“Dare to be uncommon” was the challenge to men in the fellowship as Deacon Orson Smith opened the curtains on Men’s Ministry Day [24th April 2022]. This celebration is an annual event in the Assemblies of God National Men’s Ministry calendar. Assistant Pastor Dellon Thompson addressed the struggles and complexities experienced by men in his spoken word, themed ‘Triumph.’ This was followed by the triumphant sound of steelpan music, celebrating our musical culture and talent of men in the fellowship, who ministered alongside a lone female pannist. The steel pan lineup included Minister Oliver Pross (Drums/Director), Minister Noel Greene (Triple Guitar), Brothers Martin Watson (Double Guitar), Ephraim Pross (Double Second), Reon Miller (Double Tenor), Ezekiel Pross (Lead Tenor) and Sister Mikaela Mason (Bass)
Bishop Dr M. Raphael Massiah addressed the Men’s Ministry theme from Daniel 1:1-21 and recognised the leadership of Rev. Michael Singh, National Men’s Ministry Director. He posited that King Nebuchadnezzar hinted at the attributes of an uncommon man in verse 4. The emphasis was to cultivate an attitude of excellence in service by men, but also as a nation to produce and progress in various areas.
…young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had the ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.” Daniel 1:4
The account of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the Babylonian kingdom is an instructive template of uncommon men. Beyond refusing the food of the palace, the Word of God states that they were found ten times better in every matter of wisdom and understanding. Recalling his own decision to be uncommon, Bishop Massiah shared about his early independent academic pursuits at a time when his family’s economic situation prevented him from attending high school. He also shared about a visit he once made to the police station to intervene for a group of young men who were detained; a group society had essentially written off. The police officers thought he was their legal counsel. Bishop Massiah encouraged men to deliver uncommon service and intervene for those who chose to remain common.
At the closing of the service, men were anointed by Pastor Wilbert Lee that they might dare to be like Daniel and his friends who had a relationship with God and understood their assignment during their time in the Babylonian palace.
