By Monty Harmon, Men’s Ministry Leader, Grace Community Covenant Church
At the Thrive Leadership Conference in Sacramento, I learned Men’s breakfasts have a habit of fizzling at a breakout session last year. I had just revived ours after years of no breakfasts. At the first one, pastor Rhyan give us his testimony. We had great attendance (60 men) but that dwindled even though the food was awesome. How to revive our quarterly breakfast was the question I gave to God in prayer.
One month later, Pastor Rhyan Smith and I went to meet with the chief of Police in Olympia, Washington. The topic was centered on the enormous growth of the homeless tent population in the downtown area. What I learned by attending was that the Chief was a Christian! We had a great meeting that ended with a nice long prayer. As I was leaving, God gave me a nudge, so I asked the chief if he would like to speak at one of our men’s breakfasts. He said “sure”.
Chief Ronnie Roberts of Olympia PD spoke at the February quarterly Men’s Breakfast at Grace Community Covenant Church. The action team purchased 15 pounds of Apple Smoked bacon, 15 dozen eggs, 180 pieces of French Toast, Yogurts, Fruits and juices. The purchase of the food is funded as the men give generously toward the next breakfast and other men’s activities such as the upcoming rafting trip and golf tournament.
Chief Roberts spoke on how God had gotten his attention five years ago while touring Israel with other chiefs and Israeli Security Police. The historical sites made a significant impression on him and his approach to life changed. In addition, Chief Roberts mentioned how he trains his officers to seek relationships with the people they contact and not to just address the situation at hand. Lastly, he spoke on the recent explosion of homeless tents in Olympia. In six months, the downtown area went from 30 tents to over 300 tents.
The men asked questions on how they could help with the homeless issue and support the Chief and His officers in serving the community. Chief Roberts said the easiest way to help is to acknowledge the officers and say thank you for what they are doing to keep Olympia safe. The men also prayed for the Chief and his department and gave him a gift card for his local coffee shop and some money for a dinner out with his wife.
In closing, the men were challenged with an illustration regarding dominoes and how with just a nudge one domino can impact a large number of dominoes. Whether it is a kind word, a decision to start attending a weekly Bible Study, or signing up for the coming men’s retreat, the choices they make can have a significant impact on many areas of their lives and the lives of others.
Praise God for such a wonderful answer to prayer. I wonder what He has in store for the future……
