Dr. Ben Carson, internationally renowned neurosurgeon and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, addressed upwards of 1,100 church leaders, pastors and others from across the region at “Mobilize Chattanooga … One Man at a Time,” the inaugural banquet of Men’s Ministry Network on Oct. 15 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Also recognized at the event with lifetime legacy awards for a combined 34 years of service to Chattanooga area pastors and church leaders were Bernie Ritterbush of Ringgold and Dr.
Bob Coddington of Hixson, executive director emeritus and chairman emeritus, respectively, of Men’s Ministry Network.
“Dr. Carson rose from poverty to become one of the foremost physicians in our country. So many men wish they could live out their full potential like Dr. Carson. The men of Chattanooga need to know Dr. Carson, which is why we invited him here,” said Chris Ackerson, executive director of Men’s Ministry Network.
“Since Men’s Ministry Network’s founding in 1996, Bernie Ritterbush and Dr. Bob Coddington have dedicated a significant part of their lives to mobilizing men locally to serve, lead and invest in our community, our families and our churches. Chattanooga is greatly in their debt for their behind-the-scenes service to our city,” Ackerson said of the two honorees.
Dr. Carson is a retired professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and was long-time director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.