X-Symantec-TimeoutProtection: 0 Return-Path: X-Original-To: info@ausheart.com.au Delivered-To: info@ausheart.com.au Received: from localhost (marlin.fishinternet.com.au [127.0.0.1]) by marlin.fishinternet.com.au (Postfix) with ESMTP id AD4113FA06 for ; Sun, 18 Dec 2005 08:17:02 +1100 (EST) Received: from marlin.fishinternet.com.au ([127.0.0.1]) by localhost (marlin.fishinternet.com.au [127.0.0.1]) (amavisd-new, port 10024) with ESMTP id 32127-01 for ; Sun, 18 Dec 2005 08:16:46 +1100 (EST) Received-SPF: none (marlin.fishinternet.com.au: 202.168.104.11 is neither permitted nor denied by domain of fathersonline.org) client-ip=202.168.104.11; envelope-from=info@fathersonline.org; helo=polyglot.com.au; Received: from polyglot.com.au (udsl-5-011.NSW.dft.com.au [202.168.104.11]) by marlin.fishinternet.com.au (Postfix) with ESMTP id 047EDDEB13 for ; Sun, 18 Dec 2005 08:16:19 +1100 (EST) Received: from server ([192.168.100.14]) by polyglot.com.au with Microsoft SMTPSVC(6.0.3790.211); Sun, 18 Dec 2005 08:20:38 +1100 Thread-Topic: Fathers-Advancing World Peace Reply-To: Message-ID: <2b8301c6034f$b9c960c0$0101a8c0@polyglot.local> thread-index: AcYDT7nGrtw8K+RBT/ujQhg3mcnJ3w== From: To: Subject: Fathers-Advancing World Peace Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2005 08:20:38 +1100 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_2B84_01C603AB.ED39D8C0" X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Exchange 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.3790.326 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 17 Dec 2005 21:20:38.0107 (UTC) FILETIME=[B9CBAAB0:01C6034F] X-Virus-Scanned: amavisd-new at fishinternet.com.au This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_2B84_01C603AB.ED39D8C0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Unable to read this email? Please click here Issue 171 - 5th November 2005 Go to our website Here * Welcome * Grandads * Laughter * Single Dads * Special Feature * Thought of the Week * Christmas Greeting * News & Info * Dad's Prayer * About Us Welcome The recent so-called race riots, sparked by men of Middle Eastern appearance, in Cronulla, Australia have shocked us all. The sight of ugly mob violence being perpetrated by men holding the Australian flag is not something we are used to seeing. Australians are known around the world as easy-going egalitarians who have embraced wave after wave of legal immigrants to our lucky country without much fuss. So what is really the problem? Media commentators have been quick to apply the race tag, but the problem is much more complex. Andrew Bolts analysis of the many parts of the problem is reprinted in full as a service to our readers as a Special Feature. His article is called, Its Time to Think, Herald Sun, Victoria, 14th December 2005 and is by far the most comprehensive of all that I have read to date. Such anarchy is fuelled by a breakdown in law and order, which correlates closely with the breakdown in families which in turn is closely related to the curse of fatherlessness. Sometimes such fatherlessness is actually caused by a father who is present in body but absent in heart and soul. We are only one generation away from anarchy and the above story proves the point. Hitler had a father who treated him harshly. Saddam Hussein was originally fatherless and then beaten by his step father and taught to steal by him at an early age. The people of Iraq are still paying the price, as is Australias Wheat Board. Andrew Bolt points out that while Koby Abberton, a well known Maroubra local, was not directly involved in the riot, he does perhaps symbolise the local beach gang culture. On ABCs Australian Story, Abberton explained how he came to join his gang. He grew up, he said, in a garage. My mum was a heroin addict back then and we grew up pretty tough. We all have different dads, all the brothers, me, Sunny, Jai and Dakota. None of us have ever known our dads. But there just wasnt much love . . . When I was about 14 I got kicked out of my house . . . Andrew Bolt poses the very good thought, No wonder he sought the comfort of a tribe (gang), as so many young men would if they had no job, no father, no real family, no discipline, or no sense of belonging. It is a well known fact that much of the gang related violence in the United States is perpetrated by fatherless young men who join a gang to establish an identity they never had. Bolt points out, how much harder we must work to make parents responsible, families strong and children safe. This is what the Fatherhood Foundation is all about. Our goal is to increase the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, loving and committed fathers. Excellence in fathering is not merely an unattainable goal, but a fundamental need to prevent our nation slipping into unquenchable anarchy. The real solution is a return to our spiritual roots that provide the basis for our tolerant democracy. The Australian values of a fair go, forgiveness, love and trust, actually come from our forefathers trust in a man of Middle Eastern appearance, who came to us as an unprotected baby over 2,000 years ago. It is ironic that we are celebrating his birthday in the middle of such troubles. This same man grew up with others of Middle Eastern appearance, speaking the same language spoken by our Lebanese brothers today, Aramaic. Thirty-three years after his birth he cried out on a cross, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Later this man of Middle Eastern appearance cried out in Aramaic, It is finished as he breathed his last. That moment split time in two, BC/AD and introduced a new law into the universe called unconditional love, the answer our love starved society so desperately needs. Lovework Share Koby Abbertons story with your children. Give them his description of growing up with no dad and not much love. * Make sure your children know that you are a dad that will be around for the long haul and that you love them. * Then tell them about the reason for the celebration of Christmass. * Tell them about a man of Middle Eastern appearance who walked the dusty roads of Palestine. * Tell them how he went about doing good, healing the sick and raising the dead. * Tell them how this same man became the source of world peace because, when he was betrayed into the hands of a violent mob, he told his friends to put down their swords because, he who lives by the sword will die by the sword. Violence perpetuates violence, but forgiveness is the power of perfect love and perfect love is still the greatest force in the universe. Your children need to hear it from you because as Mother Teresa said: World Peace begins in the home. Yours for World Peace Warwick Marsh PS We apologise to our readers who received their newsletters late last week. This is the first time in three years that this has happened. Our software service provider, Bosweb, had a major glitch caused by their service providers, which caused the delays. We have been assured that it will never happen again and we pass that assurance on to you, along with our Christmas and New Year greetings. Fathersonline Christmas Special will be in you intray next Sunday morning Christmas Day. Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year from the Fatherhood Foundation. ________________________________________________________ Warwick Marsh has been married to Alison for 30 years. He is the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 24 years to 13 years. Warwick is a musician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at himself. back to top Grandads Keep company with good men and good men you will imitate Unknown back to top Laughter . christmas jokes,christmas humor,xmas laughs,joke page, What Christmas Carol is the parents favorite Silent Night What kind of candle burns longer, a red candle or a green candle? Neither, candles always burn shorter What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic What do you get if you eat Chrsitmas decorations? Tinsilitus It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry mood as he asked the prisoner,"What are you charged with?" "Doing my Christmas shopping early", replied the defendant. "That's no offence", said the judge. " It is if you do it before the shop opened", countered the prisoner. back to top Single Dads 50th birthday gift book With Thanks by Tony Miller A lot has happened over the past year. I am about to celebrate 50 years on this planet. We had a party last Saturday and it was awesome to be surrounded by my friends and family, my five beautiful children and my new grandson. Life does seem to turn around. There were many times I thought I would never make it to 50, let alone have all my children gathered around me. But there you go, it does happen! And I have gotta tell ya, having my children around me was the absolute biggest thing that has happened all year. My 20 year old son Beau made a beautiful speech in which he stated how proud he was to be my son and how much he loved me and my 10 year old son Cassidy, who forgot his speech he had written out and said "No worries dad, I'll wing it", told everyone in the room how he felt. I doubt there was a dry eye in the house. I know mine were filled with water. My beautiful children Justin, Shannon and Daniel and Rhy's my grandson surrounded me with their love. David my good friend also spoke some kind words and my friend Colin put on a magic show for all of us in his coming out from a long illness. As I looked around the room I was extremely proud to be associated with all these people who came together for me. I was an adopted child and my brother and sister also spoke of past times and how proud they were of me. My two sisters who were adopted to another family also attended and I was extremely touched to have them celebrating with me. I guess what I am trying to say is: It doesn't matter where you are at in the moment. Darkness may surround you at present. