Dear Families, 

As we begin 2019, many people will determine New Year's resolutions, goals, and plans in an effort to improve their finances, their work, or their personal lives. These resolutions often involve temporal happiness and satisfaction instead of spiritual growth and maturity.

To start out the new year, we especially desire to challenge fathers to fulfill God’s calling for them in leading their families. To encourage you in this endeavor, we have made available a particular Embassy message. As a pastor, small business owner, and the father of nineteen children, Gil Bates testifies that there are numerous things clamoring for his time. Realizing that none of us are perfect, how can you start the year out well? We think this message by Gil Bates, “How to Be the Father You Always Wanted to Be," can offer helpful insights into fulfilling God’s call for dads!

Gil Bates, along with Peter Magnuson and others, are speakers at our Mens' Conference February 7-9, 2019, taking place at the Oak Brook Ministry Center. Meals on campus are included in the registration fee. Group housing on campus is also available at no additional charge to the first thirty men who register for the conference and request group housing. Those not staying in the group housing will need to make their own housing arrangements off campus.