Something to Believe in: Pilgrim Baptist Fatherhood and Mentors Breakfast

The personal narrative delivered by ESPN Radio Host Bill Daughtry at the first Fatherhood and Mentors Breakfast sponsored by Pilgrim Baptist Church on Saturday, was a riveting detailed account of his life’s journey.

“Do you have the foundation to be a father?” The theme of his speech was then followed by, “are you giving your children the necessary foundation for their lives?”

Daughtry’s testimony took many twists and turns. He discovered at the age of 53 that Gladys Eaton, the woman he’d called “Mom” all his life, was not his biological mother and neither was the man he’d called “Dad,” William Maurice Daughtry Sr.  However, he credited the “structural integrity” of responsibility that his parents built and instilled in him as being his saving grace.   

Throughout his amazing journey, Daughtry, whose career as a sports announcer for WFAN and MSG Network (Madison Square Garden), is a known personality and like most people has had his share of issues - one being a single dad raising three children. Daughtry attributed his belief in something greater than himself for getting him through some confused and turbulent times. Establishing a solid foundation was Daughtry’s message to the young men and boys, many of whom were athletes.

Indeed, the athletic prowess of Harry Flaherty is what led him to play professional football with the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Bandits and the Dallas Cowboys. Flaherty, who was also a speaker at the breakfast, currently serves as the State Director of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A Red Bank Catholic alumnus, Flaherty, clearly, let the boys know that it is okay to have a relationship with God, make good decisions and play sports, while commending them for being at the 8am breakfast.

“You young people are out here this morning,” Flaherty said. “A life will pass. Only what’s done for Christ will last. Learn at an early age to play for one. Are we looking for man’s approval or God’s approval? “

This event was the vision of Pilgrim Baptist’s senior pastor, Rev. Terrence Porter, and an extension of the Man to Man program that he leads every Thursday evening from 6:30 to 7:45am. As of late, the men in the program have devoted this time to what Porter calls a “Prayer Walk.” They canvass the Westside community of Red Bank and make themselves visible to those in the community.  

“Many men have been broken and battered,” Porter said. “We have men who are afraid to pray.”

Known as the “Men of Valor,” they hope to offer hope through prayer to the men they meet on the streets. Porter, who also played professional football with the Chicago Bears, certainly understands the hopeless and helpless fate visited upon urban youth, in particularly boys.

The Southern-style breakfast that included grits was prepared by the women of Pilgrim Baptist and seemed to serve as a spiritual awakening and a fellowship of manhood. The collective body of well over 50 men, accompanied by their mentee, albeit, their sons, grandsons, nephews and boys engaged with men singing and praying together - isn’t often the image associated with urban communities, where some of the boys hailed from. 

“I am in love with football,” said 11-year-old Jeffrey Applewhite, who lives in Perth Amboy and attended the event with his mentor, David Helper, a member of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit. “I heard it was going to be some top people like Harry (Flaherty) here." 

An invitation was extended by Flaherty to Applewhite to participate in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes “Power Summer Camp” that will be held at Mater Dei High School on July 18-21, for boys and girls, ages 8-12.

“This is a spirit of empowerment with our relationship with boys,” said Porter. “This world will not be what it should be until men take their rightful place.” Amen. 

For more information on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Summer Camps call (732) 219-5797.