DUNEDIN - 4-5 AUGUST 2006

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UNLEASHED EVENT ROARS INTO LIFE IN DUNEDIN               

Right from the start the crowd was into it at Promise Keepers Unleashed in Dunedin. The venue set-up was blokey. The southern men were fired up. From the first song bracket to the last call to action, the reaction was rapid. Men came ready to do business with God, and that’s exactly what they did.

There was a great response to putting things right with God, both first-time commitments and rededications. The men from Wanaka picked up two Scottish guys hitchhiking and brought them along for Friday night. They were only at Promise Keepers 15 minutes before going forward for salvation!

The response at the Transition Youth Event on Saturday was also strong, with 19 of the 58 there going forward. Transition had a great dynamic going with a comfortably full feel in the “Shed” venue.

The Unleashed program’s diverse elements of music, speakers, drama, comedy, testimony, videos and panels came together seamlessly to create a powerful Event.

 
A new option was the Pastors’ Breakout, where strategies for men’s ministry were presented. Simultaneously, the men in Unleashed watched the “Church for Men” DVD, before learning more about how they could be part of a successful ministry with men in their church. When the pastors returned, they were loudly welcomed back by the guys. The pastors prayed for the men, and then the men gathered around to pray for the pastors. This is part of outworking the PK promise to support clergy and churches.

John Dennison was honoured with the Promise Keepers’ “Living Legend” award for his support over the years. In the last year John has had an operation for a brain tumour. Despite still having radiotherapy treatment, he got a group together and came up from Invercargill.

Peter McTavish gave a moving testimony about his Christian life despite cerebral palsy. The men gave him a standing ovation.

These were some of many examples of ordinary men stepping up to the challenge. Phil Wiseman spelt it out when he talked about not worrying about survival, stability or success but focusing instead on significance.
Paul Subritzky, National Director of Promise Keepers says, “The team is thrilled at how well this Event went. At 387, attendance is up this year. 30 guys have even pre-registered for next year! We are looking forward to a turbocharged season with the rest of the Unleashed Events!”

Almost everyone finished on Saturday night by asking God to empower them for the task that confronts us. God answered powerfully in many, many lives that night.

READ ON FOR TESTIMONIES FROM DUNEDIN UNLEASHED...

Something Bill Subritzky said in the side room after the main service was an answer to my prayers and a concern I had, and I’m now free of it! I thank our blessed Lord Jesus for all his love and grace towards me. Kevin – Dunedin
Every year PK continues to rise to meet the men’s needs. The changes always seem to be just right for that particular conference. Having Bill Subritzky as the final speaker was in my opinion a master stroke. Instead of the more traditional motivational speech, Bill was able (through the Holy Spirit) to empower me… to do the things Christ has placed on my heart! Thanks. As before, there was a real sense of the Holy Spirit in the room, when Bill prayed for us guys… but it was deeper than that for me, an ability to try/do things with a sense of victory now in my spirit. Thanks very much. Allen – Riverton
I had the privilege of being with my son, Ben, at his water baptism earlier this year. On Saturday evening I was blessed again to be with him when he was baptised again – this time with the Holy Spirit. What greater blessing could a father have than to share in his son’s baptism, twice within a few months – with water and with the Holy Spirit. Tim – Dunedin
As this was my first [PK Event], it was all quite an amazing experience. I knew nothing about PK coming into this event so some things were a bit “strange” to me. It was wonderful how at the beginning of the Friday session I was feeling quite jaded from a long day, but as the evening progressed I was filled with an amazing joy and excitement about the prospective relationship that I have opened my life to with Jesus. My life has been quite scattered but I feel now guidance is available through Jesus Christ to bring me closer to God. Thank you for this introduction. Tony – Dunedin
Good fast-paced programme with very good drama, testimonies and speakers. Highlights were: 1. Going with one friend as he publicly dedicated his life to Jesus. 2. Hearing of men’s groups in South Auckland working together to cultivate relationship and to arrange their Christmas Event for the region. This really inspires me to go on with working together with our established church cluster who are looking at ways to mission together. Alistair – Invercargill
Addressed areas of my life where action was needed. Weekend was very encouraging!! As the time spent with Bill Subritzky was life changing (being filled with the Holy Spirit and healing). Understanding that it is now up to me to use what the speakers had to say and the resources that were available to me. I can only grow, mature and be a more godly man, with a sense of boldness to be a more effective man in the workplace, church and community. It has encouraged me to take action relying on the Holy Spirit to take my stand, to be a man of courage, to be more Christ-like and to be of influence in the lives of others. I believe we can only grow stronger as we walk this journey with God as a Promise Keeper trusting God all the way! Sam - Dunedin
Life-changing Event for me. God made it more clear to me that my God-given purpose is to be a godly husband and father – before anything else. How do I do that? - By building my relationship with God and building strong relationships with godly men. God impacted me when I saw the fathers praying for their sons, then my heart broke when the guys who stood without their fathers, instead others stepped in. I believe if our men are strong then our church will be also. I have realised that I need to be more honest with my wife and ensure that I give her the quality time she deserves. I am also determined to ensure that my son gets the support and love he needs and also to pray more with my family. Sonny - Dunedin
The Women’s Perspective:
It’s always so encouraging when my husband goes to PK. He comes home really enthusiastic and motivated to draw closer to the Lord. I love it when he takes the spiritual initiative in our family and being able to pray together brings us closer together. To see father and son attending together and sharing experiences when they return home has been a real blessing. As a wife and mother, I thoroughly endorse the value of PK. The women of this nation can only benefit from it! Sue – Dunedin
A great Event. Thank you all so much. All of the guys said a highlight was praying for their pastor up the front. It sure encouraged me and showed me that God will use each and every one. Ps Ernie’s wife - Invercargill