A Message to Fathers

I recently read some startling information supplied by the Christian businessmen’s Research Committee. This committee discovered that “when the father is an active believer, there is about a seventy-five percent likelihood that his children will also become active believers. But if the mother alone is a believer, this likelihood is dramatically reduced to fifteen percent.”

The influence of a believing father is much greater than most people have assumed. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem and exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior. They are more likely to avoid high-risk behaviors such as drug use, truancy, and criminal activity compared to children who have uninvolved fathers.

I found this information startling because it flies in the face of what some television show writers and producers have been trying to tell use for a long time. We have been bombarded in recent years with shows that depict the man of the house to be a bumbling idiot, ignorant bigot or uneducated fool. Of course this is only if there is a ‘father’ in the picture at all. We have been told through a variety of means how insignificant the father is thought to be by many.

I want to share a story about the influence of one father in the life of his little five-year old son. It goes like this:

“I was watching some little kids play soccer. These kids were only five or six years old, but they were playing a real game — a serious game. There were two teams, complete with coaches, uniforms and parents. I didn’t know any of them; so I was able to enjoy the game without the distraction of being anxious about winning or losing. I wished the parents and coaches could have done the same.

The teams were pretty evenly matched. I will just call them Team One and Team Two. Nobody scored in the first period. The kids were hilarious. They were clumsy and terribly inefficient. They fell over their own feet, they stumbled over the ball, they kicked at the ball and missed it but they didn’t seem to care. They were having fun.

In the second quarter, the Team One coach pulled out what must have been his first team and put in the scrubs, except for his best player who now guarded the goal. The game took a dramatic turn.

I guess winning is important even when you’re five or six, because the Team Two coach left his best players in, and the Team One scrubs were no match for them. Team Two swarmed around the little guy who was now the Team One goalie. He was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four who were also very good.

Team Two began to score. The lone goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them. Team Two scored two goals in quick succession. It infuriated the young boy. He became a raging maniac shouting, running, diving. With all the stamina he could muster, he covered the boy who now had the ball, but that boy kicked it to another boy twenty feet away, and by the time he repositioned himself, it was too late— they scored a third goal.

I soon learned who the goalie’s parents were. They were nice, decent-looking people. I could tell that his dad had just come from the office—he still had his suit and tie on. They yelled encouragement to their son. I became totally absorbed, watching the boy on the field and his parents on the sidelines.

After the third goal, the little kid changed. He could see it was no use; he couldn’t stop them. He didn’t quit, but he became quietly desperate, futility was written all over him.

His father changed too. He had been urging his son to try harder — yelling advice and encouragement. But then he changed. He became anxious. He tried to say that it was okay “to hang in there.” He grieved for the pain his son was feeling.

After the fourth goal, I knew what was going to happen. I’ve seen it before. The little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed it to the referee—and then he cried. He stood there while tears rolled down both cheeks. He went to his knees and put his fists to his eyes—and he cried the tears of the helpless and brokenhearted.

When the boy went to his knees, I saw the father start onto the field. His wife clutched his arm and said, “Jim, don’t. You’ll embarrass him.”

But he tore loose from her and ran onto the field. He wasn’t supposed to as the game was in progress. Suit, tie, dress shoes, and all—he charged onto the field, and he picked up his son so everybody would know that this was his boy, and he hugged him and held him and cried with him.

I’ve never been so proud of a man in all my life.

He carried him off the field, and when he got close to the sidelines, I heard him say, “Scotty, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son.”

“Daddy,” the boy sobbed, “I couldn’t stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they kept scoring on me.”

“Scotty, it doesn’t matter how many times they scored on you. You’re my son, and I’m proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can’t. And, son, you’re going to get scored on again, but it doesn’t matter. Go on, now.”

It made a difference—I could tell it did. When you’re all alone, and you’re getting scored on—and you can’t stop them—it means a lot to know that it doesn’t matter to those who love you. The little guy ran back on to the field—and they scored two more times but it was okay. I get scored on every day. I try so hard. I recklessly throw my body in every direction. I fume and rage. I struggle with temptation and sin with every ounce of my being—and Satan laughs. And he scores again, and the tears come, and I go to my knees—sinful, convicted, helpless.

