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Focus on the Family 25th Anniversary Celebration 07/27/2002
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Focus on the Family 25th Anniversary Celebration 07/27/2002
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2015-0037-F
[
]
Friday, February 26, 2016
FOIA Marker
This is not a textual record. This FOIA Marker indicates that material has been removed
during FOIA processing by George W. Bush Presidential Library staff.
Public Liaison, White House Office of
Smith, Matthew
Location or
NARA Number:
FRC ID:
OA Number:
Stack: Row: Sect.: Shelf: Pos.:
Hollinger ID:
W
33
21
2
3
1223
14158
2310
2392
Folder Title:
Focus on the Family 25th Anniversary Celebration 07/27/2002
Withdrawn/Redacted Material
The George W. Bush Library
DOCUMENT FORM
SUBJECT/TITLE
PAGES
DATE
RESTRICTION(S)
NO.
001
Form
Schedule Proposal [page 2] - To: Bradley Blakeman
-
1
05/15/2002 P6/b6;
From: Karl Rove
COLLECTION TITLE:
Public Liaison, White House Office of
SERIES:
Smith, Matthew
FOLDER TITLE:
Focus on the Family 25th Anniversary Celebration 07/27/2002
FRC ID:
1223
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advise between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
2201(3).
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
Deed of Gift Restrictions
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
A. Closed by Executive Order 13526 governing access to national
Records Not Subject to FOIA
security information.
B. Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
Court Sealed - The document is withheld under a court seal and is not subject to
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
the Freedom of Information Act.
of gift.
2015-0037-F
Page 1 of 1
This document was prepared on Tuesday, March 29; 2016
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL
MAY 15, 2002
TO:
Bradley A. Blakeman
Deputy Assistant to the President For Appointments and
Scheduling
FROM:
Karl Rove
Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor
REQUEST:
Video taping
PURPOSE:
To address the 25th Anniversary of Focus on the Family.
BACKGROUND:
Focus on the Family began in 1977 in response to Dr.
James Dobson's increasing concern for the American
family. A Ph.D. in child development (University of
Southern California), he had served 14 years as associate
clinical professor of pediatrics at the USC School of
Medicine and a concurrent 17 years on the attending staff
of Los Angeles Children's Hospital in the divisions of Child
Development and Medical Genetics. What he had seen
included massive internal and external pressures on
American households, causing unprecedented
disintegration. Yet there seemed to be no comprehensive,
rational and biblically based conception of the family for
those in greatest need.
From a two-room suite in Arcadia, Calif., Dr. Dobson
began with radio-a 25-minute weekly program heard on
only a few dozen stations. Focus on the Family has since
become an international organization with more than 74
different ministries requiring nearly 1,300 employees. On
the now-daily broadcast heard on over 6,000 facilities
worldwide, Dr. Dobson still explores family issues, usually
with one or more recognized experts as guests.
Meanwhile, other parts of the organization produce six
additional broadcasts, ten magazines sent to more than 2.3
million people a month, award-winning books, films and
videos. Focus also responds to as many as 55,000 letters a
week, offers professional counseling and referrals to a
network of 1,500 therapists, and addresses public policy
and cultural issues.
PREVIOUS
PARTICIPATION:
N/A
DATE AND TIME:
July 27, 2002
Time: TBD
DURATION:
TBD
BRIEFING TIME:
TBD
LOCATION:
Pepsi Center - Colorado Springs, Colorado
PARTICIPANTS:
The President
Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family President
40,000 Focus on the Family Supporters
OUTLINE OF EVENT:
TBD
REMARKS REQUIRED:
To be prepared by speechwriting
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Open Press
FIRST LADY'S ATTENDANCE:
Not required
FUNDING SOURCE:
Focus on the Family
WORKING CONTACT:
Matt Smith
(202) 456-7702 direct
(b)(6)
cell
RECOMMENDED BY:
Karl Rove // Tim Goeglein 11 Matt Smith
ACCEPT
REGRET
PENDING
05/15/2002 03:52
7195484520
NDP
PAGE 01/02
National Day of Prayer
"America United Under God"
The
NATIONAL
MAY 2, 2002
DAY OF
PRAYER
FAX COVER SHEET
tokey
From the desk of Bobbie Hill-719-268-4802
Fax: 719-548-4520
DATE:
May 16, 2002
TO:
Tim Goeglein
FAX:
202-456-2130
# OF PAGES: 2 including cover sheet)
RE:
Vidco Greeting from Focus on the Family
Let me know if you need anything else.
Thanks,
Bobbie
Baului
If there are any problems with this transmission please call sender at (719) 268-4802
05/15/2002 03:52
7195484520
NDP
PAGE 02/02
President George W. Bush's Suggested Video Greeting for Focus on the Family 25th
Anniversary, July 27, 2002
Greetings, Dr. and Mrs. Dobson and all our friends at Focus on the Family! I consider it
a privilege to pass along warm wishes and heartfelt congratulations to each one of you as
you celebrate 25 years of ministry. Although Laura and I wish we could be with you in
person on this momentous occasion, we hope you know that we're with you in spirit.
Jim and Shirley, I want to commend you for the passion and conviction with which you
have SO boldly spoken out in defense of the institution of the family over the years.
Millions of fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and grandfathers and grandmothers
across this country owe you a great debt of gratitude. Jim, you have dedicated your life
to reaching out to those who are hurting and helpless - the unborn child, the elderly, the
disabled - and to standing up in defense of the moral truths and biblical principles upon
which this great nation was founded. And Shirley, you have played a critical role in that
work as well, particularly by bringing Americans together every year to humble
themselves before God on the National Day of Prayer. Only eternity will know the
number of lives that have been impacted through your humble efforts to serve the Lord
and to reach out to your fellow men and women.
It's no secret that the institution of the family is the foundation upon which civilization is
built. If that foundation crumbles, everything that you and I hold dear will falter. Please
know that my administration stands shoulder to shoulder with you as you endeavor to
strengthen marriages, promote two-parent, traditional households, and give families the
support and encouragement that for too long have been denied them by our culture.
By making families stronger, you are making America stronger - and that strength will
carry this great nation into the 21st century and beyond. My prayer is that Focus on the
Family's 25th anniversary celebration will mark only the beginning of what will be a very
long and exciting journey. May the ministry's legacy and work carry on long after you
and I are gone, shining the light of faith, family, and freedom to every nation on earth.
May God bless you, Jim and Shirley, and may He bless the ministry of Focus on the
Family. Thank you.
President George W. Bush's Suggested Video Greeting for Focus on the Family 25th
Anniversary, July 27, 2002
Greetings, Dr. and Mrs. Dobson and all our friends at Focus on the Family! I consider it
a privilege to pass along warm wishes and heartfelt congratulations to each one of you as
you celebrate 25 years of ministry. Although Laura and I wish we could be with you in
person on this momentous occasion, we hope you know that we're with you in spirit.
Jim and Shirley, I want to commend you for the passion and conviction with which you
have so boldly spoken out in defense of the institution of the family over the years.
Millions of fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and grandfathers and grandmothers
across this country owe you a great debt of gratitude. Jim, you have dedicated your life
to reaching out to those who are hurting and helpless - the unborn child, the elderly, the
disabled - and to standing up in defense of the moral truths and biblical principles upon
which this great nation was founded. And Shirley, you have played a critical role in that
work as well, particularly by bringing Americans together every year to humble
themselves before God on the National Day of Prayer. Only eternity will know the
number of lives that have been impacted through your humble efforts to serve the Lord
and to reach out to your fellow men and women.
It's no secret that the institution of the family is the foundation upon which civilization is
built. If that foundation crumbles, everything that you and I hold dear will falter. Please
know that my administration stands shoulder to shoulder with you as you endeavor to
strengthen marriages, promote two-parent, traditional households, and give families the
support and encouragement that for too long have been denied them by our culture.
By making families stronger, you are making America stronger - and that strength will
carry this great nation into the 21st century and beyond. My prayer is that Focus on the
Family's 25th anniversary celebration will mark only the beginning of what will be a very
long and exciting journey. May the ministry's legacy and work carry on long after you
and I are gone, shining the light of faith, family, and freedom to every nation on earth.
May God bless you, Jim and Shirley, and may He bless the ministry of Focus on the
Family. Thank you.
ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
FOCUS
ON THE
FAMILY.
2002 - 75c
25
Family
Turning Hearts
Toward Home.
®
WITH DR. H JAMES DOBSON
2 / & III
25 Years
of Turning
Turning Hearts
Toward Home
F
O
R
TurnYour
Heart
Toward
Home
Y
E
A
R
S
by Dr. James Dobson
n his classic Mere Christianity,
The Lord's constant care for this
incorporated. It is almost impossible
C.S. Lewis said, "If you pic-
ministry has been evident since the
to believe that from such humble
ture Time as a straight line
beginning. After the warm response
beginnings the ministry now reaches
along which we have to
to my first three books, I sensed
more than 200 million people in more
travel, then you must picture
in 1976 that He was calling me to
than 100 countries daily.
God as the whole page upon which
resign from my positions at the
that line is drawn." Professor Lewis'
University of Southern California
Growing like crazy
observation is particularly striking to
School of Medicine and Children's
The 25 years since our incorpo-
me as I reflect on the 25-year time-
Hospital in Los Angeles. I felt led to
ration have brought successive
line that comprises Focus on the
start a radio broadcast to address the
reminders of God's faithfulness; every
Family's history.
breakdown of the traditional family
point on the timeline produced a tes-
We can follow the ministry's
with an even larger audience than
timony of His goodness. The physical
progress and remember significant
would have been possible through
growth of the ministry alone demon-
events by placing them in chronolog-
my books alone.
strates how He has paved the way
ical order, but we must never forget
It has been said that God never
for us. After first opening in a tiny
that it is God who has been writing
opens a door without providing the
shoebox of an office, Focus moved
the story and commanding the ship all
means to walk through it, and that
to a larger facility in Arcadia, Calif., in
along. I have always said that Focus
certainly proved true in the mid-
1981. We moved again in 1984, occu-
on the Family does not belong to me
1970s. A generous $35,000 grant from
pying space in several buildings that
or any person. God owns it all, and
Tyndale House, offered as part of an
could house our rapidly expanding
we are simply doing our best to be
agreement in relation to what would
staff. We moved our operations a
good stewards of the resources He has
become my next book, The Strong
third time in 1987 to a much larger
entrusted to us. Our 25th anniversary,
Willed Child, provided the much
campus in Pomona, Calif.
then, is a celebration, not of human
needed seed money that would
But we found ourselves needing
accomplishment, but of our heavenly
get the ball rolling. Our first broad-
additional space again in just a few
Father's faithful guidance and provision
cast aired in March 1977, and three
short years! In 1991 we left the sunny
over the past quarter-century.
months later Focus on the Family was
shores of Southern California for the
2
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
majestic mountains of Colorado, tak-
Lord has continually provided us
Timeless Advice
ing up residence in four rented build-
with opportunities to defend right-
ings in downtown Colorado Springs.
eousness and help struggling families.