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, I couldn't see that light for a long time, but it's there, believe me, I've just proven it. . . And you know, I never thought I could. . . Thank you for all the cards, emails and gifts but most of all thank you for being a part of my life and allowing me to share part of yours. Tony M The Path I've chosen has it's share of obstacles. . . a broken dream, a wounded heart, a tired spirit. And yet I've been promised that if I walk the path with faith, my dreams can be restored, my heart will be whole again, and my spirit will be renewed. Susan E. Fair My ten year old son Cassidy's speech he left at home. Ladies and Gentleman, As you know my Dad's 50th. Well I've prepared a speech. My dad has had 5 children and he has managed to make it to 50. Some might call that good or maybe unusual, but I call it lucky. So I wrote this poem. Roses are red Violets are blue I love my Dad And you should too! He might not be the best, but deep inside his chest he has a good heart to fit everyone in there. I like to spend weekends with my Dad and I have prepared a slide show, but unfortunately I can't show it tonight. I'll show it to him later. My favourite things I like to do with him are: Playing remote control cars Walking on the beach Playing board games Talking with the neighbours But just remember this - my Dad is very special!!! Dads in Distress Inc would like to thank you for your support and your kindness over the past year and we want you to know that you have made a difference to our lives and that of our children's lives. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year, maybe one that rejoices in fatherhood more then it has in the past. We are so often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, Especially the goodness of the people we meet along the way. We are pleased we were fortunate enough to meet you. . . Thank you for being there when we needed you. . . Please take time over this holiday period to remember those who for whatever reason cannot be with their children. . . If you are fortunate enough to have your children around you, give them a special cuddle from dads who haven't. Yours Sincerely Tony Miller dids dids@nor.com.au www.dadsindistress.asn.au back to top Special Feature Cronulla / Adam Ward It's time to think By Andrew Bolt Herald Sun 14 Dec 2005 http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17559138%255E2 5717,00.html These talks between big-wave surfing champion Koby Abberton and Lebanese "leader" Keysar Trad to end Sydney's latest tribal riots will fail, of course. But still they may help -- by showing just some of the hundred troubles that created this disaster and the hundred hard steps we must take to avoid even worse. Yes, it's that complicated. Things this bad usually are. So ignore the one-issue parrots who screech "We're all racists", or "End Muslim immigration now". The fools. Abberton is admired as a leader of the surfing tribe at Maroubra known as the Bra Boys, who last week told Middle Eastern gangs to "stay away" from the beach. There is no suggestion he endorsed the appalling violence which followed on Sunday. In fact, he says it was "distressing" and denies reports Bra Boys were involved, but, as a local god, he does perhaps symbolise the local beach gang culture. On the ABC's Australian Story, Abberton explained how he came to join his gang. He grew up, he said, in a garage: "My mum was a heroin addict back then and we grew up pretty tough. We all have different dads, all the brothers, me, Sunny, Jai and Dakota. None of us have ever known our dads. But there just wasn't much love... "When I was about 14 I got kicked out of my house... " No wonder he sought the comfort of a tribe, as so many young men would if they had no job, no father, no real family, no discipline, or no sense of belonging. See how many jobless and broken-homed youths were in the Kelly Gang and Macquarie Fields Boys, which rioted at Sydney's welfare ghetto in Macquarie Fields last February. See how many Aborigines, ditto, pelted police with rocks, wood and molotov cocktails in the equally tribal riots last year in drug-riddled Redfern, also in Sydney. Or burned down a police station on jobless, booze-soaked Palm Island. See also the rise of ethnic gangs, such as the lethal Telopea Street Boys, drawn largely from Sydney's Lebanese -- so many without jobs or a sense of home. The we-own-the-beach Bra Boys are not half as dangerous, but are notorious for a riot in 2002 in which they attacked off-duty police at a party and hurt 30. After all, tribes owe their first loyalty to their own and not to us. Abberton is not a thug himself, but awaits sentencing for telling lies to protect his brother Jai, then charged with killing gangster Tony Hines at Maroubra with three shots to the head. Jai was found not guilty on the grounds of self-defence. Isnt Abberton's background only too familiar? That's just one thing that must change: how much harder must we work to make parents responsible, families strong and children safe, and to put young men in work and traffickers in jail? Abberton's peace talks this week started with Keysar Trad, whose own background worries me, too. Trad has been adopted as the voice of Sydney's Muslim Lebanese by a media too timid or incurious to ask whether he really represents them at all, or whether he even should. That careless irresponsibility is another thing that must change. Trad was once head of the Lebanese Muslim Association, but was dumped and now trades as head of a thing he's called the Islamic Friendship Association. But what friendship does he really offer? Apology / Craig Greenhill Trad was once a translator of the pro-Bin Laden Islamic Youth Movement, which ran appeals for violent jihad overseas and which has since been investigated for alleged terrorism-related offences. He himself publicly rejects terrorism, but sneeringly wrote, for instance, that "the criminal dregs of white society colonised this country, and now, they only take the select choice of other societies, and the descendants of these criminal dregs tell us that they are better than us". He was also the spokesman of the radical Mufti of Australia, Sheik Taj el-din El-Hilali, who preaches at Lakemba mosque, Australia's biggest and dominated by Muslim Lebanese. Hilali, you'll recall, has praised suicide bombers as heroes and called the September 11 terror attacks "God's work against oppressors" and "the work of 100 per cent American gangs". When Lebanese Muslims pack-raped non-Muslim girls, Hilali blamed "Australian society". But again and again Trad defended him. Spin, spin, spin. Trad is one of a generation of Muslim "leaders" who have, in effect, preached an us-against-them rhetoric that has only made tensions worse, which is one more thing to change. The academics and writers who feed such men their lines in anti-American and anti-Western hatred need challenging, too. What makes a Trad a problem is that well before Sunday's riot, Australia, like so many Western countries, was already struggling to integrate Middle Eastern immigrants and, more worryingly, their born-here children. For too long, thanks in part to a media often too scared to face ethnic truths, we fooled ourselves into thinking we were actually doing this integrating thing well. We looked at the Muslim riots in France and smirked. If only the French had learned from our multicultural magic. We saw British-born Muslims exploding themselves in trains and a bus and said ... well, too little. True, there were some reasons to think we could more easily embrace Muslims. Hadn't we taken in wave after wave of people from everywhere without one riot, until Sunday? But this time it's different. We are different and some of these immigrants are, too. We are different, in part, because we are less sure about ourselves and about what really unites us. Instead of being proud enough to expect immigrants to assimilate, we urge them to stay apart through multiculturalism. Indeed, we pay them to do so, giving three grants even to the jihadists of the Islamic Youth Movement. What's more, we preach that this is a country that deserves little respect. Hear what is taught in schools, universities, theatres, films, books, galleries and museums: ours is a racist country with a child-stealing and genocidal past, led by a fascist voted in by rednecks. All this, so much of it built on deceits, must change as well. Do I exaggerate this culture of contempt? Here, for instance, is part of a jeering email sent to me on Saturday by an employee of the rabidly anti-American and Leftist SBS: "Fact: migrants would rather die than assimilate to Australian culture. Why would anybody willingly assimilate to a culture that the entire world considers uncouth and un-cultured?" You can imagine how the children react to this vision of Australia. Many would give their loyalty instead to something stronger: some ethnic