Whether he is called daddy, pop, father or papa, the man who steps up to the plate to take care of his children is often overlooked and society is quick to highlight when he is a deadbeat father, a drunk and even a criminal and slow to point out when he is doing something right. But churches today like Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries are hoping to turn this perception around.
Rather than agreeing with society's belief that good men are hard to come by, the men's group at Golden Gates will recognize 17 men who go above and beyond to create a positive influence in their communities. To celebrate they have organized a banquet to be held on Friday, June 15 at Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries community center at 7 p.m. to acknowledge the men who are not only upstanding fathers, but community leaders, nation builders. Men who they say exemplify the model of men the youth today should be emulating.
"Being a father is more than contributing to the genetic make-up of a child. Being a father is a commitment not only to your responsibility to care for the child, but for the entire future generations of this country," said Samuel Smith, president of the men's association. "It is our honor and joy to be able to recognize men in the community who are making a difference, being positive and sharing the good word. To honor them we chose to use the theme "Kingdom Men of Valor" which we feel truly represents the kind of man the society needs if it is to move in an upward motion."
Albert H. Hepburn, Allen Strachan, Alpheus Finlayson, Anthony Archer, Arthur Brown, Godfrey Eneas, Harry Davis, James C. Smith, Kervin Morley, Leviticus Patton, Nehemiah Hield, Neville Wisdom, Norman Beneby, Paul Rolle, Solomon Cash, Steve McKinney and Vernon Symonette are being honored.

All of the honorees were chosen by the men's association selection committee based on their family-mindedness, social responsibility and actions in positively influencing the youth of the community.
For Smith, it was a hard task to limit the list to 17 men, but he said the committee was pleased with the men they had chosen who they said showed they were brave souls unafraid to contradict society for the better as well as use their positions to uplift the kingdom of God. They will be recognized for their assistance in the various arenas that they have shown dedication and undying service in.
"We hope the community will join us in celebrating the unsung heroes that live right next door or even within our own homes. They are wonderful men who love their families and have become great individuals in their own right," said Smith. "What is important about this event is that we are not just focusing in the church men, but the men in corporate positions, political positions, as well as those who are community citizens and work behind the scenes to help raise the young men of society in the right way. They are vital and should be applauded for their tireless and often unrecognized work."
Senior pastor at Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries, Bishop Ros Davis said he was proud of the honorees and was happy for events that uplift men rather than bring them down.
"Even if it is only once a year that we seek to lift up the men, it is important that it happens. It is vital that we honor those who are living up to God's purpose for them and create a means for other men to see what they can do and change their ways so they too can be worthy of honor," said the minister. "We need to give recognition for the kings in our communities and leaders in our families. Women are doing a remarkable job wherever they need to, but there are still men who are up to the challenge and we need to remember them."
He said events like the upcoming ceremony where the great men of society are being recognized should serve as a reminder for the many other males in society who are falling short of their duties, that there is still hope for them. Bishop Davis anticipated that if men take heed that they can learn to live up to what God has planned for their lives.

Honorees

Alpheus Finlayson
St. George's Anglican Church
Recognition in sports administration
Fame: An author, former triple jumper and member of the Council of IAAF
3 children

Nehemiah Hield
Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church
Recognition in arts and entertainment
Fame: Member of Baha Men and lead singer of Mount Tabor praise team

Neville Wisdom
Trinity Methodist Church
Recognition in politics and community outreach
Fame: Politician and active in reaching out to the youth throughout the community

Stephen McKinney
Recognition in radio broadcast
Fame: Radio personality and entrepreneur

Vernon Symonette
Recognition in politics
Fame: Former MP and community leader
4 children

James C. Smith
Recognition in electrical engineering
Fame: Lifelong engineer with BEC and a community leader
4 children

Bishop Albert Hepburn
United Faith Cathedral
Recognition in service to the church
Fame: 30 plus years of dedication to pastoral work and community outreach

Pastor Allen Strachan
Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries
Recognition in politics and social services
Fame: Community leader

John Godfrey Eneas
Recognition in agriculture and fisheries
Fame: Active in the field of agriculture and encouraging the youth to be like minded
2 children

Elder Arthur Brown
Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries
Recognition in construction and technologies
Fame: Entrepreneur and community leader

Elder Anthony Archer
Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries
Recognition in agriculture and fisheries
Fame: Active in the field of agriculture and encouraging the youth to be like minded

Captain Leviticus Patton
Recognition in business and entrepreneurship
Fame: Entrepreneur and encourages the youth be active through employment and social generosity

Norman Beneby
Recognition in business and entrepreneurship

Minister Kervin Morley
Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries
Recognition for community outreach
Fame: Entrepreneur and community leader

Solomon Cash
Recognition in law enforcement
Fame: Dedicated 30 and more years to law enforcement and reaches out to the young men in the community.

Paul Rolle,
Recognition in law enforcement
Fame: Dedicated 30 and more years to law enforcement and reaches out to the young men in the community.
4 children

James Smith
Remnant Tabernacle of Praise
Recognition for public service
Fame: Active in the community and helping young men to reach their full potential through advice, counseling and programs.
4 children

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