October 4, 1997, Washington DC – I wasn’t there. But…

And I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30 KJV

I didn’t get actively engaged in men’s discipleship or connected with Promise Keepers until after Stand in the Gap.  I was invited by my father-in-law but didn’t take him up on the offer. I regret that. But I’m thankful to all the men who were there. Their stories continue to inspire and encourage me. Earlier this month many celebrated the 20th anniversary of this historic event.

I am still celebrating and thanking God for the seeds that were planted in men’s hearts on October 4th, 1997!

Art Avent

My father-in-law, Art Avent, has shared many times about how amazing it was to see so many men gathered with a spirit of humility. There were crowds and long lines… scenarios that could make men angry and frustrated, but he saw none of that. Men were moved by the Holy Spirit rather than their flesh.

Rick Lindsay & Encourage Men to Pray

I had a lengthy conversation last week with Rick Lindsay of Encourage Men to Pray. He was responsible for the prayer initiative for the event. He recounted with joy stories of spiritual warfare and victories he and others experienced as a result of SITG. The memories are fresh.

Bob Waugh & Noble Warriors North

Bob Waugh leads our Noble Warriors North regional team. He has shared with me several times about standing on the Mall and making a commitment to continue serving God in men’s ministry. His significant investments in Noble Warriors are part of living out that commitment.

Steve Whitlock, Jim Salley & Virginia Men of Vision

Steve Whitlock, Jim Salley and many others launched Virginia Men of Vision in the wake of SITG and the influence of Promise Keepers. They led the charge to take other men to PK events to experience the possibility of life transformation through faith in Christ. They continue to invest in men’s discipleship by helping to fund our Leading Noble Men conference.

Brian Doyle & Iron Sharpens Iron

Brian Doyle was on staff with Promise Keepers during the SITG era. When that season ended, he launched a ministry to men in New England and eventually founded the Iron Sharpens Iron network. The number of men and churches blessed by this ministry continues to multiply!

NCMM

Countless men across the country returned to their homes with fresh encouragement and anointing to invest in men. Consequently, many ministries that are now part of the National Coalition of Ministries to Men were catalyzed on the Mall at SITG.

Clay Olsen & Chapel by the Sea

In the summer of 2016, our family was vacationing at Emerald Isle. I went to visit pastor Clay Olsen at Chapel by the Sea. As I entered his office, I noticed the SITG poster on his wall. He took time to show me where he was on the Mall and how that event has impacted his life, leadership and ministry.

I have some regrets in my life. I’m sure we all do. One of mine is that I didn’t accept the invitation to go and stand in the gap with 1.4 million brothers. But, I’m thankful that by God’s amazing grace, I didn’t miss the blessing.

 

I wonder, have you been blessed, directly or indirectly, by what happened at Stand in the Gap. Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear it! Email us at office@www.noblewarriors.org.