Maryland Men of Faith Hosts ‘Stand for the Right’ Conference

Maryland Men of Faith hosted its annual day-long conference on Oct. 7 at Mt. Aetna Retreat Center, drawing the participation of more than 140 men. This year’s theme, “Stand for the Right,” echoes a phrase from Ellen White’s book “Education” (p.57) that has inspired the themes of the past several retreats.

Maryland Men of Faith is a lay-led organization, supported by the Chesapeake Conference, that is dedicated to encouraging and challenging men to incorporate Jesus in everything they do. 

The event’s keynote speaker was Douglas Na’a, director of the It Is Written School of Evangelism called SALT on the campus of Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tenn. Na’a presented a message on the biblical understanding of manhood, contrasting it with the prevailing portrayals of men in today’s secular society.

The conference also featured breakout seminars on various topics tailored to attendees’ interests and needs. Tim Aka, General Conference associate treasurer, delivered a seminar on financial issues in end-time prophecy. John Rengifo, Chesapeake Conference ministerial director, and Tony Williams, an engineer and active lay leader, offered training on establishing active men’s ministries in local churches. Shawn Paris, Chesapeake Conference director for Summer Camp and Missions, presented a seminar on conflict resolution. Akeem James, pastor of the Life in Christ (Bear, Del.) and MOT (Townsend, Del.) churches, and Elijah Ramjattan, Highland View Academy campus chaplain, conducted sessions designed for youth and young adult attendees.

Organizers expressed delight at the turnout and overall enthusiasm for the event, noting an increase in first-time participants. “I can see that the guys just really enjoy coming together,” Rengifo said. “There’s just an energy in coming together, worshipping together, and hearing messages that challenge you to grow in a specific area.”