Trending
WARREN -- The Trumbull County Men of Faith, who meet monthly for breakfast on Saturdays to hear from speakers addressing issues men deal with in their Christian walk, has ended its monthly gatherings.
But the man who led the Trumbull group for many years plans to continue sharing the word of the Lord in a new way.
Bob Faver of Howland, who has led the Trumbull group, will be leaving to work with the Billy Graham Evangelical Association's God Loves You Tour.
Faver said over the years he has been in contact with many churches with many of them "strong and growing" while others were struggling to stay open.
He said when a "Man Up" event was held at Grace Church at the Eastwood Mall in Niles many men, including young men, took part.
"Churches at the event didn't push men to come to their church," he said. "The event and others stressed men to go to church, work on their marriage and spend time with their families and friends."
Faver said locally, more than 200 men's breakfasts have been held in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. The Old North Men's Breakfast is the first men's group with 148 men. He said in addition to Trumbull, there has also been a men's group in Columbiana.
Faver said his new job will have him working with more than 60 churches and men's groups as he provides speakers for men's events and for churches.
"I and others will speak words of encouragement, give hope and motivation for Christian men to help them grow," he said.
"We will discuss ways to be emboldened and share our stories and our faith with others. Our desire and goal is for men to have faith and a personal relationship with our Lord, King and Savior Jesus Christ. We are to be men of integrity in our homes, at work, our community and in our churches."
He said a goal of his is to help churches draw men back into the churches. He wants to share the success some churches have with reaching out to men, along with developing ways to involve men in leadership positions.
Faver said it is important that men realize the gifts God has given them and encourage them to recognize and use their gifts so they grow and flourish.
He said many people will tell him they want to tell people about God but don't know how to start a conversation or don't know what to say.
"If you don't know what to say, use the Columbo way and ask questions," he said. "If they ask something you can't answer, tell them 'Can I check that out so we can talk about it later'."
He said it is important to follow up with people and stay in contact with them.
MEN'S RALLY IN VALLEY
One issue of discussion has been the annual Men's Rally in the Valley event set for April 27 at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Faver said it is important for men to take part and show their strength by being together in prayer and worship.
"This is a way for men to be leaders from their churches," he said.
Faver said the Men's Rally in the Valley was held for 13 years at the Covelli Centre and is marking its second year at Stambaugh Auditorium.
The theme of the event is "Better United Together."
The men's breakfast group has been meeting for several years on the first Sunday of the month, most recently at Aulizio's Banquet Center.