Our most recent update at Stepping Up

Dave Morgan / Youth Unlimited                                                                        October 2011                                           

STEPPING UP

Family night                

We had an amazing turn out for our family night!  There were fifteen to twenty young families that showed up including their children.  Altogether we had over one hundred people and it took about twenty pizzas to feed all those who were there.  The evening was a great success.  I felt a deepening of my call to each of these young fathers and their unique struggles.  As I watched the hustle and bustle of the different events we held that night, I could not stop the flood of emotions inside of me.  I felt reassured by God that the ministry of Stepping Up young fathers is on the right track to "Stop the cycle of fatherlessness generations".  The heart of Father God is in helping to seek justice for these young men.  The sense that his hand is in this, was captivating, moving and life giving. I am very encouraged that Stepping Up is on the right track to effect hope and change for the better of young fathers in Surrey.

A young Dad and his Father reaching out for Help!

Could you please pray for a young father and his dad as they get ready for an up coming court date.  I was contacted last month out of the blue by a family I have never talked to before that is facing a court date for custody of their child, grandchild.  They called me in a state of quiet desperation telling me their situation. They stated that they have no idea how to face the court and are finding it difficult to find a proper advocate in the legal system.  The scary thing is that this family did not even know they had a right to bring a lawyer to their court date.  After our conversation it was apparent that the most basic resources are lacking for these young fathers in their time of need.  They are having trouble finding the most basic of counsel that is needed to help them in their struggles.  We at Stepping Up must help them by standing in the gap seeking justice. This family told me they researched the Internet, checked the phone book, even tried word of mouth and could not find answers to their questions.  One day they remembered they heard me speak at a local Church on the issues of young fathers, never thinking they would be facing the same struggles I talked about.  So they sought out Stepping Up. We were able to find a lawyer and now are waiting for the results after the court date.  This is another good example of the importance of this ministry!  I can’t imagine what would have happened to this young father and his family if we weren’t there.  Would we have seen another fatherless situation on our hand?  We have a responsibility at Stepping Up and society as a whole to help young dads on every level in their struggle.  Please join with Stepping Up as we advocate for young fathers!                                                   

Over…….

Something To Think About!

Bullets or Seeds

You can offer your ideas to others as bullets or seeds.  You can shoot them, or sow them; hit people in the head with them, or plant them in their hearts.

 

Ideas used, as bullets will kill inspiration and neutralize motivation.  Used as seeds, they take root, grow, and become reality in the life in which they are planted. 

The only risk in the seed approach:  Once it grows and becomes part of those in whom it’s planted, you probably will get no credit for originating the idea.  But if you’re willing to do without the credit…. you’ll reap a rich harvest.

Richard C. Halverson

Former Chaplin of the United States Senate

Many Hands

Shaina and I are asking you to consider becoming a monthly partner.  If each of you reading this newsletter would partner with us in this ministry, giving $35.00 a month, you could help change the life of one young father significantly!  If you feel that $35.00 dollars a month is too difficult, would you consider giving $25.00 a month, or even $20.00 a month!  Whatever you can give helps greatly and gets us closer to our goal of changing the lives of young fathers.  Please continue to pray for the ministry and us. Thank you to all of you giving so generously to this ministry!  Shaina and I feel so encouraged by your support!

Dave and Shaina’s Update

The Morgan household continues to be a busy place.  We are moving forward with Shaina’s Daycare.  We’ve finally finished our paperwork for the licensing and we await the next step in this process.  Please pray for us as we continue with this.  The licensing process can be a bit daunting.  We are also full swing into Joah’s hockey season, which keeps us busy as well. We celebrated Shaina’s birthday this month with a family dinner at the Mongolie Grill.  In the first 10 minutes we had hot soup and orange juice spilled all over us….(Oh the joys of going out for dinner with a toddler!!!!)  We were still able to salvage the evening and had a wonderful time celebrating my beautiful wife’s birthday.  We also celebrated Thanksgiving this month.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner with family and felt truly blessed and thankful for all of God’s provision and many blessings in our life.  We are thankful for all of you as well, for your interest in being a part of this ministry and helping to make a difference in the lives of young fathers.  Blessings.