tribe, perhaps, or they might revolt against the insult and, feeling threatened, chant Aussie Aussie Aussie and strike out. But, as I said, the immigrants have changed, too. Middle Eastern immigrants have brought with them a religion that too often preaches rejection of the very society they've joined and too often glorifies violence. They also brought with them radical preachers, such as the Egyptian Hilali, the Lebanese Sheik Abdul Salam Zoud, the Jordanian Sheik Mohammed Omran and the Algerian Abdul Nacer Benbrika, the last now arrested, who spoke little English, but much hate. That, too, must change. Many Muslims from Lebanon, in particular, were allowed in, even though some lacked the skills, let alone the culture, to fit in easily. That policy at least has been changed. But enough? You can read the inevitable result in the statistics, with Muslim Lebanese at least twice as likely to be jailed, or jobless. No wonder the gangs had so many recruits. Or you can measure the trouble in anecdotes. As long ago as 1999 (before the September 11 attacks, or Iraq war, on which so much is blamed) Lebanese gangs were harassing and attacking locals at Bondi beach. It took four years of hard policing to tame them. In 2001 came the pack rapes, by mainly Lebanese men of girls still in their early teens and selected because they were "skips". And a few Muslims, many Lebanese, drifted into extremist movements linked to terrorism. One is now in jail in Lebanon on terrorism-related charges, another in custody in Iraq and yet others face charges here. As if that wasn't enough, Middle Eastern gangs become feared as drug traffickers and standover men. Sadly for us all, their rise to power came just as police found it harder to uphold the law and their authority, or felt less inclined to. Just think how police at the Redfern riots stood for hours under a barrage of missiles without making arrests. More to change. And so, two years ago, prominent whistleblower and retired detective Tim Priest warned that police had become too intimidated by these gangs and too exhausted by the poor-us complaints of ethnic "spokesmen" to uphold the law. "In hundreds upon hundreds of incidents, police have backed down to Middle Eastern thugs and taken no action and allowed incidents to go unpunished," he said. "Again, I stress the unbelievable influence that local politicians and religious leaders played in covering up the real state of play..." Here is more that needs changing. All this and more needs to be known to understand last Sunday's riot, which is too easily dismissed by the usual sloganeers as just a belch of white racism. We must understand also that Lebanese gangs or groups had invaded the beaches of Cronulla for some time, with many locals reporting punch-ups, foul abuse and sexual harassment of women. Two lifeguards were last week attacked by up to a dozen Muslim men, one punched unconscious, forcing a nippers' carnival to be cancelled. Despite many credible claims of gang strife at the beaches, claims backed by the local state MP, police reportedly arrested just one man all this year. When Premier Morris Iemma went to Maroubra last week to promise action to the TV cameras, locals heckled him, one calling: "The locals respect police. The gangs do not." Yet one more thing to change. So it all came together on a hot Sunday. A hot and thirsty Sunday and how many other beer-fuelled riots have we seen in these coarsened days, like the huge and boozy Australia Day brawl in Perth last year? Add the elements. A local surfing tribe. Beach invasions by another, more violent tribe. Weak policing. Handwringing politicians. A lookaway media. Feeble loyalties to authority. Beer. A particularly outrageous bashing. Fear. Don't forget that fear and how much the locals had to be scared of. The reprisal attacks since Sunday show how dangerous the Lebanese gangs truly are. A man has been stabbed, a woman hit in the face with a baseball bat, another woman attacked in a pizza shop, a dozen other people hurt, more than 100 cars trashed, shop windows smashed in, women terrorised, police pelted with bottles and stones, guns brandished and reportedly fired, and it isn't over. At all. So does Sunday's riot add up to a simple case of damn-us white racism, or to something far more complex and human? Oh, yes, the rioting was cowardly, vile and disgusting. Pack attacks are, which is why we must not merely condemn, but understand. To prevent. Best start now. There will be more riots before we spruce up this home of ours and only quiet thinking, not screaming, will help us. bolta@heraldsun.com.au back to top Thought of the Week Perfect love casts out all fear St John back to top Christmas Greeting Christmas Greetings from the Marshes and the fathersonline production team We wish all our readers a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year. We would like to leave this message with you about Jesus Christ our Saviour as a hope and encouragement for this season, and for eternity. Love Warwick & Alison Marsh and family and the fathersonline production team For a child has been born for us! The gift of a Son for us! Hell take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counsellor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness Isaiah 9:6 The Message back to top News & Info Warwick and Alison Marsh & family will be doing a Christmas special broadcast on 94.1 FM between 7am -11 am Christmas Day playing their favorite music, christmas carols and generally having fun on air. The station can be heard right along the south coast of NSW from Helensberg to Ulladulla ___________________________________ Catch the Fire Marriage & Family Seminar 17 - 18th February 2006 This nation rides or falls on families. How we respond to relationship issues is crucial. Whatever your status we all need God given instruction. This unique seminar will help you communicate within families, workplaces, the wider Body of Christ. For singles, couples and families. Speakers: Michael & Alison Goode - Families For Life Australia Warwick Marsh - Fatherhood Foundation Bill Muehlenberg - Family Council of Victoria Danny Nalliah - Catch the Fire Ministries To register your interest in attendance please phone: 9am - 5pm Catch The Fire Ministries Inc. PO Box 7427, Dandenong Vic 3175 Email: inquiries@catchthefire.com.au Phone (03) 9794 8211 Fax (03) 9794 9311 www.catchthefire.com.au ________________________________________________________ Letters Dear Fatherhood Foundation I would like to notify you of the upcoming Dads & Kids Camp to be held in Sydney , March 10 - 12, 2006. The camp will be held at the Collaroy Centre, Collaroy Beach, 35 minutes north of the heart of Sydney. As a small, non-profit organization, we rely heavily on individuals and organizations to refer families onto us. Any support that you could provide in this way would be most appreciative. We have gained some limited funding to assist with registration costs where there is genuine financial hardship. If you have any clients whom you would like to see attend our camp please either provide them with a copy of the flyer or refer them to our website, www.campconnect.org.au Alternatively please email us their details. Please note that registrations must close on Friday 10 February, 2006. Regards Brad Mander Australian Camp Connect Association P.O Box 7057 Upper Ferntree Gully Victoria. 3156. ph / fax [03] 9754 2587 mob 0413 587 120 email: info@campconnect.org.au website: www.campconnect.org.au _______________________________________________________ Dear Fatherhood Foundation Heard you on ABC local last week Shame that people still don't get it! Great idea about training kids about relationships in school Xmas I am on my own, want to help others, can you suggest where I can volunteer on Xmas day. Love to you & wife. . . & kids ED * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Fatherhood Foundation I really appreciate the work you are doing, it is well needed. I would like to tell you a short story that has just happened to one of our mothers. She had been in jail and is out on bail. The son came to visit and he would not eat unless it was a biscuit and only drink cordial not water. He would scream every time it was bath time had bad nightmares every night. His health in general was bad. We kept him in the program and got him well physically and mentally plus his behaviour was much better than it had been. Last week the courts gave him back to his father four days a week and his mother three. His father is a drug dealer was on drugs in court and treats the little fellow badly. The lies they told in court amazed me and what the judge said at one stage almost got me charged with contempt just for shaking my head. This has been a miscarriage of justice for the son let alone his mother. The father is doing this really to get the mother back with him and no other reason. I just thought you might like to know the other side even though you very likely hear it a lot. I do agree there are a lot of men that have in the past got it hard but sometimes they don?t deserve the children. Blessings John Bartlett Fresh Hope Association Inc * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Fatherhood Foundation When I was a child growing up in South Africa in the 60's & the 70's I was part of the very privileged elite, white community and was sadly, completely unaware of the very harsh racism imposed upon my fellow ?non-white? citizens, part of what I now consider was a very dysfunctional system and in truth I am very happy it has changed and is so relatively peacefully. Then suddenly four years ago, I found myself subject to a very similar second class role by way of my now ex-wife. One of the wonderful aspects I found very enjoyable when I arrived in Australia in the very late 70's was the apparent freedom and equality that I completely enjoyed through the 80's & the 90's. Very sadly I now consider my self informed, as I now am 'enjoying' the feeling of being a completely second rate person / father. First, at the hand of my ex-wife and then at the hands of the Family law Court and then the final "prize ".... the CSA who can and have taken the remaining ... thus make a father after 5 years of IVF as very sad prize. So, I now truly understand the feeling of the 20 million non-white South Africans that I grew up with, while I received all the things that I considered as a natural right, while they were very, oh so badly, treated as mere items of wealth makers for the ruling elite. I very strongly believe if such an injustice system of racism then found in South Africa can be eliminated then the current deal we as Disney Dads receive can, and must be, defeated. This change must be done in a very positive and orderly way. Regards Clive Purt * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Fatherhood Foundation We pray all is going well for you. We wish the team at the fatherhood foundation a blessed Christmas. Thought you might like the following from Nelson Mandela. Philip and Anne Harback We ask our selves, ?Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking back so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fears, our presence automatically liberates others. Nelson Mandela * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Fatherhood Foundation, I would like to add my own thoughts to the letter that Nigel wrote to you and that you had put in this last email newsletter. I believe that men and women are far from equal! In fact, I believe we are the exact opposite to each other. Why do I think that? Well, this is the part where I agree with Nigel. God made us Male and Female for one reason only. Not to have fun, or to introduce a creature to this world totally distracted by constantly sparking off the other sex. No, God made us as male and female, so we can reproduce and hence allow the growth of us, the human race. You see, if we were made equal, there would be something missed out on, and there would be no need for the two of us at all. God being, He Who Is, knew what He was doing when He made us male and female exactly opposite to each other. Because, when we are joined together, we become one complete, whole unit or human being. Each of us, male and female, are expert in the art of our own craft given to us by the Father himself. For the children to be properly cared for, God had to have all bases covered. So, He did it by splitting the job into two parts that were completely opposite to each other but as far as He was concerned, completely equal and complimentary to each other. We are not complete unless we are joined permanently to either a member of the opposite sex or we are joined to God. It is a marriage of either of the above species, that makes us a whole human being. Men have never, are never, and never will be, equal to women. And the exact same is the case with women being equal to men. It is improbable and will never happen, in the context of the argument that we foolish men and women have had raging for centuries. Our Heavenly Father in His infinite wisdom, has made us for completely different reasons. I'm not going to go into the anatomy and physiological aspects of the make-up of humans, but we all know what the differences are if we are honest with ourselves. HOWEVER!!!!!!!! In the eyes of God The Father, we, both male and female ARE EQUAL!!!!!!!!!! Therefore, when Our Lord Jesus said to us 2000 years ago, to love your neighbour as yourself, and of course His Command that basically covers all 10 set down by The Father, "Love one another as I have loved you!" These two statements when explained by Jesus: that our mothers; fathers; sisters; brothers and anyone/everyone else in the world; are our "neighbour", then we have to treat that person as a complete equal to us. Because Our Lord has instructed us to. He also told us how we are equal in sin and also in good things and in gaining grace from The Father. So, if all this is taken into account, then the arguments put forward by men for hundreds of years, that women are patently stupid and are only good for housework and child rearing, and also that of the feminists who have created such havoc and heart-ache all round the world for a long time now in trying to de-value the male role in society, are now totally defunct. They have no basis in reality. It boils down to the arrogance of pride and a power struggle that has been ignited by the father of lies himself. Satan! There is however, one area where we, both male and female, excel at being equal with each other, and that is sheer bloody- minded stupidity. On the other hand, look at all the Saints and those who are saints in the eyes of God, but have never been known of by the rest of us, they are all equally wonderful and thanks be to Almighty God that He put them here to help the rest of us fairly ordinary servants. Where would we be without this Wonderful, Loving, Papa's love, affection and guiding hand. We do not know how fortunate we are. So, as Nigel says, if once we have pulled out the super glue(which is God's grace) and applied it to each other, then joined ourselves together, there is no going back. The only way to break this bond, is to completely and very severely injure both of us, which if will take years to recover from, if we do recover at all. Some don't! Then there is the damage done to the innocents. This is where we are treading on very thin ice indeed! One of the worst things a person could possibly do in the eyes of God The Father, is to do some kind of harm to one of His precious children. He is a very jealous and protective Father, even Jesus told us that. So, better we never hurt or damage any of these precious little souls, for fear of very severe punishment indeed! In summary, once we are joined together as Husband and Wife, we as an individual are dead. This does not mean we lose who we are or what we know, it means we no longer think of us first. We should always think of the other and not of ourselves at all. Because if both husband and wife only thought of, and catered for the other's needs, neither would ever be found wanting, would they? God bless and thank you. Peter Gregory back to top Dad's Prayer Dear God Thank you for coming to this earth over 2,000 years ago as a baby of Middle Eastern appearance. Thank you that the angels sang at your birth to the shepherds, Peace on earth, good will towards men. Thank you for growing up to be a man of middle-eastern appearance who went about in a spirit of good will: doing good, healing the sick and raising the dead. Thank you that when that violent mob came to arrest you, you healed the servants ear and told your disciples to put away their swords because, they that live by the sword will die by the sword. Thank you that, as you breathed your last pain-filled gasp of air, you prayed on that cross, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Thank you that you also cried out My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me? You experienced everything we have experienced and so much more, and yet you never did wrong to anyone. Your father even rejected you. You became fatherless to heal us from our fatherlessness. Your wounds bought our healing. Your stripes made us whole. Thank you for being a man of Middle Eastern appearance, and yet much more than a man. The God/Man Jesus, who gave us unconditional love. Fill us with your perfect love. Help us give this perfect love to our families. Help us to give this perfect love to each other And fill this nation with your peace. back to top About Us Mission Statement & Help Us! Mission Statement The Fatherhood Foundation is a charitable, non profit incorporated association with a goal to inspire men to a greater level of excellence as fathers, by encouraging and educating them, thereby renewing and empowering families. Click here for more information about us Help Us! The Fatherhood Foundation believes that the key to life is giving. That's why this newsletter is given freely without expectation. Life is also about relationships. That's what being a good father is all about, developing relationships with your loved ones. If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation, please mail your cheque or money order to: Fatherhood Foundation PO Box 440 WOLLONGONG NSW 2520 AUSTRALIA You have received the fathersonline.org newsletter because you have subscribed, or you have been subscribed by a friend. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click the UNSUBSCRIBE button below or send an email to info@fathersonline.org with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading. back to top Click Here to Unsubscribe ------=_NextPart_000_2B84_01C603AB.ED39D8C0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Fatherhood Foundation
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Issue 171 - 5th November 2005 Go to our website Here


