Put time into children
October, 2005

Dear Dads,

I am very thankful that about twenty years ago a friend encouraged me to not spend so much time ministering to others at the expense of my own children. His comments were something like:

"You only have your children for a few years, and if you blow it with them, you will regret it the rest of your days. Spend plenty of time raising your children in the Lord, and then you will have the rest of your life to minister to other people. Besides, God will probably do more through you if you have good kids than if you don't."

I want to encourage those of you who still have children living at home. Please take the time, for the next ten to twenty years, to really be the best father you can be to raise your children in the Lord. You will never regret it, but you have to do it now while your children are young, as we do not get a second chance.

Key point for dads:

Put all the time and effort into your children that is needed or you will regret it for the rest of your life.

Pertinent Bible verses:

3 John 4: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

I realize that John is probably talking about spiritual children, but how much more should this apply to our own flesh and blood?

II Timothy 4:6: ".the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight"

Paul's comments to Timothy involve many things, but for sure on our death bed, we will want to know we did all we could to have our children love and walk with Jesus.

Please remember to stay balanced with this as your relationship with God and your wife are also top priorities.

Your brother in Christ,

Al Wylie

Chairman, Board of Directors