For more than 25 years, Dr. James
But this was only temporary housing
While our early efforts primarily
Dobson has provided trusted advice
while new facilities were being built.
on child development, parenting and
emphasized issues such as discipline
marriage. His advice from a biblical
In September 1993, we dedicated the
and child-rearing, our outreach is
and clinical perspective is included in
83-acre campus that houses Focus on
now composed of more than 80 dif-
19 books. Families around the world
the Family today and now comprises
ferent ministries and projects. They
have used his research and writing to
four buildings totaling more than
include our Love Won Out confer-
raise their children and build godly
500,000 square feet. Our main
ences, which have provided help and
homes. His most recent book. Bringing
building is adorned with a verse
healing to those who are struggling
Up Boys, was published last fall. If
you'd like to tap into Dr. Dobson's
resources, check out these popular
books:
Night Light is a devotional collab-
oration of Dr. Dobson and his wife,
Shirley. Night Light includes inspiring
stories. Scripture, provocative ques-
tions, prayers and straightforward
commentary, guiding couples toward
deeper intimacy and new spiritual
communion. (Item code: BK093.
Suggested donation $20, $28 in
Canada.)
Love Must Be Tough and Straight
Talk, two of his best-sellers, are com-
bined in one volume. In Love Must Be
that reads: "And all the people were
with homosexuality. Focus on the
Tough Dr. Dobson addresses the topic
very happy because of what God
Family's Crisis Pregnancy ministry
of respect and how the lack of it can
had accomplished SO quickly" (2
has reached out to thousands of
destroy marriages and family life. He
Chronicles 29:36, The Living Bible).
women whose lives have been
encourages "tough love" to bring back
health to a relationship that's flounder-
But increased staff size and bigger
scarred by the tragedy of a past abor-
ing. In Straight Talk Dr. Dobson clari-
buildings don't really tell the story.
tion and has helped many other preg-
fies men's roles, reassuring them that
Focus on the Family could be housed
nant girls choose life for their unborn
their leadership is very much needed
in the Taj Mahal or the Louvre with
babies. And Pastoral Ministries—
at home and in our culture. He also
a million employees and yet achieve
staffed with former ministers-has
discusses money, midlife, career, sexu-
nothing of any significance. The true
provided a safe haven for pastors,
ality, marriage, children and more.
evidence of God's blessing is found in
missionaries and chaplains, offering
(Item code: BK091. Suggested dona-
the numerous lives He has touched as
resources and services to help them
tion $15. $21 in Canada.)
a result of our meager and imperfect
balance their ministry and family lives.
The New Hide or Seek presents 12
efforts to follow His calling.
solid strategies for building self-esteem
For example, one man wrote
True purpose
in any child plagued by inferiority.
to tell us that, after hearing the
There is another milestone that
The book provides practical pointers
gospel presented on a "Focus on the
merits special attention. In 1996, the
to help parents raise self-confident,
Family" broadcast, he pulled his car
leadership at Focus on the Family
healthy children. (Item code: BK098.
off the side of the road and prayed
became increasingly aware that many
Suggested donation $13, $19 in
to receive Christ at that moment!
of the people who listened to our
Canada.)
More recently, a participant in our
broadcasts and read our magazines
The New Dare to Discipline, a
National Bike Ride for the Family tes-
did not have an understanding of the
revision of the 20-year best-seller, is
tified that, prior to taking part in the
basics of the Christian faith, nor did
written for parents who grew up with-
event, he had been contemplating
they truly grasp what it meant to be
out proper role models in their homes.
suicide. However, his experience on
followers of Christ. Therefore, our
Dr. Dobson offers time-honored par-
the bike ride and his interaction with
board of directors met for the specific
enting principles that will help any
the Focus staff changed his heart and
purpose of discussing the changing
new parent become a good mother or
enabled him to embrace life with
father. (Item code: BK064. Suggested
role of this ministry in a post-Christian
donation $13, $19 in Canada.)
renewed vigor!
world. From those discussions-and
To request these or any other books
after a season on our knees in fervent
Just a sampling
written by Dr. Dobson, use the center
prayer-we developed what came
envelope, call (800) A-FAMILY(232-6459),
As the ministry of Focus on the
to be known as the Campaign for
or log on to www.family.org/resources.
Family has grown over the years, the
Righteousness. It was designed to
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002 3
retool every single department in the
mind as we move further into the 21st
ministry to conform to this new
century. Most notably. after a powerful
emphasis. The following statement
interview with Dr. Bruce Wilkinson
Family
has guided our efforts ever since:
concerning his book The Prayer of
The Campaign to which we are
Jabez, five primary areas of emphasis
editor
called is as straightforward as the
have emerged, in accordance with the
Tom Neven
Gospel itself known to believers as the
words recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:10:
associate editor
Great Commission]. Our goals are: to
"Oh, that you would bless me and
Andrea Vinley Jewell
bring people to Christ who have never
enlarge my territory! Let your hand be
contributing editors
understood Him; to deepen the walk
with me, and keep me from harm so
Jesse Florea
of those who have been nominal
that I will be free from pain."
Susan Goodwin Graham
Tanya Price
designer
"And all the people
Jan Koenig
contributing designers
were very happy
Kathleen Gray Ziegler
Mike Harrigan
because of what God
editorial assistant
Patty Clemens
bad accomplished
senior art director
Timothy Jones
so quickly."
editorial director
Chuck Johnson
-2 Chronicles 29:36 (TLB)
associate copy editor
Scott DeNicola
print production
believers; to clearly introduce the doc-
The five objectives for the next
Ron Fox
trines of His Lordship, sin, repentance,
few years are outlined as follows:
Linda Carpenter
forgiveness and justification by faith
1. Significantly expand our inter-
permissions
to those who don't know God or those
national outreach in an effort to pro-
Sarah Adams
who only know Him as "Friend" and
mote biblical values and family prin-
vice president
Kurt Bruner
Creator: to point everyone to the resur-
ciples in every country.
president / publisher
rection and to judgment in the next
2. Step up our outreach to young
James C. Dobson, Ph. D
world; to encourage young people and
families-married couples and first-time
their parents to live by His standard of
parents who are just getting started
cover photo
boliness and obedience to the Lord: to
but might not know the "basics."
Ron Nickel
encourage intensive scriptural study
3. Minister to families represent-
and application of His Word to all
ing various ethnic minorities in our
areas of life; to motivate the people of
increasingly diverse society.
IMPORTANT NOTICE! By submitting letters and other
God to practical action in their com-
4. Place an even greater emphasis
materials to Focus on the Family, you agree that the mate-
rials submitted are the property of Focus on the Family
munities and our nation in defense
on bringing our message to those in
and will not be returned, and you agree that Focus on the
of righteousness; and to inspire those
the secular marketplace who may not
Family, its assigns and licensees, have been granted the
working at Focus to love one another
be familiar with Christian principles.
non-exclusive right to use and/or reproduce the materials
in any manner and for any purpose. Our agreement is
in a way that is pleasing to Him and
5. Expand our ministry on the
made in Colorado, and controlled by Colorado law.
displays to all the love of Christ. Let
Internet, which has become the pri-
If you have identified Focus on the Family in your will
this mission burn within the bearts
mary source of information for mil-
or estate planning. please let us know so that we can
of every member of the Focus on the
lions of people.
say thank you. Focus on the Family, Attn: Stewardship
Ministry, 8605 Explorer Drive, Colorado Springs, CO
Family staff, and let it take root in
80920. Tax ID#95-3188150
each department, program, magazine
I know I speak for every employee
Focus on the Family magazine, March 2002, Vol. 26,
and broadcast of this ministry.
here at Focus on the Family, both
No 3 ISSN 0894-3346 Copyright o 2002 Focus on the
past and present, when I say that we
Family. All rights reserved. International copyright
Where now?
are humbled by how God has used
secured. Published monthly by Focus
on the Family, a nonprofit organiza-
Given the twists and turns of the
this ministry to touch so many lives
tion recognized for tax-deductible
past 25 years, we are often asked,
over the past 25 years. As we reflect
giving by the federal government
Focus on the Family is a registered
"Where do you go from here?" If it
on the blessings of the past and pre-
trademark of Focus on the Family
is the Lord's will that Focus on the
pare to open the next chapter in our
8605 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs,
CO 80920-1051 Due to plans
Family exists for another quarter-
history, may Paul's words to the
future issues, we ask that you do not send unsolicit
century of operation, what significant
church at Corinth carry us forward:
manuscripts at this time. To reach Focus on the Family,
events and achievements will be added
"Let him who boasts boast in the
please call (800) 232-6459 in the U.S., (800) 661-9800 in
Canada. Printed in USA. All Scripture references are from
to the timeline? Several things come to
Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31).
the New International Version unless indicated.
4
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
by Lisa Anderson
Never underestimate the reach of
the "Focus on the Family" broadcast
-geographically and through time.
Molly participated in the Ohio
Bike Ride for the Family to give
From
back to those who had saved her
life 16 years ago.
One to
t had been an especially long day. Molly Saunders, a
young Ohio woman with a husband and small daugh-
ter, was tired. She had fought her nemesis, bulimia,
again that day and lost. She'd been losing for the last
six years. Being diabetic didn't help, nor did dealing
with the ramifications of repeated childhood abuse. But
Many
Molly confided in no one.
