Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Our nation struggles, Friend. You can make it better.

Phil Larson has worked diligently for the past 15 years to strengthen fathers and families.  His efforts have provided hope for many households.  With your help he can accomplish much more and I look forward to seeing the results across Oklahoma, the Mid-West and the U.S." Ken R Canfield PhD, Founder, National Center for Fathering, Director, Urban Center for the Family. World Impact, Los Angeles, CA.

Your support of fathers, leaders, and pastors makes enormous difference.  Together, Friend, we can educate and encourage thousands of fathers and strengthen their families by reaching where it is hard to reach.

The moral strength of our nation has atrophied in the last five decades.  Fathers need strengthening.  The leadership mindset in business, government, congregation and community develops from fathers.  The leaders developed in a world of fatherlessness need strengthening.  From 1960 forward, we have seen a disastrous rise in fatherlessness and related social ills such as divorce, suicide, abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, drug usage, and moral apathy.   Unmarried birth has skyrocketed to 40% of all births and primarily to women in their twenties and thirties. 

Fathers and Families

What love can engulf our families through the message of Godly fathering?  "I am aware that you, Phil, are a man of great persistence and determination to spread the Word of God to encourage others. ….. express my appreciation and say that I understand how important "Fathering" and good loving fathers are. My hope is that you will be successful in this effort” .an Oklahoma City dad.

Community and Congregation Leaders

What blessing can engage our congregations through powerful prayer and counsel for pastors and ministers? “You must continue to reach pastors, Phil.  You have been anointed for it.  It has meant much to me.” Pastor of a large Black Baptist congregation

Government and Legislative Leaders

What would be the impact on our nation if every legislator in our nation received hope and peace and grace as the present 3242 we reach?  “I want to take a moment to “THANK YOU” for your prayers and for every email I have received from you during this session. Sir, this is my 6th session since my initial election and, by far, this has been my most enjoyable and successful session. …I give God the ultimate credit for everything that occurs every day, but know that you deserve a tremendous amount of credit for keeping me on the right path with every expression of support and encouragement.  Thank you again and my God bless you.”

We intend to find out.

In past years, all of these areas have been a part of our efforts and energy.  Yet, there has never been enough time while working 60+ hours a week in the business community.  Now it is time to turn the tables and give the lion’s share of time to the community and flexible hours to business.  That can only happen with your help and hundreds of others like you.

Fathers and leaders count with me.

Our nation struggles with family bonding and long term fathering engagement.  The results are horrid.

Research is clear, Friend.  When the father stays actively engaged with his children, there are specific results.

1. They perform better in school.

2. They are less likely to live poor.

3. They are less likely to be engaged in criminal activity

4. They are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors such as drug use and early sexual activity.

5. They become more compassionate adults.

In Oklahoma, we started a good thrust in support of fathers in 2001 and have continued over the years.  More Father/Daughter Summits have been held here than in any other city in the nation.  Men have been trained and enabled.  Counselors and social workers and ministers have been trained in new techniques. Citywide campaigns and single congregation campaigns have educated and enabled thousands of men and women. Children have been blessed.  Community cooperation with CBMC, the Oklahoma Family Policy Council, American Fidelity, US Security, the Department of Human Services, CDC, Character First, business leaders, and hundreds of congregations of multi-cultural and multi-denominational background has benefited us all through more family stability and generational blessing.  This has extended in support of leaders in congregations and community.

Now, I have a dream.

It is time to develop our community with targeted and morally responsible resources and support for fathers and leaders.  Right now, I am working with Carey Casey and the National Center for Fathering to bring an affiliate of the NCF to Oklahoma on a full time basis.  In January, I will meet with a brainstorm team in Kansas City at the National Center to make further plans for Oklahoma City. 

We need your input and we need your support.

Dream with me.

·         An interactive resource place for men to come and receive advice and education.  Online and onsite.

·         Continual community visibility through education in business, congregation, and governmental interaction.

·         Constant equipping of community leaders such as pastors, men's group leaders, social workers, counselors, and others to equip and empower men as effective fathers and leaders.

·         A strong and visible voice for families and fathers and two parent homes.

