Iraq chaplain featured at Stand Firm men's conference in Feb.

LAKELAND (FBC)—What do a Navy chaplain, a professional fisherman and an internationally renowned basketball coach have in common? Their Christian commitment has allowed them to "Stand Firm" when facing obstacles in life today.

Their testimonies will be a part of "Stand Firm 2004," one of the fastest growing men’s ministry conferences designed to challenge Florida Baptist men to step forward and lead their families, churches and communities.

The conferences, sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources and the Florida Baptist Men’s Department will be held at Medulla Baptist Church in Lakeland Feb. 20-21 and Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola March 26-27. The theme for Stand Firm 2004 is "Be Brave, Be Strong."

Messages at the conferences will include testimonies to encourage men to defend their faith and become godly role models. Each session offers the opportunity to attend male-focused workshops that meet specific needs.

A highlight of the two Florida conferences will be the testimony of Lt. Carey H. Cash, battalion chaplain to infantry Marines based at Camp Pendleton, Calif. In Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was the first ground combat element to cross the border into Iraq and the first to see one of their own killed in battle. Cash will share how God worked, often miraculously, among the troops of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in Iraq as he baptized 57 new Christians.

Glenn Chappalear, a professional fisherman and president of Sportsman Outreach, from Atworth, Ga., will speak during the Lakeland meeting. He is a professional bass fisherman on the Bassmaster Trail and the Forest L. Wood Tour. As a Mission Service Corps volunteer for the North American Mission Board, Chappalear speaks at 40- 50 banquets each year.

Dan Hayden, director of ministries at Sola Scriptura in Orlando, will round out the Lakeland conference.

The Pensacola conference will feature Cash and Roger Dutremble, internationally renowned basketball coach who served as the national team head coach to three countries—Belgium, Scotland and Jordan. Former Florida Baptist pastor Keith Thomas, Cottage Hill Baptist Church, Mobile, Ala., will present an inspirational message.

The conferences begin on Friday at 5 p.m. and continue through Saturday at noon. Registration is $40 per person and does not include lodging.

For more information or to register for a Stand Firm event, visit www.lifeway.com/events or call 800-254-2022.)