That day she decided to end it all. As she planned her
death, she turned on the radio. A new station, WNZR, had
hometown hosted the Ohio Family Fest, a citywide day of
just hit the airwaves in her hometown of Mount Vernon.
music, games, food and fun designed to coincide with day
Molly's dial landed unwittingly on its frequency, and a pro-
two of the Ohio Bike Ride. Despite hailstorms, more than
gram called "Focus on the Family" began to air. The topic
1,500 people turned out to celebrate and welcome the rid-
was drug addiction and addictive behaviors; it caught Molly's
ers. Even better than the celebration was that church leaders
attention. At the end of the program, an address was pro-
joined forces to continue reaching their community.
vided. Molly sat down and began a four-page letter to Focus.
Since the Ohio Family Fest more than 300 people from
Within days, Molly received a call from Lon Adams, a
the Mount Vernon area have accepted Christ as a result of
counselor at Focus on the Family. He listened to her, prayed
church events and initiatives.
with her and gave her the name of a counselor in her area.
And all this happened because Molly Saunders chose
Molly began counseling and told her husband about every-
to turn on the radio 16 years ago,
thing she had been struggling with. Soon after, she began
attending church and gave her life to Christ.
There are still several state rides to come. For more information
Sixteen years later, Molly vividly remembers her first
on the National Bike Ride for the Family's last rides of 2002, go to
months as a Christian. "When I first began to read the Bible,
www.bikeridefortbefamily.org.
it was like giving food to a starving man," she says with a
smile. "I would read my Bible while waiting in line at the
store. I'd read while sitting at a stoplight in my car. Some-
Molly and her husband, Clyde, and daughter
times people would honk at me!"
Rebecca live in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
During this time, Molly received a letter from Lon Adams
that she carried in her wallet for years until it fell apart. She
reread it often, hoping that some day she would be able to
thank Lon and Focus for saving her life.
In the spring of 2000, Molly heard about the National
Bike Ride for the Family. Wanting to give back to those
who had helped her, she applied to ride but felt sure she
would be rejected because of her diabetes. She was accepted.
"I couldn't believe it," she says. "I grabbed my 19-year-old
daughter, swung her around the yard, then ran over to
church to tell my pastor."
With the help of WNZR and a group of pastors, Molly's
Becomes member of faculty
1960-
James Dobson and
Shirley Deere marry
1970T
at USC School of Medicine
Dare to Discipline
1967
James Dobson earns Ph.D. from University of Southern California
Dr. Dobson joins staff of Children's Hospital in Los Angeles
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002 5
Foundational
Focus on the Family's
The pre-eminence of evangelism
The permanence of marriage
We believe that the ultimate purpose
We believe that the institution of
primary purpose is to spread
in living is to know and glorify God
marriage was intended by God to be
and to attain eternal life through Jesus
a permanent, lifelong relationship
the gospel of Jesus Christ
Christ our Lord, beginning within our
between a man and a woman, regard-
own families and then reaching out
less of trials, sickness, financial reversal
through a practical outreach
to a suffering bumanity that does not
or emotional stresses that may ensue.
know of His love and sacrifice.
God ordained marriage as the most
to homes, based upon five
All of our efforts are motivated
sacred and intimate of human relation-
by and secondary to our aim of intro-
ships. The Bible equates marriage to
guiding principles. These
ducing people to Jesus Christ. Our
Christ's relationship with His bride, the
principles, called "pillars,"
approach is to "turn hearts toward
church.
home" by offering reasonable, biblical
Scripture maintains that both
are drawn from the Bible
and empirical insights so that people
spouses are equal in value, yet differ-
will be able to discover the Creator
ent in roles. Husbands are instructed to
and Judeo-Christian ethics.
of families and the principles He has
love their wives in the same way that
established.
Christ loves the church, while wives are
Our pillars reflect what we
Just as a red blood cell carries life-
to respect their husbands as the church
sustaining oxygen to every part of the
respects Christ (Ephesians 5:22-23).
believe to represent ultimate
body, the family is the transport that
Focus is painfully aware that many
allows us to deliver the gospel in ways
marriages are in trouble today. We
values from the Creator
that otherwise may not be possible.
strive to do all we can to extend com-
Addressing the relational needs of fam-
passion, care and resources to those
Himself, who ordained the
ilies often affords us the opportunity
who are struggling.
to share the gospel and meet spiritual
family and gave it His blessing.
needs as well.
SW PRODUCTIONS
GETTY IMAGES
Negotiations with Tyndale House
1974-
Hide or Seek
1976T
publishers to fund first year of broadcast
Dr. Dobson leaves Children's Hospital
1975
1977
Focus on the Family incorporates
What Wives Wish Their
as an Arcadia, Calif.-based nonprofit
Husbands Knew About Women
First "Focus on the Family" weekly
broadcast airs
6 FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
Principles The value of bearing and
The sanctity of human life
raising children
We believe that buman life is of
We believe that children are a ber-
inestimable worth and significance in
itage from God and a blessing from His
all its dimensions, including the
band. We are therefore accountable to
unborn, the aged, the widowed, the
SW PRODUCTIONS
Him for raising, shaping and preparing
mentally bandicapped, the unattractive,
them for a life of service to His kingdom
the physically challenged and every
and to humanity.
other condition in which bumanness is
The relationship of church,
Parents have no greater responsibil-
expressed from conception to the grave.
family and government
ity than to provide their children with a
All human life is unique and pre-
We believe that God has ordained
spiritual heritage. Research indicates that
cious in God's sight. Therefore, every
three basic institutions-the church, the
the development of a personal relation-
individual in any stage or condition
family and the government-for the
ship with Jesus Christ most frequently
deserves equal respect and protection.
benefit of all bumankind. The family
occurs before a child leaves home.
Abortion is never the answer to an
exists to propagate the buman race and
Children are extremely observant
unwanted pregnancy. As Christians, we
to provide a safe haven in which to
and impressionable and thus are greatly
must be ready to offer love and assis-
nurture, teach and love the younger
influenced by their daily interaction
tance to expectant mothers facing diffi-
generation. The church exists to minis-
with parents. Simply put, values are
cult circumstances. For women who do
ter to individuals and families by shar-
"caught" more than taught.
not wish to raise their children, adop-
ing the love of God and the message of
Parents also have a biblical man-
tion is always the more courageous,
repentance and salvation through the
date to properly discipline their chil-
noble and ethical decision.
blood of Jesus Christ. The government
dren. The crucial element is balance,
Like abortion, euthanasia is the
exists to maintain cultural equilibrium
avoiding the extremes of harsh disci-
intentional taking of an innocent
and to provide a framework for social
pline without affection or permissive-
human life and therefore is morally
order.
ness without reasonable limits.
wrong. Both reveal a profound irrever-
The family, founded upon marriage
Last, we recognize that raising a
ence for life.
and centered in the nuclear circle of a
child alone is an incredibly demanding
father and a mother and their biologi-
task. Therefore, Focus exhorts churches
cal or adopted children, is the primary
to assist single parents in any way
social unit. The health and vitality of
possible.
families largely determine the well-
being of a society.
Government is ordained by God to
promote justice and protect a nation's
citizens. The ultimate authority of a
government does not come by force
but by the wise counsel of God and
the will of the people.
The church is God's worldwide
GETTY IMAGES
community that functions as His body
on earth. It is the responsibility of
every Christian to serve as the hands
and feet of Christ. Though the church's
primary focus is to preach the gospel
GETTY IMAGES
and disciple Christians, it also serves to
strengthen families and influence secu-
lar authorities, such as government,
law, media and education.
1978-
The Strong-Willed Child
Preparing for Adolescence
1980T
Daily 15-minute
broadcast begins
Daily 30-minute
1979
Word Publishing releases
1981-
broadcast begins
seven-part "Focus on
the Family" film series
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002 7
From
Generation
The Johnson family
Shannon and Jennifer Kusilek had a
tioned at the end of the program. We had
Prepared for parenthood
problem. When their 9-year-old son spent
a little devotional about how following
Before Dan and Phyllis Johnson had
the night at friends' houses, he sometimes
Jesus means that we'll make choices in
children, they were listening to Dr.
watched inappropriate movies. They'd
our lives that set us apart from people
Dobson.
voiced their concerns to their son and the
who don't know Him. It was really great.
"I was pregnant at the time our
other families, but the situation didn't
We've taken a lot of Focus on the Family's
Sunday school class started listening to
quite feel settled.
principles and made them our own."
cassettes of Dr. Dobson talking about
Then during a family car trip last
And Jennifer knows plenty about
the principles in Dare to Discipline,"
fall, the Kusileks heard something on
Focus. Her parents, Dan and Phyllis
Phyllis remembers. "Tve always been a
an "Adventures in Odyssey" broadcast
Johnson, implemented Dr. James
voracious note-taker, SO I took some
that gave them a simple answer to their
Dobson's ideas when she and her sister,
notes and stored them away. Then my
situation.
Julie, were growing up.
husband and I raised our girls using
"We were listening to the episode 'All
"We raised our kids using the ideas
those things."
the Difference in the World,' Jennifer
in Dare to Discipline, "Phyllis says. "And
As instrumental as Dare to Discipline
explains. "The father on the tape told his
when Jennifer had children, I began
was in the early years of Jennifer and
son to call home before he watched any
talking right off the bat about the princi-
Julie's lives, the Preparing for Adolescence
movies at a friend's house. So now that's
ples that I had learned."
tapes were even more helpful as the girls
a rule in our house.
The Johnsons are just one household
transitioned into teens. (Julie now works
"It was wonderful, because then our
that's seen Focus have a multigenerational
at Focus on the Family.)
6-year-old was also enthralled," Jennifer
impact on their family. Many others first
"I was about 9 or 10 when my mom
adds. "So right in the middle of an eight-
learned of Dr. Dobson and Focus on the
started taking us individually to a hotel
hour car trip, I grabbed my Bible and
Family when their children were young-
for a girls' special weekend," Jennifer
opened it to 2 Peter 1:9, which was men-
but now their kids have kids of their own.
says. "We'd listen to a tape, go shopping,
Broadcast goes worldwide via Armed Forces Radio satellite
1983-
Start of Focus on the Family magazine
Focus Canada opens
"Weekend" broadcast begins
"James Dobson
1984-
1985
Dr. Dobson accepts appointment to Attorney
Family
General's Commission on Pornography
Commentary" begins
"Turn Your Heart Toward Home"
film series
8
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
O
The Focus on the Family message
now spans three generations.
by Jesse Florea
Generation
then go out for dinner and listen to
"Jennifer and I talk every day,"
"Now I have those Preparing for
another tape. Then we'd sit in the sauna
Phyllis says. "And we've chatted a lot
Adolescence tapes," she says. "And
and listen to another tape. That was
about things regarding her kids."