Welcome

 

The recent so-called race riots, sparked by men of Middle Eastern appearance, in Cronulla, Australia have shocked us all. The sight of ugly mob violence being perpetrated by men holding the Australian flag is not something we are used to seeing.  Australians are known around the world as easy-going egalitarians who have embraced wave after wave of legal immigrants to our lucky country without much fuss. 

 

So what is really the problem?  Media commentators have been quick to apply the race tag, but the problem is much more complex.  Andrew Bolts analysis of the many parts of the problem is reprinted in full as a service to our readers as a Special Feature.  His article is called, Its Time to Think, Herald Sun, Victoria, 14th December 2005 and is by far the most comprehensive of all that I have read to date.  Such anarchy is fuelled by a breakdown in law and order, which correlates closely with the breakdown in families which in turn is closely related to the curse of fatherlessness.  Sometimes such fatherlessness is actually caused by a father who is present in body but absent in heart and soul. We are only one generation away from anarchy and the above story proves the point.

 

Hitler had a father who treated him harshly.  Saddam Hussein was originally fatherless and then beaten by his step father and taught to steal by him at an early age.  The people of Iraq are still paying the price, as is Australias Wheat Board.

 

Andrew Bolt points out that while Koby Abberton, a well known Maroubra local, was not directly involved in the riot, he does perhaps symbolise the local beach gang culture.  On ABCs Australian Story, Abberton explained how he came to join his gang.  He grew up, he said, in a garage. My mum was a heroin addict back then and we grew up pretty tough.  We all have different dads, all the brothers, me, Sunny, Jai and Dakota.  None of us have ever known our dads. But there just wasnt much love . . .  When I was about 14 I got kicked out of my house . . . Andrew Bolt poses the very good thought, No wonder he sought the comfort of a tribe (gang), as so many young men would if they had no job, no father, no real family, no discipline, or no sense of belonging.

 

It is a well known fact that much of the gang related violence in the United States is perpetrated by fatherless young men who join a gang to establish an identity they never had.  Bolt points out, how much harder we must work to make parents responsible, families strong and children safe.  This is what the Fatherhood Foundation is all about.  Our goal is to increase the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, loving and committed fathers.  Excellence in fathering is not merel y an unattainable goal, but a fundamental need to prevent our nation slipping into unquenchable anarchy. 

