“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”.
-Proverbs 27:17
As proof that males from disparate parts of Bermuda can sit together in harmony, rather than clash in violent discordance, more than 100 men packed Arthur Jones Hall on Sound View Road for the annual Men’s Fellowship Breakfast.
Hosted by the Men’s Ministry of Allen Temple AME Church under the theme “Iron Sharpens Iron”, attendees had appetites satiated, hearts ingratiated, and souls lifted.
Referring to the life of King David, whose life was marked by many trials, tragedies, and triumphs, as well as his own, guest speaker Ross Smith delivered an encouraging yet stern message of hope through trust in God in the midst of struggle.
Highlighting the portion of text from Acts 13:22, where God is quoted as saying: “‘…I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do,'” Smith pointed out how God emphasized David’s character and willingness to follow God’s will despite the latter’s many missteps.
“How could we look at this scripture and understand David as being a man of God’s heart, because this was a very high standard,” he said. “That must have been a person who was straight as an arrow, who didn’t do anything wrong, took care of his family, did everything right.
“But as we know, that wasn’t the true story of David.
“So we have to ask, ‘What was so exceptional about David?’.
“Well, we can look at David’s character and the person he was … David had a relationship with God.”
Smith further intimated that the verse stressed the importance of mutual growth and improvement through relationships and interactions with others. Hence, the imagery suggests that just as iron tools are sharpened through friction, people can also enhance each other’s character and wisdom through their connections.
Beyond the morning’s sermon, men of all ages engaged in singing, prayer, and personal testimonials, before being feted with a tasty, traditional codfish meal as soloist musician Maurice Clarke offered uplifting melodies on flute and saxophone.
While students from Sandys Secondary Middle School and members of the Women’s Catering Ministry served, men were left to share their experience, strength, and hope among each other, before parting.
Said Allen Temple AME Church Men’s Ministry Chairman J.Maquel Bailey of the occasion: “The Men’s Ministry at Allen Temple AME Church has long been a pillar of strength, community, and discipleship,” said Bro. Bailey. “Through its Men’s Empowerment Season, the ministry is building a culture of authentic brotherhood, spiritual growth, and generational mentorship — aimed at developing better men, fathers, husbands, and leaders.
“The 100 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast, a cornerstone event of this ministry, continues to bring together men from all walks of life to reflect, refocus, and rejoice. What began in 1995 as a vision by Rev. Betty Furbert-Woolridge has become a West End tradition that strengthens the fabric of the community year after year.”
Meanwhile, the season of male-centred worship continues with weekly Wednesday Bible studies [7.30 pm] to be broadcast live via ZOOM throughout February.
Additionally, special Men’s Day Services under the theme ‘Heart of David — Real, Raw and Reverent’ will take place Sunday, February 15 at 11 am and 4 pm, featuring guest preachers Rev. Terence Herbert and Rev. Brandon Smith.
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