The participants, whose ages ranged from 13 to over 80, were captivated by knowledgeable presenters who shared various topics in an engaging manner, with practical applications of the concepts and ideas.  They shared candidly their own struggles and victories and allowed the men to ask questions and make comments about the subject matter presented. 

The Friday evening service included singing, a devotional by Pastor Jerry Languedoc, and presentations by Elder Bertie Henry, of the Caribbean Union, and Dr. Colwick Wilson, a statistician who resides and works in California.  Their respective presentations were entitled, “The Profile of A True Man,” and “Men In Crisis-What’s the Prognosis?”   

Pastor Glendon Cross’ devotional started off the Sabbath session which boasted over 250 men at the University of the Virgin Islands ACC conference room.  Attendees listened attentively and were kept alert by the inter-woven humor as Dr. Colwick Wilson, Elder Bertie Henry, and Pastor Royston Philbert facilitated various topics that covered generating and managing resources, the role of a man, and relational boundaries. 

The men were treated to a sumptuous lunch and then returned for tips on money management by Elder Bertie Henry and a panel discussion moderated by Pastor Ammaran Williams, Family Ministries Director and Executive Secretary of the NCC.  The panelists took turns answering questions from the audience and sharing their own personal experiences. 

President Silton Browne of the NCC also addressed the men and shared his appreciation for men who paved the way for him and extended their hearts and homes to him as a young man.  President Browne challenged men to do the same for the young men of the church.  This year’s program was a huge success and kudos goes out to Pastor Ammaran Williams, his team, the district pastors and the Men’s Ministry leaders of St. Thomas and St. John for making this conference possible.

Submitted by Elder Desmond Smith