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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CoBAMM Holds 4th Annual "Man on Fire" ConferenceNovember 9-10, 2007Nov 18, 2007 -- Mr. Steve Fitzhugh, former NFL player for the Denver Broncos provided a message about making the right choices in life to a group of men at Mt. Oak Church and a group of young men, coaches, and other guests at the Bowie High School. He was speaking at the fourth annual "Man on Fire" conference coordinated by the Coalition of Bowie Area Men's Ministries (CoBAMM) and co-sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
He was drafted and played for the Denver Broncos as a defensive back. Steve met men in love with Jesus Christ FCA in the Bronco organization and he subsequently turned his life over to God. After being sidelined with a shoulder injury, Steve enrolled at Howard University and received a Master of Divinity degree. He met his wife at Howard University, and after graduation and marriage, they went on the mission field for 1 ½ years at a North Dakota Indian Reservation, helping kids and adults get out of drug and alcohol addictions. Steve is now a national spokesman for FCA and their drug & alcohol prevention education program throughout the public and private school systems. The 2007 Man on Fire Conference opened with a Friday night dinner at Mt. Oak Fellowship followed by a Saturday morning breakfast at Bowie High School. The theme was “Together We Make A Difference.” There was approximately 10 Bowie area churches represented, with about 140 in attendance on Friday night and 220 on Saturday morning. Friday night, an excellent meal was served by the ladies of Mt. Oak followed by a praise band called “The Project.” This nine member local group is led by Mike Callahan from Trinity Lutheran with musicians from various churches including Jimmy Painter, Senior Pastor of Cresthill Baptist. Speaker Steve Fitzhugh’s message was targeted to men with families, with life experiences who already have a relationship with the Jesus Christ, but who may not be “Men on Fire” for the Lord. He gave the group of men an acrostic to remember his message MANWICH … develop a Man plan aligned with God’s plan for your life, do things with the right Attitude with love in your heart for others, learn to say No to Satan’s schemes, fill yourself with the Wisdom of God’s Word, take the Initiative to carry out God’s work, and live a life of Character and Humility.
Speaker Fitzhugh shared a powerful message to the kids about making up their minds … not waffling over important decisions …because as they dance around … BAMM ! they will get hit by the world and Satan and the lies and junk they offer, disguised as milk and cookies. Steve shared the Good News message about following Jesus and invited the youth to follow Him. Many kids raised their hands affirming his invitation. Speaker Fitzhugh, the youth pastors from other churches and members of FCA followed up with the kids. A drawing for an IPOD and several other give-away items was held at the close of the meeting. A primary financial supporter of the conference, Jerry Shallenberger, President of Heritage Realty drew the lucky winners. Future events planned by COBAMM and Turn ON the Light-Bowie include the Bowie Prayer Walk Kick-Off and Charity Golf Tournament April 28th, 2008 and the Bowie Baysox Men and Boys Night Out August 9th 2008. CoBAMM, a ministry of Turn ON the Light-Bowie, has this conference every year on the second weekend of November. It is a worthwhile thing when churches are seen working together. "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35) For More Information Contact:
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Steve shared his life story
about his difficulties growing up in Akron, Ohio. His father was an
alcoholic and abusive to his mother; his mother was a drug user and
later passed away due to drug abuse; his older brother died from a
drug overdose. He grew up around violence and drugs and only by the
grace of God was he saved from a life of destruction. Steve
focused on athletics … lettered and captained both the track team
and the football team in college. 
On Saturday morning, a full breakfast was cooked by CoBAMM members from Belcroft Bible Church and other churches. The men’s breakfast was held
at in the Bowie High School cafeteria and many young men of Bowie High School joined the
conference. The Bowie High School Gospel Choir led the group in praise music.
Curt Ashburn, Prince George’s County FCA Area Director, and
Cedrick Dickens, P.G. County Area Rep provided important information
FCA, how it works and how it can help our youth.