Shannon is going to get away on special
such a blessing that she took the time to
Phyllis has passed on copies of Dare
weekends and go through them with
do that."
to Discipline and The Strong-Willed
our boys."
Phyllis planned these events with
Child to Jennifer, who's put the books to
each daughter for three years, each time
good use.
Tuned in to parenting
listening to different tapes from the
"Dr. Dobson's ideas are totally
Dr. T.A. Body says Dr. Dobson has
series.
ingrained with how my husband and I
always been a tremendous resource for
"It gave me a forum to bring up
raise our kids," Jennifer says. "Little
him. In fact, Dr. Body and Dr. Dobson's
issues," Phyllis explains. "I wouldn't sit
phrases that he uses, like 'I love you SO
career paths have numerous similarities.
down at the table one afternoon and
much that I cannot allow you to behave
Both are trained psychologists, and both
say, 'Let's talk about peer pressure.' But
this way.' I say that before every disci-
turned away from the medical profes-
listening to a tape would bring up ques-
pline I give, whether it's a spanking or
sion to follow God's call.
tions that we could talk about."
just a talking to."
More than a decade ago, Dr. Body
Communication is still important to
And as the Kusileks' children grow
left the National Institute of Mental
the Johnsons. Jennifer is married to
up, Jennifer has already gotten ready for
Health to go into ministry. Since that
Shannon Kusilek and has three boys.
next step.
time he's founded the One Accord
Community Church of God in Christ and
a radio program called "Lifeline 2000."
Dr. T.A. Body's family
"My radio talk show deals with the
family and fundamentals of the Christian
faith," Dr. Body says. "Now I've never
told anybody this, even on my broad-
cast, but Dr. Dobson was the reason I
wanted to start a talk show to deal with
the black family. He was the person
who got me thinking."
Today, Dr. Body's program can be
heard twice daily on the 50,000-watt sta-
tion WGUN in Decatur, Ga.
"I often quote Dr. Dobson on the
broadcast, but I don't tell people he said
it because I want to look good myself,"
Dr. Body says, laughing. "I'm kidding, of
course. But I use James Dobson to death,
because I'm talking about husbands,
wives, parenting-all that stuff."
CITIZEN
1987
Clubhouse magazine premieres
The
White
Citizen magazine premieres
THE
AGE
OF
Tougher
on
House Getsts
MIRACLES
Crisis Pregnancy Ministry starts
1986-
Focus releases
its first book,
Twice Pardoned
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
9
phenylketonuria (PKU) for five western
states.
Both of Tom's sons had PKU, a
dietary deficiency where the body can't
absorb the phenylalanine that's in pro-
tein so it builds up in the brain and
stunts brain development. His sons, Jim
and Bill, were doing better than most
children with PKU because they discov-
ered the condition early on and put
them on a very restrictive diet.
"They couldn't get any protein," Tom
says. "No meat products, such as fish,
chicken or beef. They couldn't have nuts,
beans or dairy products. Fruit and some
vegetables-that's all they could eat."
Tom picked up the phone, called
The Bradford family
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles,
asked for Dr. Dobson and got straight
through to him. Tom told him how
Almost everything in Dr. Body's life is
but speak with pride.
much he enjoyed his book and that his
related to family. When he started his
"All the way down to my great-
sons had PKU.
church 14 years ago it had eight mem-
grandchildren, they are all godly and in
After talking awhile, Tom set up an
bers: six of his children, his wife and
the church," he says. "And they're raising
appointment with Dr. Dobson. Two
himself. Now One Accord has more than
their children with the same principles
months later, the Bradfords flew from
1,000 people attending every week.
that Dr. Dobson gave out those many,
their home in Alabama to California.
"And our church feels like a family,"
many years ago."
Following a series of
Eumika Body-Griffin says. "My dad
Family doctor
"In 1971 a friend of
tests, Dr. Dobson deter-
strives to keep that feeling."
mined Jim and Bill did
Eumika is Dr. Body's youngest
Tom Bradford has
mine gave me the book
have classic PKU, but
daughter and the minister of praise at
known Dr. Dobson for
Dare to Discipline.
because of their age
One Accord. Her husband, Kevin, is a
so long that it was still
both boys could be
gospel-jazz pianist and the minister of
possible to telephone
Here was a professional
taken off their restrictive
music. They're raising three children:
him directly.
diets.
Brooklyn, Kevin and Kerrington.
"In 1971 a friend of
and a Christian
"That was great
"Because I'm the last and was at
mine gave me the book
who was basing his
news!" Tom says.
home the longest, I spent a lot of time
Dare to Discipline,"
Over the course of
with my parents in the Word and as a
Tom remembers. "I
philosophy on biblical
the next 20 years, Jim
family," Eumika says. "And that really
read it and identified
and Bill grew up to
helped me to be a godly parent."
with everything Dobson
truth, saying you
be healthy adults, and
Eumika first read one of Dr. Dobson's
was saying. There was
should discipline your
Tom helped start the
books when she was co-producing her
a lot of pressure in
Alabama Family Alliance
dad's radio show.
those days not to spank
children
as long as
(now the Alabama
"I read The Strong-Willed Child years
or discipline our chil-
Policy Institute), a state
ago," Eumika says. "I remember it well.
dren, saying you could
you do it in love."
group that fights for
But my husband and I were just talking
mess up their little per-
family values in gov-
about getting it out and reading it again,
sonalities. But here was a professional
ernment. Tom also continued to follow
because our two youngest children lages
and a Christian who was basing his phi-
Dr. Dobson's career in writing and
4 and 2] are extremely strong-willed."
losophy on biblical truth, saying you
founding of Focus on the Family in 1977.
Dr. Body dealt with a few strong-
should discipline your children. That you
Then in 1991 the two met again when
willed kids of his own. With eight
do them harm if you don't discipline
Tom visited Focus.
children, 24 grandchildren and four
them, as long as you do it in love."
"We spent around 30 minutes together
great-grandchildren, there's very little
When Tom finished the book, he
and had a great time," Tom says. "And
he hasn't experienced in family life. And
read on the flyleaf that Dr. Dobson was
we talked about my boys."
as he looks at his family, he can't help
a psychologist and in charge of work on
Several years ago, Jim met Dr. Dobson
TWICE
1987-
Focus office moves from Arcadia to Pomona, Calif.
PARDONED
Releases its first film, Twice Pardoned
HAROLD MORRIS
Group of physicians meets and forms Physicians
Resource Council
Clubhouse Jr. magazine premieres
in Colorado Springs, although he doesn't
But even before Max thought about
others," Chris says. "That was a real priv-
remember meeting him as a child.
supporting the ministry, he was impressed
ilege, and I got a tremendous amount of
"I hate to say it, but I don't remem-
with what Focus on the Family stood for.
e-mails and letters from people dealing
ber going to California and doing all
"T've always been blessed by how
with the same type of cancer. I still keep
those tests," Jim says. "But when I got
Dr. Dobson presents biblical principles
in touch with many of them."
married 19 years ago, I started listening
to child-raising and families," Max says.
Chris and Heidi's daughters grew up
to Dr. Dobson's radio program. I always
"The first time I heard him was when
reading some of Focus' magazines for
like to hear Dobson's ideas, because he
our church had the Focus on the Family
children, Clubbouse Jr., Clubbouse and
has very practical suggestions on how to
film series back in the 70s."
Brio. And they still look to Focus for
handle daily stuff."
Max and Martha finally visited Focus
helpful resources.
Jim and his wife, Carolyn, have three
on the Family shortly after the ministry
"My wife and I have found Plugged In
children ranging from 7 to 17.
moved from California to Colorado
to be an invaluable publication in help-
"It's amazing how different three chil-
Springs in 1991. Around that time their
ing us evaluate media for our teens,"
dren can be," Jim says. "Their makeups
oldest child, Chris, was diagnosed with
Chris says. "Sometimes it's good for our
are just light-years apart. So while the
cancer. Chris and his wife, Heidi, had
children to hear advice from somebody
parenting principles remain the same,
four young daughters when they dis-
besides their parents. I really appreciate
we have to re-evaluate and rethink how
covered the news.
the honest critiques they've done."
to communicate and handle issues with
"I was really impressed with the way
Because of the length and depth of
each child."
Focus supported me," Chris says.
the relationship that the Bingamans
Jim says a lot of those parenting prin-
"Besides the books When God Doesn't
have with Focus, they've had the chance
ciples came from Dare to Discipline and
Make Sense and Conquering Cancer that
to become friends with Dr. Dobson and
The Strong-Willed Child. And he adds
they sent, they also hooked me up with
his wife, Shirley. A couple of years ago
that he and Carolyn have enjoyed going
Dave Dravecky's ministry, Outreach of
the Dobsons visited the Bingamans'
through Night Light, a devotional book
Hope." (Dravecky, a professional base-
ranch for a weekend.
written by the Dobsons.
ball player, lost his pitching arm to bone
"Dr. Dobson and Shirley are wonder-
"Tve probably got a half-dozen or
cancer in 1991.)
ful," Max says. "I tell people, 'What you
more of his books in my room that I
Last year the Bingamans were back
hear is what he is.' A lot of times [on
refer to," Jim says. "And we've got a cab-
on the Focus on the Family campus with
other broadcasts] you hear something
inet full of 'Adventures in Odyssey' and
some of their children to record a broad-
on the radio and you see something dif-
McGee and Me' videos that the kids
cast called "A Traditional Family." Chris
ferent in person, but that's not the case
grew up watching."
told his story of receiving a bone mar-
with Dr. Dobson."
row transplant from his youngest sister,
Family tree
Mary Beth, and overcoming cancer.
Jesse Florea is editor of Clubhouse magazine
Every Sunday at the Bingaman home
"The Lord used the opportunity to be
and the Growing Years edition of Focus on
in eastern Pennsylvania looks like a
on the Focus broadcast to encourage
the Family magazine.
mini-family reunion. After church
everybody gathers at Max and Martha
Bingaman's house to eat dinner before
evening church. And when you consider
that Max and Martha have five married
children and 18 grandchildren, it is a
houseful.
