Glimpses of Dangerous Man Days
January 31, 2009: Greeley, Colorado
300 men … 300 unique stories. Here’s one story about a 75-80 year old man named Clarence. The emcee, Dean Ridings, painted a word picture of what it would look like for a man to give his life to Christ. Clarence came up afterward for more conversation and prayer. Right then Dean and Clarence drew a line in the sand before God and he went away with assurance that his life was secure in God’s hands.
Later in the day, Pastor Alan Kraft in his blog, www.stoptryingharder.com/alans-blog, shared this:
“Today I did a workshop at the Dangerous Man Conference here in Greeley. My workshop was entitled ‘When Trying Harder Doesn’t Work’. In it I shared how our typical approach to spiritual growth is to try hard – which leads to either self-righteousness or self loathing. God’s invitation to us for spiritual growth is found in John 7:37. ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink’. To continually admit our thirst and to continually run to Jesus, welcoming His presence into every area of our lives.Here’s another story - Jason Gordon, a 32-year-old who lives in Greeley with his wife and two children and works as a payroll supervisor.
But the biggest highlight for me came after the workshop when a man came up to me and, with tears in his eyes, shared how this message had impacted him. He said ‘This is so helpful. It’s going to impact my marriage and so many areas of my life.’ He hung around for 5-10 minutes afterwards sharing how excited he was about this stuff.”
"I went to Dangerous Man Day in Greeley with a bunch of guys from my church. It was an incredibly uplifting, challenging and (my wife will tell you) life-changing day. I have never been to a conference like this before. It was so powerful to be together with so many other men in a common purpose of being real men for a real God, and standing up for what actually matters. I am definitely coming back next year, and bringing some other guys with me.”
February 7, 2009: Denver, Colorado
In response to the question “What did you like best about Dangerous Man Day?” some said:
“I found Christ for sure today, thank God!”
– an older man.“Seeing men older than me pursue Christ with great ferocity.” – a 16 year old.
“I really resonated with Dangerous Man Day – I want to have one in Colorado Springs.”
It was exciting to see a number of men bring
their sons to experience Dangerous Man Day together.
February 19-20, 2009: Lino Lakes Correctional Facility, Minnesota
Over 35 of the 165 inmates stood in response to the speaker’s, Chuck Stecker, invitation to give their hearts and lives to Christ.
The inmate who drew the picture of the cross on the back of our Dangerous Man tee shirts told me his story. He’s 43, has been in prison or jail since 18, is a former Muslim, and came to Christ in 2003 through the witness of an older lady. He’s anticipating his release in February, 2010, and desires to use his drawing abilities for God.
Other responses from men:
“Thank you for writing the book “The Making of a Dangerous Man”. I keep reading it and will be sending it to my son in Iraq.”
“Thank you for responding to the Holy Spirit when He put it in your heart to write “The Making of a Dangerous Man” book.
“I want you to know – God has been using your book in our lives. Thank you for coming here to speak at our Dangerous Man Day.”
I will never forget these inmates – their level of engagement, honesty, gratitude, brokenness, and vulnerability are forever etched in my heart.
February 21, 2009: Minnesota Dangerous Man Day
A memorable quote from Larry Glabe, the keynote speaker:
“I do not fear failure, I fear succeeding in the things in life that don’t really matter”.
Coach Ron Brown, assistant football coach, U. of Nebraska
As we look ahead …
The past nine months have been among the most stretching months of my life! And I feel the effects in many ways. I am grateful for God’s grace and patience with me – I feel I have been slow to learn the lessons He has been teaching me. I have allowed myself to be over-loaded in ways that I ought not to have allowed.
Please know – the above stories are just glimpses of how God has been using your partnership with us. Our Dangerous Man ministry is a partnership of like-hearted friends like you and others. We could never do this by ourselves.
Please pray – that we would know God’s mind and heart as we evaluate and plan ahead for the coming months. God is gracious and opening many doors that we never anticipated.