 

The real solution is a return to our spiritual roots that provide the basis for our tolerant democracy.  The Australian values of  a fair go, forgiveness, love and trust, actually come from our forefathers trust in a man of Middle Eastern appearance, who came to us as an unprotected baby over 2,000 years ago. It is ironic that we are celebrating his birthday in the middle of such troubles.  This same man grew up with others of Middle Eastern appearance, speaking the same language spoken by our Lebanese brothers today, Aramaic.  Thirty-three years after his birth he cried out on a cross, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Later this man of Middle Eastern appearance cried out in Aramaic, It is finished as he breathed his last.  That moment split time in two, BC/AD and introduced a new law into the universe called unconditional love,   the answer our love starved society so desperately needs.

 

Lovework

 

Share Koby Abbertons story with your children.  Give them his description of growing up with no dad and not much love. 

* Make sure your children know that you are a dad that will be around for the long haul and that you love them.

* Then tell them about the reason for the celebration of Christmass.

* Tell them about a man of Middle Eastern appearance who walked the dusty roads of Palestine.

* Tell them how he went about doing good, healing the sick and raising the dead.

* Tell them how this same man became the source of world peace because, when he was betrayed into the hands of a violent mob, he told his friends to put down their swords because, he who lives by the sword will die by the sword.  Violence perpetuates violence, but forgiveness is the power of perfect love and perfect love is still the greatest force in the universe. Your children need to hear it from you because as Mother Teresa said:

World Peace begins in the home.

 

Yours for World Peace

Warwick Marsh

 

 PS We apologise to our readers who received their newsletters late last week.  This is the first time in three years that this has happened.  Our software service provider, Bosweb, had a major glitch caused by their service providers, which caused the delays.  We have been assured that it will never happen again and we pass that assurance on to you, along with our Christmas and New Year greetings.  Fathersonline Christmas Special will be in you intray next Sunday morning Christmas Day.

 

Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year from the Fatherhood Foundation.

 

________________________________________________________

Warwick Marsh  has been married to Alison for 30 years. He is
the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in
age from 24 years to 13 years.  Warwick is a musician,
songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he
can still laugh at himself.

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Grandads

Keep company with good men and

good men you will imitate

 

Unknown

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Laughter

.                            christmas jokes,christmas humor,xmas laughs,joke page,

                                             

What Christmas Carol is the parents favorite

Silent Night

What kind of candle burns longer, a red candle or a green candle?

Neither, candles always burn shorter

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?

Claustrophobic

What do you get if you eat Chrsitmas decorations?

Tinsilitus

 It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry mood as he asked the prisoner,"What are you charged with?"
"Doing my Christmas shopping early", replied the defendant.
"That's no offence", said the judge.
" It is if you do it before the shop opened", countered the prisoner.

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Single Dads

50th birthday gift book

 

With Thanks

by Tony Miller

 

A lot has happened over the past year. I am about to celebrate 50 years on this planet. We had a party last Saturday and it was awesome to be surrounded by my friends and family, my five beautiful children and my new grandson. Life does seem to turn around. There were many times I thought I would never make it to 50, let alone have all my children gathered around me. But there you go, it does happen! And I have gotta tell ya, having my children around me was the absolute biggest thing that has happened all year. My 20 year old son Beau made a beautiful speech in which he stated how proud he was to be my son and how much he loved me and my 10 year old son Cassidy, who forgot his speech he had written out and said "No worries dad, I'll wing it", told everyone in the room how he felt. I doubt there was a dry eye in the house. I know mine were filled with water. M y beautiful children Justin, Shannon and Daniel and Rhy's my grandson surrounded me with their love. David my good friend also spoke some kind words and my friend Colin put on a magic show for all of us in his coming out from a long illness.

 

As I looked around the room I was extremely proud to be associated with all these people who came together for me. I was an adopted child and my brother and sister also spoke of past times and how proud they were of me. My two sisters who were adopted to another family also attended and I was extremely touched to have them celebrating with me. I guess what I am trying to say is:

 

It doesn't matter where you are at in the moment. Darkness may surround you at present. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, I couldn't see that light for a long time, but it's there, believe me, I've just proven it. . . And you know, I never thought I could. . .

 

Thank you for all the cards, emails and gifts but most of all thank you for being a part of my life and allowing me to share part of yours.

Tony M

 

The Path I've chosen has it's share of obstacles. . .

a broken dream, a wounded heart, a tired spirit.

And yet I've been promised that if I walk the path with faith,

my dreams can be restored, my heart will be whole again,

and my spirit will be renewed.

Susan E. Fair

 

My ten year old son Cassidy's speech he left at home.

 

Ladies and Gentleman,

 

As you know my Dad's 50th. Well I've prepared a speech.

My dad has had 5 children and he has managed to make it to 50.

Some might call that good or maybe unusual, but I call it lucky.

So I wrote this poem.

 

Roses are red

Violets are blue

I love my Dad

And you should too!

 

He might not be the best, but deep inside his chest he has a good heart to fit everyone in there.

I like to spend weekends with my Dad and I have prepared a slide show, but unfortunately I can't show it tonight.

I'll show it to him later.

My favourite things I like to do with him are:

Playing remote control cars

Walking on the beach

Playing board games

Talking with the neighbours

 

But just remember this - my Dad is very special!!!

 

Dads in Distress Inc would like to thank you for your support and your kindness over the past year and we want you to know that you have made a difference to our lives and that of our children's lives.

 

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year, maybe one that rejoices in fatherhood more then it has in the past.

 

We are so often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey,

Especially the goodness of the people we meet along the way.

We are pleased we were fortunate enough to meet you. . .

 

Thank you for being there when we needed you. . .

 

Please take time over this holiday period to remember those who for whatever reason cannot be with their children. . . If you are fortunate enough to have your children around you, give them a special cuddle from dads who haven't.

                                          

Yours Sincerely

Tony Miller dids

dids@nor.com.au 

www.dadsindistress.asn.au

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Special Feature

               Cronulla / Adam Ward

 

It's time to think

By Andrew Bolt

Herald Sun 14 Dec 2005 

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17559138%255E25717,00.html

 

These talks between big-wave surfing champion Koby Abberton and Lebanese "leader" Keysar Trad to end Sydney's latest tribal riots will fail, of course.

 

But still they may help -- by showing just some of the hundred troubles that created this disaster and the hundred hard steps we must take to avoid even worse.

 

Yes, it's that complicated. Things this bad usually are. So ignore the one-issue parrots who screech "We're all racists", or "End Muslim immigration now". The fools.

 

Abberton is admired as a leader of the surfing tribe at Maroubra known as the Bra Boys, who last week told Middle Eastern gangs to "stay away" from the beach.