"I have 30 to 35 here every Sunday,
and I love it," Martha says. "Everybody
enjoys coming, and we all live around
here and go to the same church."
With so much emphasis on family,
it's not surprising the Bingamans are
good friends of Focus on the Family.
And if you visit Focus' headquarters,
you'll find a plaque that tells how the
Bingamans donated the seven miles of
red oak molding that adds a touch of
beauty to the buildings.
The Bingamans
1988
"Adventures in Odyssey" broadcast begins
"Family News in Focus" first airs
First "Enfoque a la Familia" (Spanish broadcast) airs
Focus begins Pete Maravich basketball camps
Care for the Family (United Kingdom) begins working with Focus
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002 11
Renew Your Hear
What
the
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Most of us have heard sermons about the Cross-and the sacrifice that our Messiah made there for us.
CROSS
But how often do we reflect on What the Cross Means to Me? In this unique and compelling book,
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FOCUS
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Millennia ago, the Lord promised us He would someday pay the price for our sin. And, of course, He did. Now,
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You
In Why You Can't Stay Silent, Focus on the Family Vice President Tom Minnery responds to the most
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Can't
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m-Shape Bibhed Our Culture
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A Quarter-Century of
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Walking with Your Child Through Crisis
Fc
WHEN AHUG
Walking With Your Child Through Crisis
WON'T FIX
Few things make a parent feel more helpless than seeing the
THE HURT
child or teenager they love in emotional or physical pain.
But as you'll see in this book, there's a lot you can do to
help a child-and yourself-cope with suffering. Whether
the problem is as common as not making the ball team or
as severe as leukemia, this guide offers practical, biblical
ways to demonstrate your love.
When a Hug Won't Fix the Hurt (paperback)
Suggested donation: $10* BD429
MC0200
KAREN DOCKREY
FOCUS Adventures ON THE FAMILY PRESENTS
Romans 8:28 Through Young Eyes
Wrap your child tightly in your arms and join Whit, Connie,
ODYSSEY
Donna and others as they experience God's unmistakable
comfort and strength in their time of need. Though the
GOOD THE GRIEF: GOD'S LOVE IN
stories in this special collection of previously aired
MIDST OF SURROW
Adventures in Odyssey episodes are fictional, the rock-
solid truths underscoring them point us to our only hope
in times of despair.
Good Grief: God's Love in the Midst of Sorrow
(six-audiocassette album)
Suggested donation: $25* CC771
Includes: Clara/Home Sweet Home; Thank You, God/The Very Best
of Friends; It Is Well/This Is Chad Pearson; Karen/Kid's Radio;
Gone
But Not Forgotten and Letting Go/B-TV: Compassion
AUGU
FOF/United States/January, February and March 2002
with Resources From
Focus on the Family
When They're Least Expecting It
Magazine Rack
These spiritually uplifting, tear-out notes
will give your kids a "hug," whether they're
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY
citizen
Citizen keeps you updated on the
at school, camp, in daycare or on a sleepover.
current events and U.S. public
Older children, who might think they're too
Hugs
policy issues that affect you and
"cool" for Hugs in a Lunch Box, will delight
your family-with tips for
wolrd
in the surprise of each note! Included in each
science
effectively making your voice
heard by decision makers.
book are 75 inspirational notes plus stickers,
you 1 Stevans \ of 1
FAMPK **$20 ($28 in Canada)
by
Bible verses and suggestions for adding a
special family flavor into daily life.
FAMILY
doord
Clubhouse Jr. Fun crafts, games,
tales and more-all emphasizing
Hugs in a Lunch Box
stickers'
scriptural principles. Perfect for
for ages 5-7 (paperback)
Hugs in
young readers ages 4 to 8.
Suggested donation: $8
Lunch Box
CJMPK $15 ($21 in Canada)
($12 in Canada)* BL172
for ages 8-12
CLUBRONSE
Hugs in a Lunch Box
Clubhouse delights children ages
PREACHER
for ages 8-12 (paperback)
60Y-
8 to 12 with exciting puzzles,
activities and faith-building stories.
Suggested donation: $8
CHMPK **$15 ($21 in Canada)
($12 in Canada)* BL173
Delightful Devotions
brio
Brio The inside scoop for teen
girls, with hot tips on everything
from fashion and food, to fitness
for You and Your
and faith
THE : SOCIAL
T
TFSUB **$18 ($26 in Canada)
Jesus
Little One
es
If a child's earliest memories of devotions
Lo
Brio & Beyond brings a Christian
You
are associated with happy times spent with
perspective to tough issues faced
parents, a powerful spiritual foundation
specifically by high school upper-
has been laid. Through the Devotional Set
classmen and college students.
TSSUB **$18 ($26 in Canada)
for Little Ones, infants and preschoolers
I
HAME
spend special time with the Lord and
their parents. Based on familiar
Breakaway Teen guys get the
lowdown on sports, celebrities
Friaytime
childhood games, Playtime Devotions
even girls! Also, advice, humor
Devotions Sharing Bible moments
helps parents and teachers teach infants
and spiritual guidance.
"God loves me." And Jesus Loves You, a
TMSUB *$15 ($21 in Canada)
with toddler your baby
or
read-the-pictures book, gives preschoolers a fun
introduction to the love of God.
LifeWise This bimonthly
Devotional Set for Little Ones
magazine celebrates life after 50
for Christians.
(two hardcovers)
MPSUB **$16.50 ($24 in Canada)
Suggested donation: $21
($30 in Canada)** BL517
Bravedy
Plugged In offers reviews and
commentary on the latest music,
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Also Available
plugged
at vouth.
Playtime Devotions (hardcover with wire-o binding)
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Jesus Loves You (hardcover)
Physician Concise, informative
features that address the special
Suggested donation: $11 ($16 in Canada)* BL470
Physician
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physicians (underwritten by
physicians for physicians).
You can now request these resources online at
PHSUB
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Boundless A webzine that seeks
donations. The Internal Revenue Code permits you to deduct the amount you give to Focus on the Family that goes beyond the value of materials WE send you. To assist
to engage the hearts and minds of
ermining the tax-deductible partion of your gift, we'll show on your receipt the fair market value, along with the total gift amount. In Canada, a donation receipt will be
young adults on college campuses.
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let the adventure begin!
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Children
B
Clubbouse Jr. magazine: For ages
eginning from a small two-room office 25
4 to 8, fun crafts, games, tales and
more-all emphasizing scriptural
years ago, Focus on the Family has grown
principles.
into a ministry of 1,300 people serving in
Clubbouse magazine: Delights
some 80 outreaches. Dr. James Dobson's
children ages 8 to 12 with exciting
puzzles, activities and faith-building
core family concerns in 1977 were parenting
stories.
and marriage, but, of course, there is more to family
"Adventures in Odyssey": capti-
than this.
vating 30-minute radio dramas and
Accordingly, Focus on the Family has expanded over
videos that entertain while teaching
important biblical values.
the years to address concerns of teens, pastors' families,
collegians and senior adults. Still, the full parameters of
Teens/College
family concerns stretch beyond these, and Focus added,
Brio magazine: The inside scoop
for teen girls, with hot tips on every-
among others, a Public Policy department to monitor
thing from fashion and food to fitness
pro- or anti-family trends in the public square, Crisis
and faith. Brio & Beyond, specifically
Pregnancy ministries to assist those fighting for the pro-
for high school upperclassmen and
college students.
life cause throughout North America and a Youth Culture
Breakaway magazine: Teen guys
department to help parents make discerning choices
get the lowdown on sports, celebri-
when it comes to their children's entertainment choices.
ties-even girls-with advice, humor
and spiritual guidance.
At right is an outline of all that Focus on the Family
Plugged In magazine: Offers
is doing to help strengthen families around the world.
reviews and commentary on the lat-
We pray, Lord willing, that 25 years from now this list
est music, movies and television
will be even larger.
aimed at youth. Great resource for
parents. Available online.
"Life on the Edge-Live!":
Weekend call-in radio show
addressing the unique pres-
sures and issues
facing today's
teens.
Ministering
to Families
1989
Physician magazine premieres
Focus releases first McGee and Me video with Tyndale House
12(EYE)
1990
Brio and Breakaway magazines premiere
Launch of Youth Culture department
Parental Guidance premieres (later becomes Plugged In)
14 FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
Focus on the Family Institute:
Single-Parent Family: Special
Grandparenting/Seniors
A one-semester program for students
edition of Focus on the Family maga-
Focus over Fifty: Encourages
who desire to be leaders of the fam-
zine with articles to help single par-
mature adults to be involved in our
ily, church and society.
ents create healthy, stable, godly
culture and employ their faith to
Boundless: A webzine at
home lives.
promote social change.
www.boundless.org offering articles
Growing Years: Special edition of
LifeWise magazine: Celebrates
describing the "subversive" courage
Focus on the Family magazine offer-
Christian life at midlife and beyond,
of a chaste life, the how-to's for sur-
ing tips and encouragement for rais-
addressing involvement in church
viving a hostile professor, the danger
ing children from birth to age 12.
and community, finances, current
of pagan spirituality and the wonder
Renewing the Heart: Ministry that
events and relationships.
of serving Christ.
equips women with biblical princi-
ples and practical tools to impact
Cross-generational
Marriage/Parenting
their homes, communities and world
Counseling: A staff of professional,
Heritage Builders: Educates, trains
for Christ. Includes weekly radio call-
Christian, state-licensed counselors
and equips parents to be intentional
in show.
who respond by phone to constituents
in passing on a spiritual heritage to
Focus on the Family: Our flagship
who are in crisis situations.
their children.
publication that provides thought-
"Focus on the Family": A
provoking articles and helpful
30-minute daily broadcast with Dr.
information for your family and
James Dobson offers timeless practi-
marriage.
cal advice and inspiration on subjects
Public Policy: Produces
related to families: marriage, parent-
an array of publications,
ing, health, spiritual and emotional
seminars and radio
growth, and more.
broadcasts designed
Family.org: Offers magazine
to inform and acti-
articles, broadcast schedules, Dr.
vate citizens to
Dobson's monthly letters, announce-
deal with cur-
ments, news updates, RealAudio
rent social
broadcasts, media reviews, resource
issues.
center and more. Sites for children,
teens, single parents, seniors and
professionals.
