Greetings! Have you ever thought about- what it must have been like for Joseph to be Jesus’ father? He was a role model for the Son of God! The Bible records that Joseph was a righteous (doing what’s right) man and was obedient to God’s commands. It goes to show that one can have a profound impact on a child without being a biological father. When Father’s Day rolls around most of the inmates give little attention or any significance to this American holiday. This is most likely due to their own fatherless condition. Where have all the fathers gone?
The vast majority of the inmates at the PCJ come from fatherless homes as the cycle of fatherlessness continues. We gain our view of God from our own fathers. If he was absent how can you trust that God will be there for you? If he was abusive or angry then you may struggle with trusting God’s nurturing love. Our response is we really don’t want to entrust our lives to that type of God. Children who live without their biological fathers are more likely to be poor, use drugs, experience educational, health, emotional, or behavioral problems, be victims of child abuse, and/or engage in criminal behavior. The Jail is full of men like this. Men who see no obligation or responsibility to help raise the children they father. This reflects the downward slide of our nation. I believe there is an even greater crisis. Men don’t know what authentic manhood looks like let alone how to be a father to their child. If you don’t know what a man is, how can you replicate that in your relationships, marriages, and raising children? Most men have punted, given up, and relinquished all responsibility. Many are stuck with an adolescent mentality that life is simply a game to try the next daredevil antic.
I believe the starting place for any father is to know Christ and have Him as a role model or example to follow. That’s where the Word of God becomes so vital for us to know how to love, obey and serve Jesus Christ, God’s Son. God is the perfect Father we have always needed! Jesus is and will always be the best role model anyone can follow. He was perfect in every way and is literally the only One who can say, I am the waY. Learn from Me.
His mighty hand is definitely on this ministry, and His powerful Holy Spirit is at work in lives. Thank you for partnering with us at the Polk County Jail Ministry with your powerful prayers and financial gifts! What an opportunity to participate with what the Father is doing to draw lives to Himself and make disciples.
Thank you again for your role in spreading the Gospel through this great and unique ministry! Amen!!