And my Father—my Heavenly Father rushes right out on the field—right in front of the whole crowd—the whole jeering, laughing world—and He picks me up, and He hugs me and He says, “Son, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son, and because I control the outcome of this game, I declare you—The winner!

Ted Haggard wrote a book entitled, “Letters From Home”. Ted wrote letters to his son and daughter as they were planning to go away to college. One of the letters he wrote to them is entitled, “Maintain Power Under Pressure.” He says to his children, “As I mentioned in my earlier letters, I became a Christian at a time when a large number of Christians were suffering because of Communism. In my early years as a Christian, I was saturated with stories of pastors being killed or imprisoned, parents being jailed for teaching their children that there was a God and churches being bulldozed down—often with worshippers inside. Now that you are becoming mature, it’s time for you to make some decisions about the type of person you are going to be. Will you stand alone if necessary? Do you stand for anything? Are you doing the things you need to do to grow in strength, or are you doing things that will ultimately make you weaker?

In Luke 12, Jesus is saying that if you even have to face a time of great pressure or stand alone for your beliefs and convictions, He will be with you by His Spirit and give you the strength and the words you need. Certainly I hope you never have to face danger, but it is very important that you make the decision in advance about what your response will be, so that if a difficult circumstance develops, you’ve already chosen to have character and inner strength.”

Ted Haggard goes on to list the six lessons of leadership many men and women have learned through adversity and hardship.

• Leadership starts from within.
• Leaders must have a central, compelling purpose.
• Leaders must have a capacity to persuade.
• Leaders must have the ability to work within a system—or build a better one.
• Leaders must find and keep strong, prudent friends and advisors.
• Leaders must be able to inspire others to carry on the mission.

This dedicated father went on to instruct his children with these words, “In order to lead you have to live lives that stand out. Don’t be normal. Use your places of leadership to serve others. God might use you to reach millions, or He might use you to help just one. Either of these callings is equally worthy if you do it well. Break out of the pack and depend upon Him to give you the ideas and words, and you’ll do very well in your lives.”

Fathers—Let’s be leaders in our families! Let’s take our spiritual leadership seriously. We do make a difference in our children’s lives!
—Pastor Ted Brust

Student Ministries

It is an amazing thing to me to watch the Body of Christ work together to build the kingdom of God. I am humbled that so many are willing to minister along side Robin and me to accomplish the vision of God for our young people. Working a full time job and taking care of a family or going to school is a challenge that takes up a great deal of time. It takes a tremendous amount of commitment and passion for each of you to involve yourself in church activities. However, I believe that this is where true fellowship takes place. Fellowship is not just sitting around a table with a cup of coffee and talking about life. When we link arms together to build His kingdom, when we are in the trenches of life doing battle against our enemy – genuine and lasting fellowship happens. So I wish to say thanks not just for building the kingdom of God, but thanks for great fellowship.

I wish to use this months newsletter to express my gratitude to all who helped make last month’s youth activities a success. Let’s begin with the Garage Sale. We made approximately $900! Thank you to all the families who brought items in for us to sell. We appreciate your generosity. Thank you to all the helpers. Without all these people I would still be walking around staring at piles of stuff and scratching my head. A special thanks to Sherry Hatke and Donna Coon and their parents for their organizational gift. These families really went the extra, extra mile to make things come together and to keep things well organized. Thank you to all of those from ETC – Leslie Eagin, Nick Hanson, Ryan Hartwig, Bryce Hyland, Susanne Johnson, Monica Peercy, Tammy Rubright, Stephanie Smith and Joe Wetli. Of course a big thanks to all the youth – Tiffany Burke, Alicia Coon, Isaac Deere, Andrew Farmer, Chris Farmer, Charles Funkhouser, Keenan Hartman, Jacob Johnson, Laura Johnson, Daniel Pape, Lydia Pape, Alisha Peercy, Tom Sholty, Chris Sholty, Carolyn Siovaila, Chad Siovaila, Camryn Walsh, Jaron Walsh, Robin Walsh, Shayna Walsh, Torre Walsh and anyone else that I might have forgotten.

