FEATURES
Get Ready: Promise Keepers Storm Miami
by William S. LaCasse
What do you do when 75,000 men show up in your own back yard B
for the weekend?
Well, Promise Keepers, the renown Christian men's integrity movement,
is headed south - destination B
Miami. This June 27-28, thousands of men will storm Miami's Orange
Bowl Stadium for fourteen hours of worship and faith building
conferences aimed at uniting and charging Christian men, husbands
and fathers to new, higher levels of strength and integrity.
Promise Keepers has proven unequivocally to be the fastest growing,
farthest reaching movement in America today. In a time when overt
enmity has raised its ugly head against God's standard in a plethora
of secular movements, Promise Keepers has drawn millions to the
forefront of Christian principle and unity. This year's theme,
The Making of A Godly Man, is designed to help men cultivate
a heart toward God, nurture self discipline, enhance their own
financial integrity and become a stronger witness and Christian
leader in their own communities.
One of the more distinct qualities of Promise Keepers, and perhaps
one of the most well recognized, has been its ability to transcend
racial barriers. Promise Keepers seem to have spurred a whole
new movement of reconciliation, not only between races, but deep
within hurting marriages as well. Countless women offer testimony
about an isolated, non-communicative husband who returned "softer
and more tender," wanting to deepen their relationships with
their wives.
The whole "PK" movement, as it is otherwise known, began
in 1990 with University of Colorado football coach, Bill McCartney.
(No small coincidence PK conferences are held in football stadiums)
While driving to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet with
friend Dave Wardell, McCartney talked about the unique dynamics
that exist when groups of men get together to worship Jesus. Seventy-two
men began to fast and pray regarding the idea of large gatherings
of men coming together for "Christian teaching, encouragement
and support." 1991 saw its first arena-style conference and
the movement has literally catapulted events around the United
States, as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The cost for attending the Promise Keepers conference in Miami
is only $60, if received by June 6th; $70.00 if received
after June 6th. Of the conference fee, $56.00 actually
covers conference cost. The remaining six bucks goes to support
the national and international ministry and scholarships of Promise
Keepers. Last year, PK paid some $90,000 in scholarships for men
with special circumstances so they could attend conferences in
their area.
Hotel costs are extra if you are traveling from out of the Miami
area. Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Housing Reservation
Center at 1-800-545-8238. To register for the conference, you
may call 1-800-265-6023. For assistance in Spanish call 1-800-203-1564.
Sign language interpreters will be provided for the hearing impaired.
Spanish translation will also be provided via FM radio. Please
bring your own portable FM radio to receive their signal.
Event organizers are also looking for 3,500 volunteers to minister
in evangelism and to be ushers. Those interested can call Volunteer
Coordinator and PK Ambassador, Ron Mendola at (305) 258 - 9168.
Ron tells The Trumpeter they are praying with high
expectation for a full house and lots of powerful ministry this
June at the Orange Bowl. Promise Keepers also has follow up programs
to visit area churches and help organize local events and ministry.
The Field Ministry Office for South Florida can be reached at
(305) 358 -3589. Ask for Kenny Jones or Al Hernandez.
Circle June 27 and 28 on your calendar to attend Promise Keepers.
Call in early and reserve your spot. Wives - beg, bribe, do whatever
you have to and get your husband there. Dads .. if your son is
twelve years old or older, consider taking him to what could be
the life-changing event of his lifetime. The Spirit of Christian
unity in South Florida promises to be awesome. Show up and bring
someone with you.