 

There is no suggestion he endorsed the appalling violence which followed on Sunday. In fact, he says it was "distressing" and denies reports Bra Boys were involved, but, as a local god, he does perhaps symbolise the local beach gang culture.

 

On the ABC's Australian Story, Abberton explained how he came to join his gang. He grew up, he said, in a garage: "My mum was a heroin addict back then and we grew up pretty tough. We all have different dads, all the brothers, me, Sunny, Jai and Dakota. None of us have ever known our dads. But there just wasn't much love...

 

"When I was about 14 I got kicked out of my house... "

 

No wonder he sought the comfort of a tribe, as so many young men would if they had no job, no father, no real family, no discipline, or no sense of belonging.

 

See how many jobless and broken-homed youths were in the Kelly Gang and Macquarie Fields Boys, which rioted at Sydney's welfare ghetto in Macquarie Fields last February. See how many Aborigines, ditto, pelted police with rocks, wood and molotov cocktails in the equally tribal riots last year in drug-riddled Redfern, also in Sydney. Or burned down a police station on jobless, booze-soaked Palm Island.

 

See also the rise of ethnic gangs, such as the lethal Telopea Street Boys, drawn largely from Sydney's Lebanese -- so many without jobs or a sense of home.

 

The we-own-the-beach Bra Boys are not half as dangerous, but are notorious for a riot in 2002 in which they attacked off-duty police at a party and hurt 30. After all, tribes owe their first loyalty to their own and not to us.

 

Abberton is not a thug himself, but awaits sentencing for telling lies to protect his brother Jai, then charged with killing gangster Tony Hines at Maroubra with three shots to the head. Jai was found not guilty on the grounds of self-defence.

 

Isnt Abberton's background only too familiar? That's just one thing that must change: how much harder must we work to make parents responsible, families strong and children safe, and to put young men in work and traffickers in jail?

 

Abberton's peace talks this week started with Keysar Trad, whose own background worries me, too.

 

Trad has been adopted as the voice of Sydney's Muslim Lebanese by a media too timid or incurious to ask whether he really represents them at all, or whether he even should. That careless irresponsibility is another thing that must change.

 

Trad was once head of the Lebanese Muslim Association, but was dumped and now trades as head of a thing he's called the Islamic Friendship Association.

 But what friendship does he really offer? Apology / Craig Greenhill

 

Trad was once a translator of the pro-Bin Laden Islamic Youth Movement, which ran appeals for violent jihad overseas and which has since been investigated for alleged terrorism-related offences.

He himself publicly rejects terrorism, but sneeringly wrote, for instance, that "the criminal dregs of white society colonised this country, and now, they only take the select choice of other societies, and the descendants of these criminal dregs tell us that they are better than us".

 

He was also the spokesman of the radical Mufti of Australia, Sheik Taj el-din El-Hilali, who preaches at Lakemba mosque, Australia's biggest and dominated by Muslim Lebanese.

 

Hilali, you'll recall, has praised suicide bombers as heroes and called the September 11 terror attacks "God's work against oppressors" and "the work of 100 per cent American gangs". When Lebanese Muslims pack-raped non-Muslim girls, Hilali blamed "Australian society". But again and again Trad defended him. Spin, spin, spin.

 

Trad is one of a generation of Muslim "leaders" who have, in effect, preached an us-against-them rhetoric that has only made tensions worse, which is one more thing to change. The academics and writers who feed such men their lines in anti-American and anti-Western hatred need challenging, too.

What makes a Trad a problem is that well before Sunday's riot, Australia, like so many Western countries, was already struggling to integrate Middle Eastern immigrants and, more worryingly, their born-here children.

 

For too long, thanks in part to a media often too scared to face ethnic truths, we fooled ourselves into thinking we were actually doing this integrating thing well.

 

We looked at the Muslim riots in France and smirked. If only the French had learned from our multicultural magic. We saw British-born Muslims exploding themselves in trains and a bus and said ... well, too little.

 

True, there were some reasons to think we could more easily embrace Muslims. Hadn't we taken in wave after wave of people from everywhere without one riot, until Sunday?

 

But this time it's different. We are different and some of these immigrants are, too.

 

We are different, in part, because we are less sure about ourselves and about what really unites us. Instead of being proud enough to expect immigrants to assimilate, we urge them to stay apart through multiculturalism. Indeed, we pay them to do so, giving three grants even to the jihadists of the Islamic Youth Movement.

 

What's more, we preach that this is a country that deserves little respect. Hear what is taught in schools, universities, theatres, films, books, galleries and museums: ours is a racist country with a child-stealing and genocidal past, led by a fascist voted in by rednecks. All this, so much of it built on deceits, must change as well.

 

Do I exaggerate this culture of contempt? Here, for instance, is part of a jeering email sent to me on

 

Saturday by an employee of the rabidly anti-American and Leftist SBS: "Fact: migrants would rather die than assimilate to Australian culture. Why would anybody willingly assimilate to a culture that the entire world considers uncouth and un-cultured?"

 

You can imagine how the children react to this vision of Australia. Many would give their loyalty instead to something stronger: some ethnic tribe, perhaps, or they might revolt against the insult and, feeling threatened, chant Aussie Aussie Aussie and strike out.

 

But, as I said, the immigrants have changed, too.

 

Middle Eastern immigrants have brought with them a religion that too often preaches rejection of the very society they've joined and too often glorifies violence.

 

They also brought with them radical preachers, such as the Egyptian Hilali, the Lebanese Sheik Abdul Salam Zoud, the Jordanian Sheik Mohammed Omran and the Algerian Abdul Nacer Benbrika, the last now arrested, who spoke little English, but much hate. That, too, must change.

 

Many Muslims from Lebanon, in particular, were allowed in, even though some lacked the skills, let alone the culture, to fit in easily. That policy at least has been changed. But enough?

 

You can read the inevitable result in the statistics, with Muslim Lebanese at least twice as likely to be jailed, or jobless. No wonder the gangs had so many recruits.

Or you can measure the trouble in anecdotes. As long ago as 1999 (before the September 11 attacks, or Iraq war, on which so much is blamed) Lebanese gangs were harassing and attacking locals at Bondi beach. It took four years of hard policing to tame them.

 

In 2001 came the pack rapes, by mainly Lebanese men of girls still in their early teens and selected because they were "skips".

 

And a few Muslims, many Lebanese, drifted into extremist movements linked to terrorism. One is now in jail in Lebanon on terrorism-related charges, another in custody in Iraq and yet others face charges here.

