A Weekend of War Cry

Men’s Conference 2022

Breakthrough. Refilled. Refreshed. Life-Changing. Brotherhood. Purpose. GOD. These are just some words that I would use to describe this annual event that we put together at My City Church. Pulling away from all problems and distractions and coming together as men to build each other up and seek God together is a feeling like no other. This event really is a rollercoaster of emotions because it makes you dig deep into the unseen crevices of your soul, and it ignites your faith to be on fire for God again. You feel a sense of belonging the moment you get together with your tribes – You feel included. For those that like to be introverted, Men’s Conference (MC) pushes you out of those comfort zones. But it’s outside of those comfort zones that you see true transformation and growth. You gain brothers that will be there for you through thick and thin – they will always have your back. MC isn’t just about doing physical activities. It’s more about your spiritual growth. At the end of the weekend, you have an opportunity to get baptized and make a public declaration of living for Christ.

This is a getaway from ALL distractions. It’s YOU and GOD.

“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.“ 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)

As a second year attendee, I can say that every year just keeps getting better. I was somewhat more aware of what to expect – the seen. I did come expectant, but God really surprised me by breaking things off of me that could no longer remain in me. It was time to say, “NO MORE SATAN. These things no longer have a hold on me.” Like I said, this event is really about YOU and GOD. As we placed our burdens on these burden boards, two stood out to me: “Lack of Voice” and “Lack of Confidence.” From the moment I wrote these, I knew God was going to move in those two areas, so I pressed into them. I have been carrying those burdens for so long, I never truly believed in myself. I was the type of person to let others think for me. I just went along with what others did and did what they wanted me to do. But GOD. At that bonfire on our last night, God whispered to me, “Drop them.” And I’ve never been the same.

At the service before the bonfire, I was serving on frontline worship and LEADING a song. Ever since my first MC, I knew I wanted to serve on worship, and now I had the opportunity. However, I allowed negative thoughts to overwhelm me and tell me I wasn’t good enough to lead with these other three men. These men have amazing singing voices, and they have been doing this longer than I have. I felt such a heavy weight in my chest, I thought I was going to choke up there and ruin the song. I felt defeated and unqualified. The enemy was pushing me to walk away from this opportunity.

I isolated myself, but I did it to be with God. I went down by the lake right outside the auditorium and sat there with God. I didn’t have words to say, I didn’t know what to say. I just wanted to cry and somehow be back home in Omaha. We were minutes from when the service was going to begin and I still felt so nervous and unprepared, BUT GOD. I felt God tell me, “Just trust me. Go.” I don’t know how I did it, but God helped me get through that song and helped me reach levels in my vocal range that I didn’t know I had. He helped me lead with peace and confidence that I didn’t know I had. I have never cried up on stage, but the Holy Spirit moved in such a powerful way that I couldn’t help myself. I kneeled on the stage and cried – the tears just kept flowing. I was just in awe and so grateful of how God continues to prove His love for me. Regardless of what I have done or will do, God is with me and He loves me. He will never leave me nor forsake me.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I had my moment with God. Now it’s your turn.

How should you prepare yourself for MC next year? Be FULLY expectant of what God wants to do. Don’t hold back. You get out of it what you put in. Use this opportunity to really dig into God. Don’t worry about what others think because they aren’t in charge of YOUR salvation. God loves you more than you know. The things of this world don’t matter. This physical life doesn’t matter or make sense if God isn’t a part of it. God will meet you in the mess, in the thick of your problems. All you need to do is press into God and call out to your Father. I threw my burdens into that fire, and now I have MY voice and MY confidence that God gave me. In Jesus, I am confident and secure in who I am. I found MY war cry. Whatever your burden is, God’s ready for you to cast it onto Him. Are you ready? Sign up now for Men’s Conference 2023!

I’ll be there! Will you?

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)