“Does the Dad still live here?”
A young neighbor, Damien, was concerned to know. His dad is not at home and he has often come over when our daughter Mazzy is playing outside with Raj. As a teacher, one of the challenges I faced was fatherless homes. While many of my students did have a father who lived in the home, it was not the norm. The young men in my classes often mourned this loss – outright crying to me, or after a fit of rage, confiding this hurt they felt. I never felt called to a ministry to men, but I strongly felt its importance. In a city (and nation) where the immature man is typical, the question loomed in my mind, is the Gospel powerful enough for them too?
Raj has been working to build the Siafu Men’s Home for several years now. World Impact has allowed us to expand from one home to now managing six. We currently have two residents that are demonstrating strong growth and leadership in their workplace as well as their churches. The commonality that both men share is that they directly attribute the change in their lives (from addiction and destructive behaviors) to an acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Living in a neighborhood with many fatherless homes, men who stand on the corner selling drugs, and frequent violence – it is a beautiful thing to see men following God’s call on their life. God’s grace is enough. These men are a testament to the power of the Gospel as they live out Romans 12:2. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”