Dear Families,

In Deuteronomy 6, God instructs parents to demonstrate His love to their children and teach His Word diligently. Parents are commanded to “teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deuteronomy 6:7). Studies have shown that fathers play a critical role in passing faith in God on to their children. Sadly, in this day and age, many fathers have neglected this responsibility or simply dropped the torch altogether. It is time for men to take the lead and pass the torch of faith to the next generation!

Men’s Conference:
Fathers, sons, and men of all ages are invited to the 2018 Men’s Conference, January 18-20. Join Gil Bates, Peter Magnuson, and others in Big Sandy, Texas, for an encouraging time around the Word of God. Peter will be sharing some of the lessons he learned from his father, the late Roger Magnuson. He will also explain the difference between faith-based, fear-based, and flesh-based parenting. The insights Gil has gained as a pastor and father of nineteen will help you pass the torch to the next generation. Other speakers will be sharing from their experience as sons and fathers.

The conference will begin with dinner on Thursday and conclude on Saturday evening. Lodging is available on campus, as is transportation to and from the Dallas, Tyler, and Longview airports. For more information or to register today, visit www.familyconferences.org.


Family Week:
In conjunction with the Men’s Conference, a Family Week will be taking place January 15-20, 2018. Family Week is a unique opportunity for the whole family to come and serve alongside other families and the IBLP and ALERT staff in Big Sandy. Everyone is encouraged to join us for morning staff meetings, noon prayer times, and mealtimes, as well as sessions planned for the various family members. For the entire week, or just part of it, families are welcome to experience the “other side” of the ministry while being a blessing to both staff and those whom we serve.

Our theme for this Family Week is Developing Ministry Skills. Many families desire to be involved in ministering to those around them but do not know how to get started. This Family Week is designed to address those needs. The Neds family and Shelley Hendry will be sharing sessions and ideas to help equip you and your family to begin ministering in the place God has you. For more information, visit our website.

We look forward to many men coming to the conference for encouragement in their roles as husbands and fathers. For those families who can join us for Family Week, we look forward to ministering together during that week and beyond.


In Christ,

David Waller
Administrative Director, ATI