What do truck limited-slip diffs and friendship have in common?
As a young boy I used to listen to an uncle talk about slip-diffs and everything that relates to diesel engines. I remember the look on his face like a boy on Christmas morning as he recounted stories of working on big diesel trucks. Perhaps the other listeners understood well, whereas I was much too young to understand.
The mechanics of the limited-slip differential is simply transferring torque to the vehicle’s wheels with the most traction whilst limiting torque on the wheel with the least traction. In other words, when one-wheel spins in the mud for instance, the other three wheels pick up some of the force or power from that wheel to keep the vehicle moving.
Now imagine what happens with a group of men who connect regularly. There will be times when not all the men are at equal level of strengths, enthusiasm, or sometimes everyone’s journey with the Lord is at different stages. The goal however remains the same – to keep moving forward and to go deeper in their faith in God. When one member of the group is struggling, the others step in to empower, encourage, prophesy and by the laying on of hands to bless or to bring healing to a situation.
God has all the power, or the torque in engineering terms, and when we lay our hands on each other and prophesy, there is an impartation of anointing that occurs. Paul says to Timothy, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophesy with the laying on of the hands of the elders.” (1 Timothy 4:14).
When “… all those who had any… (people) …that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him, and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.” (Luke 4:40).
During their last supper, Jesus tells His disciples that because He was going to the Father, they will be able to do all the work He did and even greater works, if they believe in Him. (John 14:12).
Whilst visiting Auckland two weeks ago, I had an opportunity to reconnect with the amazing men who were part of our 4x4 men’s group. We called ourselves the Parish. Over dinner at a local diner, we reminisced on some of the fun stuff we used to do. When we formed the group after our first ever PK event in the late 90’s, I was a very new Christian. I was rough, didn’t have much care for much else or anyone else.
But it was their steadfastness in their faith in the Lord, the countless hours we spent praying and prophesying for each other, that has helped me to be who I am today. They were all computer geeks, and not your usual macho-men one might imagine. But it was their faith in the Lord that I witnessed. It was the way they prayed, the way they talked about the Word in simple terms, and the way they lived out their Christian faith that encouraged me. I wanted what they had.
I shared this with them over dinner, and they in turn encouraged me, just like the old days. As I write this, I have tears running down my face because I know what they invested into me. I knew their strengths, and their weakness, and they knew mine. They were always real, honest and transparent. They ushered in healing for me in many areas. Whilst I was brought up to fear no one, they showed me that the ‘fear of the Lord’ is the most important thing.
There is power in Men Connecting. There is power when three or four men meet regularly to keep each other accountable. There is power in the laying on of hands on one other. Each one of us carries a gift – an aspect of the Father’s heart that is powerfully imparted through a physical action. Sometimes the mechanics of a virtual platform such as Zoom is not good enough. The Word says, “For when two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20).
Connecting is not age related. How do I know this? If God is ancient, and He still models unity of relationship through the fellowship of the Trinity, there are benefits to connecting. When we do, there is power to effect positive changes in our own lives and those around us. I encourage you men to connect and do life with each other.
In His richest blessings
Frank Po Ching
P.S. I look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Promise Keepers Men’s Event on Saturday 2 August.
To join me at the PK Event [click here]
Make a Difference by Praying Now:
We believe God is calling us to pray and fast for the Promise Keepers event on Saturday 2 August. So please join with us as we pray…
God, we pray that You will stir men’s hearts to attend the PK Event and whilst there, men will connect with each other, committing to help one another go deeper in their faith in You.
For Your Word says, “For when two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20).
About PK Event Speaker Adem Guneyi:
Adem Guneyi, who has an incredible life story, will be speaking at the Promise Keepers Auckland Event on Saturday 2 August.
In this interview with Rhema's Andrew Urquhart, Adem shares how God's infinite goodness pulled him out of being a drug-dealer in Melbourne's nightclub scene, and transformed him from a cultural Muslim to a Christian leader now living in Tauranga, co-pastoring Freedom Centre.
We are so excited to have Adem share at our upcoming PK Event! Get your tickets for the Promise Keepers Event [here] and watch the interview [here].