The phrase “no man is an island” from the English poet John Donne, expresses the idea human beings do badly when isolated from others and need to be part of a community in order to thrive. Donne was a Christian, but this concept is shared by other religions, principally Buddhism.  

A group of men in the Teche Area will gather at a conference for men Aug. 25 so men of God who have testimonies of God’s provision and love can share their experiences, strength and hope with one another. 

“It’s men who are like minded, who see the great need of our society of men to lead. It’s not happening — to lead properly, courageously,” said Mike Fuselier, assistant principal at Highland Baptist Christian School and St. Martinville City Councilman.

“One of my favorite sayings is a mark of a good leader is someone who first properly defines reality. If you don’t properly define the reality of the problem, you’ll never solve it. The problem is the family breakdown and I believe fatherlessness. 

“Until we solve the true problem we’re not going to solve it. With men like Tim (Sensley) and Hollis (Conway), and a boy that just came out of Teen Challenge that’s on fire for God, it will be powerful.”

Fuselier is one of the organizers and speakers, along with two-time Olympic medalist Conway and Sensley, principal at Highland Baptist Christian School and a former NFL defensive back. The Rev. Sigmund Richard, pastor of Maxie Gospel Tabernacle in Crowley will share a message as will Zack Guidry, a graduate of Teen Challenge of Louisiana. Frank Randazzo will lead worship. 

Searching for speakers, Fuselier didn’t have to look far. As fellow administrators at HBCS, Fuselier knew Sensley’s dedication and devotion to his wife of more than 20 years, mother of his two daughters, was testimony enough. Sensley asked his friend to attend, a fellow athletic alumnus from ULL and in-transition-temporary roommate. When Fuselier heard the friend’s story, the new assistant director of Diversity, Leadership and Education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette was signed as a speaker. Conway is about to move his family of three girls and wife of 27 years from Monroe into their new home. 

Both men came from humble beginnings and achieved top goals in their athletic field — Sensley in the NFL and Conway as an Olympic medalist. Their greatest achievement, according to all three, is a happy marriage with accomplishing children — and their work with the next generations. Each has a story to share.

“I grew up in a drug and alcohol abusive home with free lunch and summer meals,” Conway said. “In the midst of the chaos, (my parents) still believed in God and Mom took us to church. We were more cultural Christians. We did the routine, but even in that, you hear the word of God.”

Conway said he became very successful as an athlete at an early age and carried through on his goal of getting to the Olympics — Seoul in 1988 and Barcelona in 1992. Then in 1995 he blew out his knee and had an epiphany, “God’s been talking to me.”

For Sensley, injury ended his career before it ever got started. Willpower, determination, learning to do what he needed to without drugs or surgery allowed him to complete his college scholarship and play professional football a year each with the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers. However, before moving on from ULL Sensley understood the importance of education and got a degree in engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. He knew football would never be a lifelong pursuit.

 “At 17 I got the opportunity to meet the late, great Reggie White,” Sensley said. “I grew up in the 1970s and ’80s when men were men, manly guys, brought up in the country when men didn’t show emotions but were great providers — get it done. Don’t cry, girls do. Reggie was the first person I got to see, fellowship with daily and play with his kids. He would sit and talk with me. At that moment I idolized him from seeing him on TV. Then I saw someone in love with God. He changed my life.”

The Christian Men’s Conference is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 25 at Duchamp Opera House in St. Martinville. Lunch will be served. Coffee will be ready at 8:30 a.m. 

The event is free but with limited space, pre-registration is suggested to ensure a seat. To register email mikefuselier@hotmail.com or call 394-5720.