Despite being on the frontline of many of life’s challenges, the protectors of their household, the shoulders that shield and carry their families — Men are often overlooked when it comes to ministry geared towards their needs.
We cannot minimize the importance of the role men play in the lives of their communities, families and churches.
Men are the torchbearers who often need to be heard and seen underneath their cloak of duty and responsibility.
Arranging a special get-together for our Beit Hallel men was a true blessing. We had rented a house with a spacious backyard and a pool for a day and brought out a group of 40 men from Beit Hallel. Some are leaders, pastors, mentors, prayer warriors, and worshippers, some are just regular church members; some are younger, some older — but there was a common denominator: they were all in need of a day where they got to be sons pampered by their loving Father.
We had an absolutely wonderful time, and every single brother felt blessed, cared for, seen and heard. They had the opportunity to open up, share, get vulnerable, and shed the tears they usually don’t feel comfortable shedding around their families. Brotherhood does that to a man: it makes his load easier by sharing it with others who are carrying a similar one.
There was a lot of food, good times, bonding, encouragement, and much prayer.
While they were laughing, enjoying themselves and even doing somersaults in the pool, one of our younger guys mentioned that it was beautiful to see so many big kids in the bodies of adult men.
Men showed up to our cookout, and their inner boys came out to play and enjoy their time with their brothers and Father.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.
Psalm 133:1-3
In our culture it is crucial to strengthen, encourage and strengthen our men, they carry a great weight of responsibility in our society as family men, as well as men of God.
Pastor Israel was there to enjoy this special time with the brothers and shared an uplifting word with them regarding their priestly calling.
A day to remember that we will surely repeat!
Beit Hallel is a Messianic Jewish congregation in Ashdod, led by pastor Israel Pochtar, serving holocaust survivors and the poor and needy locally and throughout the nation of Israel, while building up the body of Messiah in the promised land of Israel.