By Pamela Palumbo
Every now and then, God places someone in our path whose story reminds us why this ministry exists. At a recent community health fair, a young father-to-be named “Justin” stopped by our table with his pregnant fiancé, “Erin”. This is his story.
Justin’s parents had divorced when he was a kid. His biological dad was never there, and made promises he didn’t keep. Being let down over and over again, Justin developed a tough exterior and started using drugs to mask his pain. As much as his unreliable father had hurt him, Justin was becoming unreliable and worse.
Eventually, Justin hit rock bottom and wound up in a recovery program. That’s where the healing began.
At a health fair offered by his recovery program, Justin and Erin stopped by our Women’s Clinic table. Our community outreach coordinator greeted them and told them about the various services we offer young parents.
Of particular interest to Justin was information about our Lifesense classes. He signed up right away for the “Your Spiritual Self” class, and asked about a Bible-believing church near his home. Justin was so encouraged by his class that he signed up for “Fatherhood Q&A.”
Justin and Scott, his volunteer LifeSense instructor, discussed the Biblical model of fatherhood: that a father provides protection, is hard working, and strives to be caring, loving, patient and understanding. They talked about Justin’s disappointment with his earthly father, his fear of measuring up, and his desire to be more emotionally stable for Erin and their pre-born baby girl.
Most of all, Justin and Scott talked about our steadfast Heavenly Father, who provides a perfect example of Fatherhood who will never leave or abandon us. “I want to be a consistent part of my family’s life, so that they know that they can count on me,” Justin remarked.
He and Erin are preparing for their wedding this winter and excited to welcome their baby girl in the new year.
Friend, in this story, God is drawing Justin closer to Himself to become the Godly man, husband, and father he longs to be. We know that when God calls us to His table and says, “There’s a place for you here,” lives and families begin to change.
Will you join us in praying for this little family? Pray that Justin, Erin, and their baby girl would find a church home and continue to seek a relationship with Jesus.
With your help, we can continue guiding more families to the Father’s table—where peace, hope, and love are waiting.
With joyful anticipation,
Pamela
Pamela Palumbo, CEO