God certainly blessed our One Church Men's Breakfast on Saturday.
Thanks to all who helped out to make it a great event--these include--Steve Petersen and the praise band, Tony Dieckmann, Mike Blackwell, Linda Bailey, Jim Haasl, Gary Nalley, Antwain Walker, Dave Ellstrom, Randy Boomgarden, Jeff Halldow (and others I'm probably missing)!
And a special thanks to our guest speaker, Cisco Cotto! God used Cisco to touch the lives of many in attendance. Cisco spoke on 1 Peter 5. He talked about the devil being one who "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). As we face sin and temptations (our prowling lions) in life, Cisco challenged us to hold each other accountable as "brothers throughout the world...undergoing the same kind of sufferings" (1 Peter 5:9) so that we may resist and stand firm in our faith in Christ.
As a follow-up to Cisco's challenge, Trinity has a tool to assist accountability partners. Go to our
men's group webpage to download our
grace partner's tool.
Read the following comments/words of thank you to Cisco from those who attended (some words have been edited and names removed to respect anonymity):
Cisco:
Thank you for both donating your valuable time. I realize from experience, that with a newborn, weekends are difficult to break free. Also bless you for sharing your personal witness/stories with our group. Both your father (Victor) and your family will be in our prayers.
Hello Cisco – I’ve been meeting regularly with an accountability partner for a couple years. Last Friday morning – almost like a taste of things to come – I suggested to my accountability partner that we needed to get more spiritual in our meetings. Thanks to the Holy Spirit and your encouragement. You did an excellent job!
Thanks to Cisco for agreeing to come and sharing his perspectives with our men's group and friends. Cisco's comments regarding accountability partnership(s) was particularly well timed. It's apparent to me that I need accountability support - not only to combat sin, but to inspire the deepening of my relationship with Christ in my spiritual journey. And may God bless Cisco's family relationships - with his father, with his wife, and now as a father with his new born daughter.
Hi Cisco,
Thank you so much for sharing with us Saturday morning. There truly is great power when men get together and are 'transparent' with each other in Christ! Your heart and scripture message were completely received and I will pray for your family regularly!! Thanks again, and may The Joy of The Lord continue to be your strength!
Cisco,
I would like to thank you for your authentic witness and the encouragement you offered to those gathered on Saturday morning at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle. It was QUITE evident that the Spirit was at work in the words you shared as they touched our hearts. Personally, I found your message to be healthfully convicting at times which I deem a good thing as God has poured out His amazing grace not only in the words you shared but in the manner you delivered them. I find GREAT joy in being ministered to when the message is based in GRACE and you truly ministered to me. I pray that our God would continue to guide you in your quest to daily serve Him in your vocational call as a husband, father and radio broadcaster.
Thanks, Cisco, for sharing your experience that is so vital to us "MEN" wanting to be Men in Christ & offering directions for those of us truly on this mission.
Cisco,
I was very inspired from your message on Saturday. The eye opening piece for me was what is the one great sin I hold that I do not talk about and how can I change that in my life towards a positive. I have been reflecting on this greatly since Saturday morning. I know what the issue is but what is the solution. I must pray and listen to God so that I take the steps necessary to correct the sin and my start is by doing this daily and reflecting on his word daily so I live the life, walk the walk and not talk the talk. Thanks for your inspiring words.
Cisco,
What a wonderful way to start out our Saturday morning! Thanks for your inspiring and encouraging words. You did a great job of connecting immediately with a bunch of strangers, sharing of yourself and sharing God’s word with us. May God bless you as you finish your work at Moody and may God use you mightily to minister to everyone who listens on your radio show.
Craig, Truth be told, I didn't want to have anything to do with a mens group or breakfast but I was having trouble with an issue in my life and something told me that God's house was where I needed to be on Saturday morning. As it turns out, Cisco's message spoke directly to my situation and provided understanding and comfort.
Over the past few days I've been constantly reflecting, struggling and giving in to the 'I can't fix it' idea. Even as a mere college student, I so often find myself trying to find my sense of purpose by what do, what I've done and what I have left to do. To simply lay who I am and who I am not before the feet of God, admit that I can't fix the gray issues around me and find rest in the community and accountability around me...that is something earth-shattering...
Cisco's message was right on. You will not be able to think fast enough to react to people when you are right there; so take on the heart of Christ and live it all the time. There is really no good time to let your guard down. His presentation kind of reminded me of the Promise Keepers presentations years ago. Cisco is welcome to attend of Friday’s men’s group anytime.
Cisco,
Thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule to speak to us on Saturday. There is a real war going on all around us and it is important that we are reminded of that time and again. It is vital that we remain together and strong so that we can withstand Satan's vicious attacks, which is where accountability can be such a help. Accountability is not something that comes naturally to me nor is it something that I want to embrace. But, it is something that God has been hitting me over the head with over the last couple of months. Your words were another whack in the head to me, so much so, that I am praying for the first time that God would show me who in my life could fill the role of an accountability partner. Thanks for being His servant.
Hey Craig,
Let Cisco know that I appreciated his transparency and openness. It's always good to know that someone who's in the public spotlight would be willing to share his temptations. We need more public figures like him in the media. I look forward to attending other men's events with him.
Cisco, your message and time commitment on November 7th are very much appreciated! Quite simply, thanks for pointing out what we need to hear as Christian men. We absolutely DO need to humble ourselves before God, allowing Him to lead us, strengthen us, and "improve" us as husbands, fathers, workers, and members of our community and country. May God continue to lead and strengthen you, as well, as your radio career thrives and your family expands!"
Dear Cisco, Thank you SO much for coming to speak at Trinity Lutheran Church. You are an inspiration on the radio and your message at the church was uplifting. I enjoyed the mix of humor and the call to action that you brought to us on Saturday morning. Best wishes as your child grows and I’ll have you in my prayers as things progress with your father as you described. Thanks also for the kind words about the church and the event which I heard you mention on the radio yesterday, that was really nice!
Cisco, I really enjoyed hearing your perspective on Christianity in your life. It was great to hear you talk about how intentional you are about ensuring that your work reflects your Christian life on the radio. Even though we are not all on the radio, we all need to closely monitor how we conduct ourselves in our own small section of the world. I need to make sure that Christian love, kindness, and wisdom show through in my every day life.
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