‘Man Hunt’ to take place Saturday

Published 5:37 pm Wednesday, August 10, 2011

There is a manhunt going on in Central Alabama, but no law enforcement agencies are involved. The Central Alabama “Man Hunt” is a nondenominational men’s rally set for Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Jeff State from 6-9 p.m.

Guest speakers will include former University of Alabama fullback and former NFL player Kevin Turner, as well as Gardendale First Baptist Church Pastor Kevin Hamm.

The idea for the inaugural Man Hunt grew out of conversations among local church leaders who all saw the need for men to step up as leaders in their homes and communities.

“It was just a group of guys that had the same vision from several churches,” said Tommy Glasscock, a member of Clanton First United Methodist Church. “Men have got to get back to being men. We have got to be leaders of our homes if we’re going to survive.”

The rally’s theme is “As Iron Sharpens Iron,” based on Proverbs 27:17, which reads,

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (NIV).

Several churches of various denominations have joined the movement, which convinced Glasscock that it was meant to be. Others instrumental in its organization were Neal Williams of Pates Chapel, Steve Howard of Jemison First Baptist, DeWayne Winslett of West End Baptist Church, and Rep. Kurt Wallace of Maplesville.

Glasscock said the basic idea of the Man Hunt is to convey a strong message in a non-threatening atmosphere through the words of speakers like Turner, who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. There will also be a military speaker, and Eddie Lightsey will be in charge of music.

The Man Hunt is open to all men, and admission is free.

“We truly believe it’s a God thing. We’re just the co-pilots,” Glasscock said.