus’ response to Simon in Luke 7:43. He chastised him for not giving him water to wash his feet, did not give him a traditional kiss of welcome, and did not pour oil on his head. But a certain lady who had been forgiven of many sins, wet Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed Jesus’ feet, and poured perfume on them.  The Bible says Jesus responds to Simon as to why she did this in verse 47, “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” (NLT) The men at these conferences worship with abandonment in appreciation for all their sins that Jesus has forgiven.

Men’s Conference - Eureka, California

Pastor Willy is just a wonderful man. He has lived in his area of ministry for over 30 years. He, as the brothers in the Bay Area, knows the men in that area. He had Professor Steve Darnell, Pastor John Withers, and himself as the keynote speakers. The worship is always spirit visited. The fellowship is so special. They provide meals as they do in San Jose and men sit around and fellowship. I am sure it touches the heart of the father to see almost 150 men and young men gathered.

One young man came to our event with his father. The speaker asked all the young men under a certain age to come to the altar for prayer. The older men were laying hands on and ministering to the younger men. This young man backed away and said, “I don’t believe in Jesus as the Christ, I have a different religion.” The speaker responded that’s okay Jesus still believes in you; may I pray for you.” He said sure. Afterwards, the young man went outside and found a place to pray kneeling facing East. 

I recently received a video from this young man in a service. He had surrendered to Jesus months earlier and was NOW participating in the baptism of his friend. Come on Jesus.

 Another young man followed the speaker to his vehicle asking for prayer. The speaker gave him his personal bible he was carrying once he found out the young man did not have one. This young man has since been baptized.  We give glory and praise to Jesus. We don’t have time to mention others. But one thing that always brings a smile to my face is when I am visiting a church, and a mother or wife comes to me and says something along the lines of, “Thank you for the men’s conference. My husband or son, etc., went and came home changed…” To that, I thank all of you Pastors who either encourage your men to come or come with them.

Men’s Conference - Sacramento, California

Thank you, Pastor Greg Fairrington, for the privilege of conducting our largest event at Destiny. Thanks, Pastor Davin Johnson, for being such a gracious host. It was very powerful. For the first time, we had one speaker. Jamie Winship was incredible. He is a former Metro DC police officer who spent nearly 30 years living and working in the Muslim world. He and his wife, Donna, have a ministry called Identity Exchange. His theme, teaching people to exchange the lies of the world for the liberating truth of God and His word. I don’t believe he took a single copy of his book, “Living Fearless” home.

I must admit I was very nervous having just one speaker. But Jamie put his PowerPoint presentation aside, (I found this out later) and just allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through him. This has happened before at one of our gatherings. I don’t think any of us were disappointed. It was so encouraging seeing Jamie kneeling and praying before each time he was to speak to our men. Thank you, Reverend Blair, our Ministry Director, and Pastor Greg Wendschlag, Lead Pastor of Abundant Life AG, Cupertino for the introduction and for encouraging me as you did.  Pastor Greg, your open transparency with some of your family members in the audience was, I have no words. It prepared our men for what was to come. My one regret at all three events: we just needed more time at the altar.

Encouragement from Dr. Sam

Thank you, Pastor Bret, Dr. Jay, and the entire Presbytery for the privilege of leading the Men’s Ministry of AGNCN. It is a very high privilege. This could not happen without the support and trust of each Pastor. Your words of encouragement and physical presence of support bless our district beyond the 200,000 square miles that comprise the borders of NCN. 

Thank you, Natalie, my Administrative Assistant, for all she does for this conference, and the other women in our offices who yearly assist at the conference in making our conferences run so smoothly. God bless each one of you. I am sure we could do this without you, but I am also sure it would be a lot different.

Men, stay faithful to the one who has promised to be with us to the finish line of life. Make a few good friends and let’s do life together for our churches, families, communities, nation, and the world. Let’s keep giving up the lies of this world for the truth of God.