This dream is real.  It is in motion.  We need your support.

What dream do you have to support fathers and families? 

Talk to me now.  Don’t delay your action and your feedback.  Do something positive about the next generation.   Do something distinctive for this generation.  NOW!

phil@shepherdok.com

405-388-8037



Phil Larson 405-388-8037
www.prayermetro.net (FB, Twitter, LI, Slideshare, blog, etc... is all here)
to support financially the undergirding 501c3 since 2002 for charitable contribution is:
PrayerMetro, Inc. 501c3 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099

Share every good thing you have with anyone who teaches you what God has said (CEV) Galatians 6:6
I am not trying to get something from you, but I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving. Philippians 4:17
 
 
 
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Saturday, November 17, 2012

Have a Great ThanksLiving, Friend. You are dear to God's heart this morning. I am thankful for you.

Leviticus 22:29 And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, offer it of your own free will.
 
Your influence on your sphere is important. Friend, if I can pray specifically in any manner, please let me know. I count it a privilege to pray for you. My prayer for you is that you are able to take from the abundance of your life and give it out to others over the next week. May your Thanksgiving be evidenced in your ThanksLiving.
 
These last two weeks have been full to overflowing. In a conversation with a new Muslim friend, a new believer, and a daughter of my heart in Starbucks, my heart was filled. As we discussed living with moral responsibility, my new friend looked at me, "You are a man of the Book, what do you think about....?" The conversation covered many items from beer to bed. As we prayed openly and out loud with the Father joining the conversation, I thought, "God, you are impacting. You are being You in the street of our city." I am proud of my daughter and her influence in the community. Some 25 others joined us online in this conversation http://ow.ly/fn3hQ.
 
I am thankful for you as one of those making a difference, Friend. I challenge you to live as one of those. You have so much for which you can be thankful and offer to others.
 
In Mexico, the family at CAREVI continues to impact Matamoros. On Saturday night a tarp/tent in an open dirt lot became a temple of praise and prayer and benevolence. Many local families received encouragement, were welcomed into a new relationship with the family of God at CAREVI and universal, and received a few groceries. Now, a team will continue to encourage and meet in Fraccionmiento Praderas colonia to help the people grow in stable family lives. I am proud of these beautiful co-laborers at CAREVI.
 
At a gathering with middle aged bible college students expanding urban based ministries, I spoke on the Four Powers a Leader and Father needs. Afterwards we visited over some of the best greens and cornbread you can imagine. These men and women in their 50's are set to make an impact. I am honored to join with these and am proud of them and their sacrificial living.
 
I am thankful for you as one of those making a difference, Friend. I challenge you to live as one of those. You have so much for which you can be thankful and offer to others.
 
Other conversations with business professionals this week centered around establishing the Heartland Center for families and fathers. There is a great need for an online and brick and mortar center for men to work through life issues and receive encouragement and education and couples to receive counsel. Are you aware from 1960 to present we have gone from 4% of our children being born with a marriage never involved to over 43%? Are you aware that has gone from being teenagers to twenty-somethings? Where has commitment gone? Where has our moral base gone? The number of children living with no father present has grown geometrically. I am proud of business professionals making a difference.
 
Answering specific prayers for legislators across our nation is a joy to my heart. Reading how individuals are encouraged and receive answers is an amazing adventure. Some 3242 are touched weekly. I am proud of legislators giving sacrificially to serve.
 
Prayer at the Jesus House for the love of God to reach many during this peak season of holidays was sweet to God's heart. I am proud of the team that serves there every day.
 
My prayer for you is that you are able to take from the abundance of your life and give it out to others over the next week. May your Thanksgiving be evidenced in your ThanksLiving. Have a great ThanksLiving.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037
www.prayermetro.net (FB,Twitter,Blog,Info,Events....)
 
to support financially:
PrayerMetro, Inc. 501c3 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
 
Share every good thing you have with anyone who teaches you what God has said (CEV) Galatians 6:6
I am not trying to get something from you, but I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving. Philippians 4:17
 
 
to unsubscribe reply with unsubscribe in the subject line.