Thanks to all who helped with the Easter Eggstravaganza. This event has received a lot of positive feedback. Our community really enjoyed this and received it very well. We estimate approximately 350 people were present. As you know there were several thousand eggs loaded with candy and prizes. Thank you to all for your generous donations of candy. We had more than we needed and were able to really pack the eggs full for the kids. After the kids hunted the eggs, we played several games with the kids. After each game we tied in a thought about the Easter story so that by the end of the day the true meaning of Easter was given to everyone present. Our intentions were simply to bless our community and plant seeds. I believe that was accomplished and much more as our church family was able spend the day with our community family. A huge thanks for the generosity of our area sponsors. People were very impressed to have that many businesses contribute so many prizes. Listed below are those sponsors.

Let me conclude by telling a story and a quick thought. I was 25 years old and in my second year of youth ministry. I’m riding The Monster at Kings Island with one of my youth sponsors. As we are swirling through the air and having a great day, he leans over to me and says, “You’re sick!” With a puzzled look I ask, “Why is that?” He replied, “You get paid to do this!” We both had a good laugh but this never left me. It still comes to me when I think about what I am doing in the Kingdom of God. How that God has blessed me with great leaders to work with me in the kingdom enterprise. They all truly make me shake my head and say, “You get paid to do this!” What a joy and what a blessing it is to be here.

top

Our Troops

 Below are some addresses of those serving in the war, who are either related to someone here at Bethel, or are children of local pastors. Would you remember them with a card or note of encouragement?

Brandon John Goldsbury (Renssalaer’s A/G Pastor’s son)
HHB 57 DAD
Unit 30239 Box 392
APO AE 09265

Evelyn Goldsbury (wife of Brandon Goldsbury)
C Btry (forward)
OpperaHon Juniper Cobra
03 APO AAE 09343

CW03 James L. Patterson
USMC ATTN: G#
1st FSSGCE
UIC 42306 Box 0026
FPO AP 96613-00266

Pvt. Saylor Ruthanne
Cod 82 DCMCBN
4th Platoon
451 Colorado Ave. Unit 42
Ft. Leonardwood, MO 65473

Greg Dean’s son, Geoffrey Dean is in the 82nd Airborne in the Middle East. We do not have an address for him at this time. If anyone has it, please give it to Glenda Brost.

Please remember our President, our nation, the country of Iraq and our troops in prayer.

top
 

Prayer and Praise Reports

Please continue to keep Sherry Hatke in your prayers as she continues to face numerous challenges.

Deb Day had back surgery the first week of March, but is recovering nicely. Praise the Lord!

We rejoice with Donna Coon over the good report she has received recently.

Michael Luck, son of Mike and Lori Luck, had surgery to repair a bicep connection tear in his shoulder. Pray for total healing for him. Matt is a baseball pitcher and hopes to play baseball in college. He will be attending Evangel in Springfield, Missouri. Michael believes God is calling him to full-time ministry.

Marion and Peg Kincade were in a car accident in March. Peg was in the hospital for a while, but she is now recovering at home. Keep her in your prayers.

Our sympathy is extended to Steve and Susan Johnson and family. Jim Flora, Susan’s father, passed away in April. He was a strong Christian and will be missed greatly by all who were privileged to know him.

“ Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.”
James 5:14-15a

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”
Matthew 4: 23

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make know among the nations what He has done.”
Psalms 105:1

top

Bible Quiz Team News

Senior Bible Quizzers take state!

The Senior Bible Quiz Team from Bethel, coached by Pam and Don Whitehead, took state! They had 11 wins, 0 losses for First place!

In the Individual State scores, Brooke Whitford took 2nd Place, Katie Whitehead 3rd and Emily Whitehead 8th! Wow!

League awards went to Katie (Team MVP), Katie (League high scorer), Brooke (2nd), Emily (4th) and Sarah Rainey (5th) and Katie (overall points for state 4,610)

top

Graduating Seniors

We would like to congratulate all of our Seniors. We wish them the best as they pursue new things!

High School Graduates:

Joey Fisher is graduating from Benton Central. He will be leaving August 12th for Georgia where he will be training to become a Green Beret.

C.J. Jackman is graduating from Harrison High School.

Sarah Rainey is graduating early from a home school program. She will be taking some general classes at Ivy Tech before deciding where she wants to go.

College Graduates:

Greg Anderson will be graduating from Bethel College and will be working for a pharmaceutical company in the area.

Crystal Harris will be graduating from Purdue University on May 18th, with a B.S. degree in Nursing and will be returning home to Merrillville. She accepted a position at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Crystal says she will miss her Bethel Family and has appreciated all of the encouragement from everyone.

top