By Ben Lockridge

blockridge@themeridianstar.com



A new event is coming to Meridian Feb. 27-28 at Poplar Springs Drive United Methodist Church, and this one is for the guys.

Meridian Man is a fresh conference from LaBaron Hedgemon Ministries that is designed to improve men in the community with focus areas in faith, family, finance, and fitness.

Rev. Rob Gill of Poplar Springs Drive UMC says he has really been trying to get the word out to the men in Meridian.

“I’m the host pastor and I’ve been encouraging the men in this community to be a part of this,” Gill said. “We want to help strengthen men by dealing with the issues that face men in our culture.”

Rev. Gill said that LaBaron came up with the name, “Meridian Man.”

“It gives it a local focus, and the people we will have as keynote speakers will have some connections to the Meridian area,” he said.

The line up of speakers includes Rev. Craig E. Tucker of Freedom Rock, Dr. Leland Lou of Rush Pain Associates, John McRae, and Raymond James, and Coach Tony Hughes.

LaBaron Hedgemon says there will be powerful messages for the men that attend.

“They will be strengthened spiritually, physically, and medically. It’s typical as a man, and even as a young boy to be reserved, but then something happens when men establish a true friendship, and a real bond with another male friend. There is a sense of trust and loyalty,” Hedgemon said.

LaBaron says that it’s important for men to get together and build strong bonds.

“For example Rob and I have developed a strong friendship over the last three years and it’s past ‘Hey, how are you doing.’ We pray together, and discuss important issues together. There is a bond here,” Hedgemon explained.

LaBaron hopes that this is the point that men get during the event.

Things start up Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Poplar Springs Drive UMC, and continues Saturday, Feb. 28 at 9 a.m. There will be a cookout, basketball along with the speakers.

Admission is free, and all men in area are invited to attend.

For more information you can call: (601) 482-1059, or go to www.lhministries.net.