By Darien Callum and Renee McIndoe
The inaugural B1Flesh Conference opened in worship, led by the Praise Team, before
segueing into prayer and greetings from the dynamic Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Anya-Jean
Phillips of Gospel JA FM and Dweet Fi Mi Media.
Conceived by God and birthed by Pastors Errington and Tania Case, the conference was designed to call people back to God’s standard for marriage.
Where Christian standards have been replaced by the world’s ways of waiting, dating, and relationship, Be1Flesh (a collaboration between the male mentoring programme ‘Built in His Image’ and female Mentorship, ‘Wife Material’), is set as a beacon, pointing all to the Holy-Gold standard for relationships.
THE PLUMBLINE RELAY
Pastor Errington Case began the morning’s lessons powerfully with some divine insight: the first
thing God did at the genesis of creation was to establish divine order! This is His Plumbline.
Everything that followed, as He spoke creation into being, aligned itself to that standard (see
Genesis 1).
The Plumbline relay continued as Pastor Nigel dynamically demonstrated that the natural plumbline is a vertical compass – without it, thing falls apart. So it is in the Spirit!
Pastor Kavan Allan challenged the audience to make a proactive effort to seek out at least three spiritually grounded mentors to access the wealth of wisdom reposited in those who have gone ahead of us.
“Lack of accountability and mentorship cause many people to miss out on this blessing, and it was never God’s design for us to carry out His purpose within us in singularity, leaning on our own wisdom,” he warned. “Rather, God strategically places people in our lives to steer us along the path He has already set. Whether you are single or married, being surrounded by sound counsel is a win.”Pastor Kavan closed with a striking visual demonstration that showed how we are able to go further, bearing the mantle of those who have birthed or shepherded us.
Even the coffee break was special: 15 minutes of anointed fellowship flowed right back into worship, and Session 2 was ministered by Phillipa Davies. The seasoned attorney shared how the institution of marriage has been statistically proven to produce rounded, whole individuals, equipped to positively impact society. She cited data showing how most of the individuals engaging in deviant behaviour, especially of a criminal nature, come from a single-parent household, as opposed to God’s nuclear prototype. Good results come from the homes of married couples, simply because God called marriage good.
A ‘BREAKOUT’ IN THE BREAK OUT
In the breakout session with Pastor Nicole Holness for women under age 30, gems were
dropping thick and fast, like “While courting, ensure you keep your conversation clean.”
“Dreams are a place of transaction and encounter,” and “Whatever is buried inside—alive—will come out.”
MAN TALK AND EXCHANGING NOTES
Pastor Nigel Holness demonstrating the plumbline
Riveting discussions dominated the men’s breakout session, which was led by Pastors Errington and Nigel. Using the biblical model found in Genesis chapter 2, Pastor Errington pointed out that before Adam was given a wife, he was given work. Similarly, men must first set their focus on the work or purpose for which God has created them.
The current cultural norms that display men as lazy and useless in domestic and vocational skills must be rebuked, and instead, a heart for selfless service, diligence, integrity, and excellence should be developed and encouraged.
After a lively lunch break, the panel discussions opened and closed with fire! What causes men
not to communicate as women wish? How is it that women expect men to commit before they’ve even appreciated who they are and understood themselves financially, mentally, etc? What is an inappropriate sexual advance? These were among the questions that were tackled.
One of the things that was highlighted was that the institution of marriage is not disregarded in any other religion as it is in Christianity. This is to say, other religions, especially the Muslim and Jewish faiths, highly regard marriage. So much so that marriages are still being arranged for status, financial security, and other reasons. Meanwhile, many Christians are lax about marriage, placing it further down the list of priorities, even opting not to procreate and replenish the earth.
DELIVERANCE
Men took to the mics to voice their long-held questions for their female counterparts, and the
women, of course, reciprocated. But the story didn’t end there.
The conference hall was converted into a mass choir, and as anointed worship leader Dr. Jermaine Gordon took the plumbline, the words of his mega worship anthem to God, “For Thine is the Kingdom,” filled the auditorium. The omnipotence of God had stepped into the room.
The tone switched to militant as Pastor Tania made a call for those who were determined to get what they had come for at the conference to make their way to the front of the hall—deliverance and healing were available.
All throughout the day, the praise team, led by Psalmist Loretta Ricketts, continuously ushered us into the presence of the Lord. Angels were on hand for the divine ministry, and many did not miss their moment. God was truly glorified.