“A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help his child.”
Life Leadership strives to teach principles and truth to people who want to live a life of significance. One of the ways that the company does this is by offering products–in the form of books and audios–that assist in the development of important life skills, such as parenting. With mainstream media falsely representing what it means to be a good parent, it becomes more crucial that leaders stand in the gap of not only teaching but modeling good parenting skills.
Painfully high divorce rates and an increasing number of children being born outside of wedlock are causing a decline in the family unit. This is a tragedy as most children model what they learn and believe what they see, and these observances and experiences often misguide them as they grow to be adults.
The statistics of children being raised in fatherless homes is alarming. According to the U.S Census Bureau, an estimated 24.7 million children live in a home without the physical presence of a father. Millions more have dads who are physically present, but emotionally absent. If it were classified as a disease, fatherlessness would be an epidemic worthy of attention. The impact of fatherlessness can be seen in our homes, schools, hospitals and prisons. In short, fatherlessness is associated with almost every societal ill facing children today.
But, there is still hope!
On August 29, 2015, Life Leadership Members representing the Fighting Knights division of the Band of Brothers in Michigan, partnered up with R.E.S.T.O.R.E., Inc–whose mission is to restore fathers back to the head of the family through the gospel of Jesus Christ–for their heroic Life on Life Initiative.
Purpose of R.E.S.T.O.R.E, Inc:
- To reverse the trend of fatherlessness in the greater Toledo area.
- To restore fathers back to the family in order to ensure a balanced approach to the holistic development of their children.
- To decrease the number of children growing up in father-absent homes.
- To provide men with the resources and support to overcome the challenges and obstacles that many men face as fathers.
- To develop the skills in men necessary for fathers to be responsible men, husbands and responsibly involved fathers.
The Vision:
That fathers will be united in their efforts to fulfill their purpose as men, husbands, and fathers. Fathers will be actively involved in the spiritual, emotional, psychological, mental, academic, and behavioral development of their children. R.E.S.T.O.R.E., Inc. will be one of the leaders in the nation to restore fatherhood and the institution of the family and its importance in maintaining social order and economic growth in society.
For their Life on Life Initiative, Life Leadership Members volunteered their time at the Annual Kids Kamp for Dads that took place in Toledo, Ohio. Mark Robinson, the founder of R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Inc, runs a camp every year in order to bring families together to strengthen bonds and create lifelong memories. This Life on Life crew helped by serving lunch, running and participating in games and activities with the families and then pledging and praying with the fathers and their children.
“By the end of the day, the fathers made a commitment to their children to be the men in their lives that God had created them to be. Mark was also awarded the Fatherhood Hero Award in 2013 that was part of the White House Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative. We were honored to be a part of this worthy cause.” –Cassie Birtles (Life Member)
“It was inspiring and humbling to see two great organizations, Restoring Fatherhood and Life Leadership, come together with a focus of serving those dads and kids in need of love and support.” -Kirk Birtles (Life Member)
“The participants of the Life on Life Initiative made a huge impact on the success of the 6th Annual Dads and Kids Kampout. The participants not only served the lunch to the dads and kids, but when there was a miscommunication between our food sponsor regarding the amount of food needed, the Life on Life participants donated money to help meet the lunch needs of the dads and kids. It was a tremendous blessing to us that they did not have to do. They went above and beyond in their service to us. After lunch, they helped guide the dads and kids to the various activity locations on the campground. The dads and kids were able to enjoy their time together because of the support from the Life on Life participants. Thank you so much for helping to make this very important event a success. It is so important for dads to spend undivided quality time with their kids.” –Mark Robinson (Founder/CEO of R.E.S.T.O.R.E, Inc.)
In order to make a real difference in society, people need to care about the issues surrounding them. The Life on Life Initiative is a vehicle that provides unconditional love and service to people who need it most. We are so proud of this Band of Brothers Life Leadership group out of Michigan, who traveled and participated in this important mission of restoring fatherhood back to the head of the family!
Please take a moment to watch this inspiring Life on Life highlight video:
Peggi Kern says
Thank you for sharing this story on how the LIFE organization through the Life on LIFE initiative is making a difference! Inspirational!!
Martin Spusta says
Great Job Fighting Knights! It is nice to see you being part of this great Life on Life initiative.
BBNQ, lead the way!
Love you all,
Martin
#lovelifeleadership
Anna Walsh says
True Leadership. Love this!
Cassie birtles says
Kristen, thank you for writing such a wonderful Article!! We are honored to be associated with an amazing group and organization who want to focus on serving others and making a difference!
Cindy says
another job well done for Life on Life
Kim Decker says
It was amazing to see the dads out there who care and how bad we need this back in society. Love Life Leadership
Micah Kramer says
This is amazing! Thanks to great leaders and servants for charging this important hill and shining light! #LOVELifeLeadership
Cristina Huff says
Right on!!
Aaron Knelsen says
WOW!! What a great idea. Way to go LIFE on LIFE!!
Robby Palmer says
Wow!! That’s a fantastic idea! Life leadership amazes me! I am so impressed with how everyone is absorbing the “life on life” initiative! There are so many great things going on all around the country.
I am not surprised that Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady and their leadership has led to this. Right down to Kirk and Cassie Birtles. Great job guys!
Mike Strickler says
Great article. As a dad with 2 kids that is 1 more reason why I am so proud to be a member of Life Leadership.
Martha Andrus says
Wonderful program and so glad it was chosen!!
Jim Storhok says
Fired up for fatherhood! What a great initiative! Love LIFE Leadership!
Chris Brady says
A special thank you to all who participated in this wonderful event!
You are awesome!
CB
Deanna Suggitt says
So very proud to be a part of an organization that participates in an event like this. Way to go Fighting Knights and all who were involved.
Cathy K says
Great job, Fighting Knights! In a world that minimizes and dismisses fatherhood, you exalted and drew worthy attention to it. LIFE on LIFE gave you a chance to bring nobility back to a role that long needed it. Way to go!!
Jason Wilson says
This was a great event!! Way to make a positive difference.
Cheryl Slavinsky says
Thanks for sharing this awesome Life on Life initiative! #LOVELifeLeadership