March Prayer Letter

      

                                                                                   March 2012                                                                                                          

Dear Friends & Family,                                                                                                                                      

I have met so many young men in lock-up over the last year and am amazed how most (about 95%) of them have no relationship with their fathers. Either their dad has totally checked out or they have never met him. Just the other day a young man broke down in tears as he shared about how much he wished his dad was part of his life. Another young man, who had never met his dad before, told me he learned how to get in touch with him a few years ago and began calling him. His dad would promise to call him back and that he would work it out so they could see each other. This went on for several years while this young man remained hopeful as he continued to reached out to his dad over the phone. Repeatedly he heard the same thing... broken promises, and consequently a broken heart, as his dad never made good on a single promise.     

In the movie Courageous, the message so clearly being made is a battle cry, a charge, for men to step up and take responsibility for their kids and the fatherless. The declaration at the end of the movie really caught my attention. Part of it went like this:

“As a law enforcement officer, I’ve seen first hand the deep hurt and devastation that fatherlessness brings on a child’s life. Our prisons are full of men and women who have lived recklessly after being abandoned by their fathers, wounded by men who should have loved them the most. Many of these children now follow this same pattern of irresponsibility that their fathers did...Some men will hear this and mock it or ignore it. But I tell you that as a father, you are accountable to God for the position of influence He has given you...There are some men who, regardless of the mistakes we’ve made in the past, regardless of what our fathers did not do for us, will give the strength of our arms and the rest of our days to loving God with all that we are and to teach our children to do the same...and whenever possible, to love and mentor others who have no father in their lives but who desperately need help and direction... So where are you, men of courage? It’s time to rise up and answer the call God has given you, and to say; I will, I will, I will!” 

Our prisons are truly full of those who have been abandoned by their fathers and there is such deep heartache around this loss. It’s painful to hear their stories and share in their anguish. But what a joy it is to be there for them, loving them to the Lord. To introduce these broken souls to their heavenly Father who faithfully gives good and perfect gifts...to the One who will never leave them or forsake them.

Please pray for the broken hearts of these young people, that they would find hope and joy in the Father of the fatherless and for volunteers to be faithful bearers of the “Good News.”  Miriam and I need and appreciate your prayers and financial support. Without them I couldn’t do what I am so privileged to do! Donations can be made online at www.straightahead.org or by check made out to Straight Ahead Ministries. Please put “Ken Hawley” on the memo line and send to P.O. Box 131 Raymond Maine 04071             We thank you so much!  Ken Hawley  

P.O. Box 131 • Raymond, ME 04071

Phone: 207-518-8113 • Email: khawley@straightahead.org