To Help the Fatherless

We all know about the rapid increase in crime, drug use, gangs, homicides, school failure and dropouts, depression, suicides, and poverty among teens. But what is not so well known is one major cause for such problems: fatherless homes.

What the Bible Says About the Fatherless

If we desire to be Christ-like, we will have the same concern for the fatherless that God has for them. He is a father and a helper (Ps. 10: 14) to them. He hear their cries (Exod.22: 23-24; Isa.10:1-3;Mal.3:5). God warns us not to defraud (Prov.23:10), afflict (Exod.22:22), or do violence (Jer.22:3) to them. In the New Testament we are instructted to visit the fatherless and widows to prove that our religion is genuine (James 1:27). We must be patient and gentle, not judgmental, always ready to teach and help them, especially concering spiritual matters (II Tim.2:24-26).

What We Should Know

Avoid being alone with the opposite sex, especially teens, for extended periods. Husband-and-wife teams are ideal to work with fatherless children.

Encourage the child to discuss with his mother any inappropriate or unusual behavior, situations, or remarks he tells you about.

What We Can Do

Helpers, including teachers, need to know how to build and maintain relationships with fatherless children and their mother:

• Fatherless children need stability in relationship, so think in terms of working with them over extended periods.
• Be as positive as possible and encourage with praise and "good words fitly spoken." ~ Use public prise and private reprimand. Let the mother do most of the correction.
• Look for opportunities to give spiritual help.
• Participate with them in social activities,

(Taken from newsletter BJUP by Walter G.Fremont, Ed.D.)

To Be Educated

If I can learn My ABCs, can read 600 words per minute, and
can write with perfect penmanship,
but have not been shown how to communicate with the Designer of all language,
I have not been educated.

If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning logic,
but have not been instructed in God's wisdom,
I have not been educated.

If I have read Shakespeare and John Locke and
can discuss their writings with keen insight,
but have not read the greatest of all books-the Bible- and
have not knowledge of it as personal importance,
I have not been educated.

If I have memorized addition facts,
multiplication tables, and chemical formulas,
but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart,
I have not been educated.

If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity,
but have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws
of the One Who orders our universe,
I have not been educated.

If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments and
can write music that moves men to tears,
but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the universe and worship Him,
I have not been educated.

If I graduate from high school with a perfect 4.0 and
am accepted at the best university with a full scholarship,
but have not been guided into a career of God's choosing for me,
I have not been educated.

However, if one day I see the world as God sees it and come to know Him,
Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify God by fulfilling His purpose for me,
then I have been educated.


(Taken from newsletter BJUP by Carolyn Caines)