Crisis Pregnancy Ministry: Sup-
port for pregnancy help centers
with financial aid, informational
resources, conferences and
broadcasts.
Love Won Out
conferences: Inform
teachers, youth
workers, pastors
and parents
about the causes
of homosexu-
ality and the gay
activist move-
ment.
for Life
Physician
magazine: Concise,
informative features
that address the special needs of
medical doctors.
Parental
Guidance
1991
"Adventures in Odyssey" daily program and
first Adventures in Odyssey video
Focus relocates to temporary facilities in Colorado Springs
Shirley Dobson accepts leadership of National Day of Prayer
Creation of Pastoral Ministries under H.B. London Jr.
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
15
by Tom Minnery
Why You
LIFE
Can't Stay
Silent
he pastor looked at
years after the Marxist revolution, and
Christians bother to vote, to lift their
me with his weary eyes. He
I had gone there to see what lessons
voices, to be salt and light, and we
was embarrassed and humil-
might be learned from a church that
have seen hostile forces gain the upper
iated. He groped for words
had sat on the sidelines while evil
hand. Lawsuits against public religious
to explain why his church
grew. Could the pastors have stopped
expressions proliferate, the very defin-
had suffered SO much and
the course of events that led to the
ition of the family is attacked, and
why he and the other pastors had
Marxist revolution? Not without God's
abortions are deemed a constitutional
done so little about it.
miraculous help, certainly. But they
right. Still, in our country, cultural
They had been trained by mission-
did nothing and gave God no oppor-
decline need not be a terminal illness.
aries only to preach salvation and to
tunity to work through them, and for
But even today we hear voices of
stay out of controversial social issues.
this they were ashamed. I shall never
some church leaders telling us to con-
This they did, until the people suffered
forget them or what this means for us.
centrate on evangelism and not be dis-
SO badly under their corrupt dictator
tracted by controversies. Are we starting
that they turned to new saviors-left-
The present situation
down the same road that will lead to
wing ideologues who tried to help the
Thankfully, we have no such
rampant immorality and the rise of a
people but who eventually plunged the
extreme in our country. We are blessed
tyrant or moral chaos? May God forbid,
country into revolution. When the guns
with a stable government that invites
but I do know that a silenced, isolated
finally stopped, 50,000 were dead.
the people's participation, but there are
and irrelevant church violates the man-
This was Nicaragua in 1983, four
troubling signs. Year by year fewer
date of Scripture. I believe that Christian
TEACHERS
1992-
Teachers in Focus magazine premieres (ends in 2000)
Dr. Dobson Answers Your Questions syndicated column starts
Focus on the Family Southern Africa opens
1993-
Dedication of current administration
building and distribution center
16 FOCUS ON THE FAMILY MARCH 2002
leaders who tell us to ignore social
Tragically, the practice of abortion today
patrons out of the bars and into his
problems fail to grasp the full signifi-
is leading us back to the barbarism of
nightly preaching services. He declared
cance of three important concepts:
Rome, even as some church leaders
war on sin and on Satan, and he
1. Our Christian calling. "Blessed
warn the church away from such "dis-
recruited an army, a Salvation Army he
are those who hunger and thirst for
tractions" as the fight against abortion.
called it, to carry out his campaigns. He
righteousness," Jesus said in the
2. Salvation. When someone
employed unheard of gimmicks such
Sermon on the Mount, and four verses
accepts Christ's righteousness, he
as marching brass bands through the
later He put it more directly: "Blessed
should recognize not only what is right,
red light districts to attract attention. In
are those who are persecuted because
but what is wrong. It should not be
its early years The Salvation Army was
of righteousness." Righteousness is a
surprising that someone who begins to
highly controversial.
broad term in Scripture, and it includes
understand the difference between
Don't miss the irony here. Today
everything that is right. The first order
right and wrong should take a stand
the world hates the pro-life movement,
of business, of course, is for people to
against the great wrongs of the day.
but for pastors, creative evangelism
get right with God by accepting the
Many Christians have done just that.
techniques are prized. Back then, the
salvation He offers, but that does not
During the height of the Second
opposite was true. The point is that
exhaust the meaning of righteousness,
Great Awakening, the national revival
controversy, by itself, shouldn't deter-
and down through the years Christians
in the 1820s, one young convert,
mine truth, and God's truth should
have understood this and have left a
Theodore Weld, enrolled in seminary
always be defended by God's people.
legacy of reform.
in Cincinnati and saw up close the evil
Today, thousands of Christians,
In the early years of the church,
of slavery, which was legal across the
including us here at Focus on the
Christians could make no impact on
Ohio River in Kentucky. As a Christian,
Family, are busy doing exactly that.
the evil Roman government because
he could not ignore slavery, and SO he
They understand the full meaning of
they were persecuted, but when the
began preaching against this evil in
righteousness and salvation, and they
persecutions ended, they plunged in.
pulpit after pulpit, starting hundreds of
know that it is the fickle world that
They worked to end the right of
local abolitionist organizations as a
determines what is "in" or "out," not
fathers to beat their children, to
result. Thus there emerged from the
any abiding moral principle. These
abandon them or even sell them into
changed heart of one young man a
Christians have formed organizations
Christians are called to be salt and light in their culture
CORBIS
-even when it hurts.
slavery. Christianity uplifted the plight
major boost to the new abolitionist
that offer alternatives to abortion, they
of wives and mothers by giving them
movement that eventually freed the
run for political office, they help the
a say in how children were to be
slaves.
poor and the homeless, they defend
raised and property inherited. Until
3. Controversy. Christian leaders
the institutions of family and marriage,
Christianity took root in Rome, women
who strive to avoid controversy will
and they raise moral voices in praise
were little better than slaves.
only be blown about by the whims of
or protest as needed for the good of
It is difficult to imagine how brutal
the world, for while God's truth is con-
all members of society.
this regime was, but here is a portion of
stant, what is controversial changes
These are people who hunger and
a letter from a Roman citizen named
with the times.
thirst for righteousness, and they
Hilarion who, while away on business,
In 1871, The New York Times pub-
accept the occasional persecution that
wrote home to his pregnant wife Alis,
lished a devastating exposé of a horri-
Jesus said would come with this terri-
whom he undoubtedly loved: "If
ble enterprise that had opened its doors
tory. They know what Christ has called
you have a boy, let it live. If it is a girl,
in New York-an abortion clinic.
them to do, and it is why they can't be
throw it out."
Ensuing public pressure shut it down,
silent.
The only reason people no longer
the result of the newspaper's crusade.
write such shocking letters is that first-
At about the same time, across the
Tom Minnery is the vice president for Public
century Christians understood the
Atlantic in London, a determined pastor
Policy at Focus on the Family. To request a
meaning of righteousness and that it
named William Booth devised creative
copy of bis book, Why You Can't Stay Silent,
applied to the sanctity of all human life.
evangelism techniques to pull saloon
see the center pages.
1994
1995-
Family Focus Japan opens
Focus on the Family Welcome Center opens
First set of That the World May Know:
Single-Parent Family magazine premieres (changed
Faith Lessons videos releases
to Focus on the Family magazine edition in 2001)
Focus on the Family Australia opens
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002 17
The Best
jof the Best
In 1977 Dr. Dobson taped his first "Focus
on the Family" broadcast. Since then thousands
of programs have been aired covering issues
from strong-willed children to stem cell research.
Today 7.3 million people tune in daily. The fol-
lowing are the 25 programs that have had the
greatest ministry impact over the past 25 years:
Guy
Doud
"Teacher of the Year" (1988) This
"Tilly" (1987) This moving fictional drama illustrates
broadcast features Guy Doud, who
the emotional trauma of abortion and the message of
received this award from President
God's forgiveness and healing. One day as a troubled
Ronald Reagan in 1986, sharing his
woman slept, she dreamed of a place with children who
school experiences and their influ-
had no name or parents. One child befriended her, and
ence on his teaching career. He
she eventually realized it was her daughter, Tilly, whom
recounts the impact of teachers who
she had aborted nine years earlier.
Teacher
befriended and loved him as a youth
and his personal doubts and insecu-
"A Man Called Norman" (1984) Mike Adkins tells the
of the
rity about each grade. From a teacher's
story of how God prompted him to befriend his neigh-
Year
perspective, he talks about the school
bor, Norman, an unkempt, solitary hermit. The entire
mission field, types of children he
town shunned Norman because of his odd behavior.
teaches, the response of kids hungry
Mike talks of the experiences
to be loved and supported, and his
of fixing Norman's lawn
Mike
realization that academics were secondary to learning
mower, taking Norman on a
Adkins
about kids' needs and struggles.
family vacation, cleaning and
repairing Norman's house and
"Love Must Be Tough" (1981) Based on Dr. Dobson's
finally leading him to Christ.
book Love Must Be Tough, this program examines the
most devastating conflicts between husbands and wives
"Love for a Lifetime" (1987 )
and offers practical advice for the partner who wants to
Dr. Dobson talks about diffi-
hold a troubled marriage together.
culties with dating, the impor-
tance of premarital counseling
and ways to overcome barriers
of relating as a couple during
A Man Called
the early years of marriage.
NORMAN
1996-
Gunman threatens Focus employees in lobby of administration building; later surrenders to police
Focus on the Family Institute opens
Pastor's Family magazine premieres (changed to Focus on the Family magazine edition 1999)
Start of Fokus Pada Keluarga (Indonesia), Focus on the Family Philippines
and Focus on the Family Korea
Dr. Dobson appointed to the U.S. Commission on Gambling
18 FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
"Parenting Isn't for Cowards" (1988) In order to restore
"What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About
parental confidence, Dr. Dobson reminds parents that chil-
Women" (1985) Dr. Dobson discusses the results of a sur-
dren are incredibly complex and no two are alike, reaf-
vey of more than 10,000 women who were asked to
firming that raising children can be a joyful experience.
rank a list of 10 sources of depression in their lives. He
addresses these issues and explains from where men and
Gary Smalley
"The Incredible
women derive their self-worth and how it differentiates
Worth of a Woman"
the sexes.
