Having been deeply attuned for over 20 years to the offerings of the Freedom Come Ministries International, I felt compelled to attend the Men’s Higher Level Ministry Conference on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Deliberately, I took my two sons along as part of a discipleship journey. As a father and priest within my home, I am persuaded that it is my responsibility to ensure that my sons are grounded in a solid spiritual foundation. Scripture poses a sobering question in Psalm 11:3: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” This truth framed our shared experience throughout the day.
The worship encounter was rich and vibrant. The atmosphere carried a tangible sense of God’s presence, preparing hearts to receive the Word. The message, delivered under the compelling theme, Advancing God’s Kingdom: Revisiting the Foundations, Building Kingdom Men, Raising Young Gideons, was both riveting and relatable. It challenged men across generations to examine their spiritual foundations and to recommit themselves to purposeful, godly living.
For me, the most impactful segment of the conference was the post-lunch married men’s group interaction. The plenary question-and-answer session was particularly beneficial, offering practical insights into marriage, leadership, and personal integrity. As both a counsellor and a husband, I found the affirmations I shared to be timely, relevant, and immediately applicable to my ministry and family life. The experience was further enriched as I later reflected with my sons.
SAMUEL’S REFLECTION
Samuel, 19 years old, described his experience as both extraordinary and transformative. Entering the gathering with uncertainty, having never attended a men’s conference before, he quickly realised that this would be a defining moment in his spiritual journey. The standard set by the event, he noted, has reshaped his expectations for future gatherings.
He was particularly moved by the praise and worship segment, which he found to be deeply spirit-filled and personally enriching. The atmosphere of genuine reverence created a space where he felt both encouraged and challenged. Observing men—young and old—engaging wholeheartedly in worship inspired him to step beyond his comfort zone and express his faith more freely and confidently. For him, this marked a significant turning point.
A highlight of his experience was the breakout session for young men aged 18–27, led by Pastor Musa Laing. Samuel described this session as honest, engaging, and highly relevant to the realities faced by young Christian men. The discussions brought clarity and direction, challenging participants to align their lives with biblical principles.
A defining moment came when Samuel posed a question and received a response that has remained with him: “Don’t let anyone’s opinion of you change who you are, especially as a man of Christ.” This counsel deeply resonated with him, particularly considering personal challenges he had been facing. Since then, he has made a conscious effort to remain steadfast in his identity and values, ensuring that his actions consistently reflect Christ. For Samuel, the conference was not merely an event but a catalyst for renewed commitment and intentional living.
JOSHUA’S REFLECTION
Joshua, 18 years old, also described the conference as a memorable and impactful experience. From the moment of arrival, he sensed that the day would be significant. The worship atmosphere, characterised by the unified voices of men lifting praise to God, left a lasting impression on him. He described it as “electrifying”—an experience that stirred both awe and reverence.
Like his brother, Joshua found the post-lunch breakout session to be the most impactful aspect of the day. Pastor Musa Laing’s ability to connect with the young men, sharing personal life experiences and practical wisdom, made the session both relatable and engaging.
One statement captured Joshua’s attention: “If we don’t know who we are as men, we cannot make the impact we desire.” This insight prompted deep reflection. He recognised that many men struggle with self-expression, often suppressing their emotions out of fear of appearing weak or inferior. However, the session reframed this perspective, emphasising that authenticity and openness are essential steps toward growth, healing, and strength.
For Joshua, this realization was both liberating and empowering. The breakout session became his favourite part of the conference because of its relevance and its ability to address real-life challenges faced by young men today. He left encouraged, confident that the conference was a success, and hopeful that future gatherings will have an even greater impact through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
SPIRITUAL MILESTONE
This conference was more than a one-day event; it was a meaningful spiritual milestone for our family. It strengthened our faith, deepened our relationships, and reinforced our commitment to raising and becoming Kingdom men who are grounded in truth and led by the Spirit.
Rev. Dwight Kelly, a born-again Believer since August 20, 1989, has served as an Ordained Minister in the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands for some 13 years. With a passion for Evangelism and Discipleship, he also serves as a Pastor and Itinerant Preacher. Married to Charmaine for over twenty-seven years, together they are committed to nurturing their sons, Samuel and Joshua, in the ways of Christ.
