Men of faith

Men at the Cross, an interdenominational ministry born in Missouri last year, continues its tour through churches and arenas across America to continue its message of leadership, evangelism and discipleship.

In addition to the 17 national events the organization has planned this year, Men at the Cross will host a father/son fundraiser event May 9 in Millersville that organizers are calling the "father/son event of the year."

The event will feature guest speaker Andy Benes, former pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as an afternoon full of Wiffle ball, Frisbee golf, paintball, fishing and more. Dinner will be served, and there will be prizes and giveaways.

Although the event is full of "men's activities," the focus is not just sports, paintball and fishing.

"One of the, if not the largest, issue today is fatherlessness, whether it be physically or spiritually," said Jimmy Wilferth, vice president of national operations and event management for Men at the Cross. "Everyone needs a coach, a mentor, to help you walk with Christ."

The ministry, led by author, speaker and founder Joe White, has the vision to "end spiritual fatherlessness" by teaching men to disciple other men in the Christian faith and lead their homes and communities through service.

"We are calling men back to their God-given role of leadership," said Wilferth, who lives in Cape Girardeau.

The ministry's model and "foundational verse," he said, comes from the Apostle Paul's command to Timothy in Second Timothy 2:2, "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

"Paul was a mentor, bringing Timothy under his wing, teaching him how to be a Godly man and preparing him to duplicate that model with other people," Wilferth said. "That model is how we believe the world could change."

Wilferth said the event scheduled on his parents' family farm in Millersville promotes local awareness of the national ministry and raises funds for the upcoming conference in St. Louis. Fathers who attend the event will also get tickets for the two-day conference in July.

"The events that we do nationally are a catalyst for men to get started on the discipleship model," Wilferth said. "We will encourage these men to come to St. Louis, to be spiritual leaders of their household and just to be a better person."

In addition to Benes, local pastors and White will speak at the event in Millersville. Wilferth said the national event includes a youth break-out session to discuss the righteous approach to sex, love and dating, as well as understanding faith in God.

"We'll also talk to dads about their biblical role as a Christian and what it means to model your life after Jesus Christ," he said.

Men at the Cross is in ministry partnership with Cross International, an organization that feeds and clothes the world's least fortunate children, and Kids Across America, a Christian sports camp for urban children.

To register or for directions, contact Jennifer Bles at 573-587-9903 or at jenniferbles@menatthecross.org. Day-of registration begins at 1 p.m. May 9 and the event will run from 2 to 8 p.m. Cost is $200. For more information, visit www.menatthecross.org.