(1986) Gary Smalley
expounds on the
"With Love To Hurting Teens" (1989) Teacher Guy
importance of honor in
Doud comments on how different the world is for kids
relationships. He dis-
today, especially in facing problems with drugs, sexual
cusses the physiologi-
abuse, alcohol, eating disorders and suicide. He says the
cal differences between
church must make a priority of ministering to the young
masculine and femi-
generation.
nine behavior. He chal-
lenges men to honor their wives by appreciating their
"The Mystique of a
Jean Lush
uniqueness.
Woman" (1986) Jean Lush
believes the feminine per-
"The Greatest of These Is Love" (1985) Corrie ten
sona is lacking in many
Boom saved Jews during the Nazi occupation by hiding
Christian women. She
them in the family apartment in Holland and conse-
elaborates on the need
quently spent time in a concentration camp. Corrie
for discipline of life and
speaks of her struggles with hatred and forgiveness
tongue, the ability to
and her decision to become a peacemaker.
compete in the corporate
world without losing mys-
"I Will Never Leave Thee" (1987) Darlene Rose relates
tique, self-confidence and the need for single women to
her moving testimony of being captured by the Japanese
relax in dating relationships.
while a missionary and being sent to a prison camp in
New Guinea. She graphically describes the horrors of
"When God Doesn't Make Sense" (1977) Most people
prison life and God's gentle reminders of His faithfulness
at sometime in their lives encounter difficulties that chal-
and sustaining love.
lenge their faith in God. Weaving together personal expe-
riences and the wisdom of Scripture, Dr. Dobson offers
"Shaping the Will Without Breaking the Spirit" (1978)
insight into the trials of life and how to cope with them.
Dr. Dobson clarifies for parents the difference between
childish irresponsibility and willful disobedience. He
"Getting Married: It's More Than Saying I Do" (1992)
emphasizes the importance of respect between a parent
Dr. Dobson talks with Neil Clark Warren about his book,
and child and, during the adolescent years, the need for
Finding the Love of Your Life. They discuss 10 principles
parents to release their children and the dangers if they
of mate selection and seven deadly mate selection errors.
don't.
"Living Joyously" (1999) Being born with cerebral
"I, Isaac, Take You, Rebekah" (1991) Ravi Zacharias
palsy and the death of his parents set the Rev. David
discusses love and commitment, sexual temptation on
Ring on a hard life. But God took away David's sorrow
Christian college campuses and dating boundaries.
and loneliness and replaced them with unspeakable joy,
peace and contentment. David accomplished many
"Love Healed My Wounds" (1988) During the Vietnam
things with God's strength that people told him he'd
War, a white phosphorous grenade exploded in Dave
never be able to do, such as finishing college, becoming
Roever's hand, leaving him severely disfigured. He later
an evangelist and having a family. =
tried to commit suicide, assuming that no one could love
him. Sharing this story, Dave encourages young people
not to throw their lives away.
on the
1997
Life on the Edge tour events start
Renewing the Heart ministry begins
renewing
EGGS
First Internet site launches
the heart
S
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002 19
"No Substitute for Daddy's Love" (1990) Pastor David
"Positive Parenting" (1986) Author Zig Ziglar discusses
Jeremiah talks about the importance of father-daughter
his book Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World, citing
relationships. He cites the
the Bible as the ultimate positive statement.
influence some fathers have
had on their famous daugh-
"Healing Childhood Traumas" (1986) An orphan
ters and shares the trials he
turned onto the streets for survival by her mother,
has faced in his relationship
Stephanie Fast describes the horrors of scavenging for
with his oldest daughter, Jan.
food, verbal and physical abuse, repeated attempts to kill
her and her rescue during a cholera epidemic by a World
"Wounded Hearts" (1999)
Vision worker who nourished her back to health and
Author Frank Peretti tells of
placed her in their orphanage. Missionaries adopted her
the emotional pain and infe-
when she was 9, and her healing process began.
rior feelings he endured dur-
Stephanie encourages us not to rush God during the
ing his youth because of
healing process because He has a timing and a purpose
facial deformities. He ties
for every situation.
emotional scars that children
have to their wounded spirits.
"Seven Years Old (Going On 25)" (1999) Kyle West, a
Frank Peretti
remarkable 7-year-old with cerebral palsy, tells a story of
"For Such a Time As This"
how God helped
(1998) Laurence White recounts his trip to Germany with
Kyle West
him through
his two sons, comparing the change in German society-
surgery. Kyle dis-
from Christian to one that would tolerate the Holocaust-
cussed his bap-
with the social change in the United States. He calls on
tism, the "tickle"
Christians to awaken to this danger and commit to mak-
machine his ther-
ing a difference in our nation, beginning by voting on
apist prescribed
election day.
to make his legs
stronger, how he
"How to Know You're In Love" (1990) Using humor
accepted Christ
relevant to teens, Dawson McAllister instructs them on
at a family din-
the difference between love and infatuation.
ner right after his grandma finished giving the blessing
and his favorite character in "Adventures in Odyssey,"
John Avery Whittaker.
If you would like to request any of these top 25 broadcasts,
"I Will Never Leave Thee" CS355/CD044 (1)
write the item code listed below on the envelope or see the
"I, Isaac, Take You, Rebekah" CS619/CD045 (1)
center of the magazine for sets. (Suggested donations $7/$8
"Love Healed My Wounds" CS377/CD046 (1)
one cassette/CD, $14/$16 two cassettes/CDs, $21/$27 three
"What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew
cassettes/CDs. In Canada $9/$10, $18/$20, $27/$30.)
About Women" CS198/CD047 (1)
"Teacher of the Year," CS416/CD036 (1)
"With Love To Hurting Teens" CS449/CD048 (1)
"Love Must Be Tough" CS014/CD037 (2)
"When God Doesn't Make Sense" CS807/CD049 (2)
"Tilly" CS335/CD038 (1)
"Getting Married: It's More Than Saying I Do" CS741/CD050 (1)
"A Man Called Norman" CS115/CD039 (1)
"Living Joyously" CT224/CD051 (1)
"Love for a Lifetime" CS343/CD040 (1)
"No Substitute for Daddy's Love" CS553/CD052 (1)
"Parenting Isn't for Cowards" CS368/CD041 (3)
"Wounded Hearts" CT216/CD053 (1)
"The Incredible Worth of a Woman"/
"For Such a Time As This" BR292/CD009 (1)
"The Mystique of a Woman" CS301/CD042 (1)
"How to Know You're In Love" CS539/CD054 (1)
"The Greatest of These Is Love" CS179/CD043 (1)
"Positive Parenting" CS232/CD055 (1)
"Shaping the Will Without Breaking the Spirit"
"Healing Childhood Traumas" CS298/CD056 (1)
CS229/CD012 (1)
"Seven Years Old (Going On 25)" CT225/CD057 (1)
1998-
"Life on the Edge-Live!" weekly call-in broadcast
TM
Love Won Out conference launches
BOUNDLESS™
Start of Enfoque a la Familia (Costa Rica), Focus on the Family
WEBZINE
Nigeria, Focus on the Family Netherlands, Focus on the Family
New Zealand and Focus on the Family Malaysia
20 FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
Boundless webzine for collegians
Help, please?
K
aren turns down the paper goods
The Path
aisle; her toddler, Eric, sits in the
cart. He can't possibly want anything in
this aisle, she thinks. Then she sees the
party section. So does Eric. Karen says
no just as she has in the previous four
Before Us
aisles. Eric stands up, reaching for a
package of balloons as they pass by.
Karen firmly tells him to sit down. Then
the tantrum begins. Exasperated, Karen
forgoes her last few items and makes
her way to the checkout.
As the times change, so must Focus on the
Any mother of young children
understands Karen's situation. And most
Family's approaches and methods for reaching
parents would love it if someone could
families. So we're branching out in five areas:
offer a magical solution to stop tantrums
international families, Internet, ethnic American
forever.
When surveyed, young parents
families, young families and health issues-all
express concern about the mounting
highlighted on the next two pages.
pressures of raising children. Parents
work more compared to 20 years ago,
kids mature faster, youths seem less
respectful and exposure to adult-oriented
entertainment is "normal." These exter-
nal pressures-added to the typical par-
enting challenges-would make any
adult wonder if he could make it
through parenting sane.
One of Focus on the Family's goals
is to help young families enjoy the for-
mative childhood years while giving the
advice, resources and encouragement
parents need. In order to maintain rele-
vance with today's culture, Focus is
returning to the early successes of the
books, films and broadcasts that helped
millions of families in the '80s and 90s.
Taking timeless principles and coordi-
nating them with the pressures of a new
century, Focus is exploring new ways to
connect with today's young families.
-Leon Lowman, director of Young
Family Outreach
Been around the world
"O
ur ministry to families in East
Africa is the equivalent of being
in the intensive care unit of a hospital!"
says Kirabo Lukwago, one of Focus'
newest international directors. His small
office is taking Focus on the Family to a
GETTY IMAGES
region desperate for biblical answers to
the problems facing East African families.
continued =
1999
Completion of International Center building
LifeWise magazine premieres along with Focus Over Fifty ministry
Heritage Builders becomes part of Focus
Start of Focus on the Family Singapore
Radio Theatre weekly broadcast begins
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002 21
"There was a time when we were not sure
of our constituents identify themselves as
African-American, Hispanic-American,
whether our message would be relevant to other
Asian-American, etc. Our first step toward
cultures. But we quickly realized that the message
connecting more intentionally and effec-
tively with African-American communities
of family crosses all cultural barriers."
is by researching their needs, resources
and channels under the guidance of a
leading African-American consultant.
"There was a time in the early years
Click for assistance
With hundreds of valuable resources, we
of Focus when we were not sure
Tn the early '90s, the Internet was
can be a tremendous blessing to these
whether our message would be relevant
Lchanging the way families shopped,
communities, just as our ministry has
to other cultures," says Jim Daly, vice
got their news and spent their leisure
reached people in other nations.
president of Focus' International depart-
time. It didn't take long to realize that
-H.B. London Jr., vice president of
ment. "But we quickly realized that the
the World Wide Web was growing at a
Ministry Outreach
message of family crosses all cultural
phenomenal rate-and Focus on the
barriers."
Family's online presence needed to
A visit with the doctor
The first international office opened
grow with it. In 1997, Focus launched its
in Canada in 1983. About the same time,
flagship Web site, Family.org. The
Temoxional and physical spiritual, mental,
components
the radio broadcast began airing on
Internet "department" consisted of two
-and today's families are understand-
select stations around the world. A
people!
ably concerned about all of them.
Spanish language version of the broad-
Since then the department has
Effective ministry to pressured, 21st-
cast began in 1988. The fall of the Berlin
expanded radically-the number of full-
century families includes addressing
Wall in 1989 spawned an openness in
time employees has grown to 16, along
health-related issues from a solid biblical
Eastern Europe for materials such as
with Web editors in numerous depart-
perspective.
those Focus produced. In response to
ments around the ministry. Since
"Medical studies indicate that some-
these requests, Focus launched an inter-
Family.org's humble beginnings, addi-
where between 60 percent and 80 per-
national division in 1991.
tions have included Dr. Dobson's daily
cent of what primary care physicians see
Today the radio broadcast airs on
broadcast online, a resource center, an
in their offices isn't really physical in
3,200 stations in 104 countries, including
online prayer center and 13 more Web
origin, although patients may exhibit
translations into 16 languages. The print
sites, which receive millions of visitors
physical symptoms. Quite often these
and video resources have been distrib-
every month.
problems originate in relational, emo-
uted in 28 languages. Associate offices
The Internet is still a wild frontier:
tional or spiritual issues," says Dr. Walter
now number 20, located across Africa,
Online casinos and pornographers
Larimore, vice president of Medical
Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle
operate nearly without restraint. In the
Outreach for Focus.
East and the Pacific.
midst of that darkness, we consider it a
Dr. Larimore, an award-winning fam-
Another door that has swung open
privilege to offer a beacon of hope to
ily physician and medical journalist, is
is in abstinence education. It first started
families.
playing a central role in a new wave of
with the Spanish version of Sex, Lies and
-Greg Hartman, senior online editor
communications addressing such issues.
the Truth, which 11 Latin American gov-
Already a mainstream radio call-in show
ernments endorsed as part of their offi-
Crossing the divide
with Dr. Larimore has been produced,
cial sex education curriculum. The
religion and
which focuses on medically oriented top-
release of No Apologies some years later
components
ics. Focus is also assembling a unique,
coincided with the global AIDS crisis,
in transmitting ethnic and biblical val-
relevant and professional portfolio of TV
and 38 more countries wanted this
ues. More than 90 percent state that a
programs, including the current "Focus
resource.
close personal relationship with God is
on the Family Commentary" with Dr.
"The kinds of ministry opportunities
a top desire. Approximately 60 percent
Dobson and a timely, fast-paced medical
we've experienced can't be planned in a
view pastors as the most important com-
feature hosted by Dr. Larimore for use in
boardroom," Daly says. "It has little to do
munity leaders and the church as the
news broadcasts.
with our plans or abilities but everything
centerpost of their lives.
People today are seeking compre-
to do with God's intervention in opening
Focus on the Family's Pastoral
hensive, unfiltered truth on a wide vari-
doors we never thought possible." It
Ministries serves thousands of pastors
ety of topics. Turning our efforts to
doesn't take long to realize that the
through a wide variety of communica-
address families' health will help meet
future holds even greater promise.
tions. Our burden is to better reach and
that need.
-Bruce Peppin, director of the
partner with pastors who serve the ethnic
-Jan Shober, executive director of
International Resource Group
community. Currently, less than 8 percent
Briargate Media
Enfoque a la Familia
2000T
Focus on the Family
(Mexico) and Focus on
East Africa opens
2001
the Family Egypt open
National Bike Ride for the
Brio & Beyond magazine
Family begins (will end with
launches for older teen girls
Colorado ride in July 2002)
Launch of Young
Family Outreach
22 FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002
home page
MARCH
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Laughter in
1
2
the Walls
On the Radio
In his quiet, witty
style, the late Bob
Benson draws spiri-
tual wisdom from
ordinary family events.
3
A Call to
4
5
6
Teaching
7
8
9
Social Action
Children to Read
Tom Minnery shares
To Be Announced
To Be Announced
Phyllis Schlafly, presi-
To Be Announced
a biblical vision for
dent of Eagle Forum,
believers to live their
talks about a unique
faith in order to
system designed to
shape the culture.
teach children to
read and write well.
10
11
12
Dr. Maier
13
14
15
16
Answers
Expectations: Do They Satisfy?
Your Calls
Teacher of the Year
After achieving a goal, do you find you're not
Dr. Bill Maier,
In one of our most popular broadcasts, Guy
satisfied? Join speaker Judy Hampton for a
clinical psychologist,
Doud, former National Teacher of the Year,
look at how to break the cycle of unrealistic
answers questions
recalls his difficult school years and how a
expectations.
from listeners on
handful of caring teachers made an incredible
family-related topics.
difference in his life.
17
18
19
20
21
Being Light
22
23
in the Darkness
How Moving Impacts Women
To Be Announced
Chuck Colson
A move can be a traumatic transition for a woman. If you are or
discusses the
will be moving soon, listen in as Susan Miller, author of After the Boxes
transforming power
are Unpacked, offers encouragement and practical advice to women
of the gospel and
about the emotional upheaval of relocating.
the purpose of the
church.
24
25
26
27
28
Finding Jesus
29
30
in the Old
To Be Announced
To Be Announced
To Be Announced
To Be Announced
Testament
Stan Kellner, a
Messianic Jew, reveals
several Old Testament
prophecies fulfilled
in Jesus.
31
Schedule subject
Hear It On Tape!
Flashback Fridays: In honor of our 25th
to change.
You can request audiocassette copies.
anniversary, on Fridays throughout the year
The suggested donation is $7 each ($8 in
we will take a trip down memory lane with
Canada). Please use the envelope at the
memorable broadcast programs from the
center of the magazine, Tapes of programs
past quarter century.
will not be available until the air date.
On the Web
www.family.org
Need to know where to find Focus on the Family radio
If you want to give your teens something productive to do
broadcasts? Go to www.family.org/station to find stations
on the Internet, send them to www.family.org/lotelive, the
in your area that carry the broadcasts. You can also find air
online version of the teen call-in radio show "Life on the
times, get up-to-date broadcast information, request resources and
Edge-Live!" Teens can voice their opinions, check out other cool
ar the daily broadcast online. In Canada, www.fotf.ca.
sites, read helpful articles and get a program schedule.
The new Clubhouse Web site design has been a hit with
Want to make the Internet safe for your family without
8- to 12-year-old Web surfers. And younger siblings (4 to 8)
software? Consult www.family.org/familyisps to find an
can get in on the action by visiting the Clubhouse Jr. sub-
Internet service that filters out pornography, bomb-making
site. Soon readers of www.clubhousemagazine.org will be able to
tips and other questionable content.
register online for games, message boards, downloadable booklets
and other exclusive club news.
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY / MARCH 2002 23
front porch
Over the years Focus on the Family has
and his friend died on their trip.
reached many people with God's love and
A few summers later my husband and I purchased
bope-sometimes through a conference,
bicycles. Now I plan to ride in the lowa state Bike Ride for
the Family in April-first, because I want to be part of
sometimes through a listening ear.
something Mark enjoyed, and Mark's life and death gives
me the opportunity to share Christ with others. Second, I
Just at the right time
would be honored to raise money for Focus on the Family.
In April 1999 I was sitting on the couch weeping.
I want to be a part of benefiting our nation's families.
Our 17-year-old daughter had told us she was pregnant.
-Shirley Nelson
I noticed the latest issue of Focus on the Family maga-
Blairsburg, lowa
zine, paged through it and found an 800 number. I
called and poured out my heart to this compassionate
PK connection
stranger. What I remember most was that I should list
We were so blessed by the Clergy Family Conference
the positive things about Hilary and our family. I wrote
[June 2001]. Our almost 18-year-old, Jana, connected with
down two things: She wasn't hurt, and she was alive.
another PK (pastor's kid) about her age, Heather, and
Then we talked about adoption. I thought, Yes, this
they spent hours talking and praying about their futures,
would be the best gift Hilary could ever give, to make
dating, purity, being PKs, etc. In fact, God worked in an
a Christian couple parents with her child at Christmas.
amazing way as a result of their friendship. We got
We called an organization suggested by your staff.
acquainted with Heather's parents and learned that Dave
My husband, daughter and I talked to a counselor there.
and Ann had been facing tough struggles at their church
My husband and I knew all along we wanted adoption.
in California. They had no other clergy couples nearby to
But we prayed that God's will would be done.
talk and fellowship with. They felt very alone.
Our daughter decided to keep her baby, and Parker
The next day we met Curt and Jeannie from a church
was born on Christmas Eve. God is good. His ways are
in the same city in which Dave and Ann pastor. We asked
higher than my ways.
if they knew each other. They didn't even realize anyone
I especially want to thank Trudy who took my call.
was in attendance from their area. My husband got very
She sent us a packet of information and a handwritten
excited about introducing these couples. Dave and Ann
note saying she would be praying for our family. I still
live about two blocks from the church where Curt and
have that note. God answered her prayers.
Jeannie serve. They spent a long time planning to sup-
-Debra Brinkman
port each other when they went home.
Arlington, Minn.
-Jodi Detrick
Chehalis, Wash.
Creating a legacy
Almost seven years ago my 20-year-old son and his
If you would like to be a part of the ministry of
best friend loaded up their mountain bikes for a vacation
Focus on the Family, join our Friend of the Family pro-
they had always dreamed of. Mark had loved bicycling
gram. Visit www.family.org/eft or call (800) A-FAMILY
since his first little green bike at age 4. Tragically, Mark
(232-6459) for more information.
Family®
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Focus on
P.O. Box 35500
the Family
Colo. Springs, CO 80935-3550
(800) A-FAMILY (U.S. only)
GOD'S WORD COMES TO LIFE IN
ASTOUNDING WAYS AS YOU TRAVEL
MG02CA
THROUGH HISTORIC SITES IN ISRAEL
IN THE "FAITH LESSONS VIDEO SETS.
PLEASE SEE ENVELOPE AND CENTER
OF MAGAZINE TO REQUEST.