 

As if that wasn't enough, Middle Eastern gangs become feared as drug traffickers and standover men.

 

Sadly for us all, their rise to power came just as police found it harder to uphold the law and their authority, or felt less inclined to. Just think how police at the Redfern riots stood for hours under a barrage of missiles without making arrests. More to change.

 

And so, two years ago, prominent whistleblower and retired detective Tim Priest warned that police had become too intimidated by these gangs and too exhausted by the poor-us complaints of ethnic "spokesmen" to uphold the law.

 

"In hundreds upon hundreds of incidents, police have backed down to Middle Eastern thugs and taken no action and allowed incidents to go unpunished," he said.

 

"Again, I stress the unbelievable influence that local politicians and religious leaders played in covering up the real state of play..." Here is more that needs changing.

 

All this and more needs to be known to understand last Sunday's riot, which is too easily dismissed by the usual sloganeers as just a belch of white racism.

 

We must understand also that Lebanese gangs or groups had invaded the beaches of Cronulla for some time, with many locals reporting punch-ups, foul abuse and sexual harassment of women. Two lifeguards were last week attacked by up to a dozen Muslim men, one punched unconscious, forcing a nippers' carnival to be cancelled.

 

Despite many credible claims of gang strife at the beaches, claims backed by the local state MP, police reportedly arrested just one man all this year. When Premier Morris Iemma went to Maroubra last week to promise action to the TV cameras, locals heckled him, one calling: "The locals respect police. The gangs do not." Yet one more thing to change.

 

So it all came together on a hot Sunday. A hot and thirsty Sunday and how many other beer-fuelled riots have we seen in these coarsened days, like the huge and boozy Australia Day brawl in Perth last year?

 

Add the elements. A local surfing tribe. Beach invasions by another, more violent tribe. Weak policing. Handwringing politicians. A lookaway media. Feeble loyalties to authority. Beer. A particularly outrageous bashing. Fear.

 

Don't forget that fear and how much the locals had to be scared of. The reprisal attacks since Sunday show how dangerous the Lebanese gangs truly are. A man has been stabbed, a woman hit in the face with a baseball bat, another woman attacked in a pizza shop, a dozen other people hurt, more than 100 cars trashed, shop windows smashed in, women terrorised, police pelted with bottles and stones, guns brandished and reportedly fired, and it isn't over. At all.

 

So does Sunday's riot add up to a simple case of damn-us white racism, or to something far more complex and human? Oh, yes, the rioting was cowardly, vile and disgusting. Pack attacks are, which is why we must not merely condemn, but understand.

 

To prevent. Best start now. There will be more riots before we spruce up this home of ours and only quiet thinking, not screaming, will help us.

bolta@heraldsun.com.au  

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Thought of the Week


     

Perfect love casts out all fear

 

St John

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Christmas Greeting

                

Christmas Greetings from the Marshes and the fathersonline production team

 

We wish all our readers a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We would like to leave this message with you about Jesus Christ our Saviour

as a hope and encouragement for this season, and for eternity.

Love Warwick & Alison Marsh and family

and the fathersonline production team

 

 

For a child has been born for us!

The gift of a Son for us!

Hell take over the running of the world.

His names will be:

Amazing Counsellor, Strong God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness

 

Isaiah 9:6 The Message

 

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News & Info

Warwick and Alison Marsh & family will be doing a Christmas special broadcast on 94.1 FM between 7am -11 am Christmas Day playing their favorite music, christmas carols and generally having fun on air.

The station can be heard right along the south coast of NSW from Helensberg to Ulladulla

___________________________________

Catch the Fire

Marriage & Family Seminar

 

17 - 18th February 2006

 

This nation rides or falls on families. How we respond to relationship issues is crucial. Whatever your status we all need God given instruction. This unique seminar will help you communicate within families, workplaces, the wider Body of Christ. For singles, couples and families.

 

Speakers:

Michael & Alison Goode - Families For Life Australia

Warwick Marsh - Fatherhood Foundation

Bill Muehlenberg - Family Council of Victoria

Danny Nalliah - Catch the Fire Ministries

 

To register your interest in attendance please phone: 9am - 5pm

Catch The Fire Ministries Inc.

PO Box 7427, Dandenong Vic 3175

Email: inquiries@catchthefire.com.au

Phone (03) 9794 8211 Fax (03) 9794 9311

www.catchthefire.com.au

 

________________________________________________________

Letters                                        

 

Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

I would like to notify you of the upcoming Dads & Kids Camp to be held in Sydney , March 10 - 12, 2006. The camp will be held at the Collaroy Centre, Collaroy Beach, 35 minutes north of the heart of Sydney.

 

As a small, non-profit organization, we rely heavily on individuals and organizations to refer families onto us. Any support that you could provide in this way would be most appreciative.

 

We have gained some limited funding to assist with registration costs where there is genuine financial hardship.

 

If you have any clients whom you would like to see attend our camp please either provide them with a copy of the flyer or refer them to our website, www.campconnect.org.au  Alternatively please email us their details.

 

Please note that registrations must close on Friday 10 February, 2006.

 

Regards

 

Brad Mander

Australian Camp Connect Association

P.O Box 7057

Upper Ferntree Gully

Victoria.    3156.

ph / fax [03] 9754 2587

mob 0413 587 120

email: info@campconnect.org.au

website: www.campconnect.org.au

 

_______________________________________________________

 

Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

Heard you on ABC local last week

 

Shame that people still don't get it!

 

Great idea about training kids about relationships in school

 

Xmas I am on my own, want to help others, can you suggest where I can volunteer on Xmas day.

 

Love to you & wife. . . & kids

 ED

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

I really appreciate the work you are doing, it is well needed.

 

I would like to tell you a short story that has just happened to one of our mothers.

 

She had been in jail and is out on bail. The son came to visit and he would not eat unless it was a biscuit and only drink cordial not water. He would scream every time it was bath time had bad nightmares every night. His health in general was bad.

 

We kept him in the program and got him well physically and mentally plus his behaviour was much better than it had been.   Last week the courts gave him back to his father four days a week and his mother three. His father is a drug dealer was on drugs in court and treats the little fellow badly. The lies they told in court amazed me and what the judge said at one stage almost got me charged with contempt just for shaking my head.

 

This has been a miscarriage of justice for the son let alone his mother. The father is doing this really to get the mother back with him and no other reason.

 

I just thought you might like to know the other side even though you very likely hear it a lot.

 

I do agree there are a lot of men that have in the past got it hard but sometimes they don?t deserve the children.

Blessings

 

John Bartlett

Fresh Hope Association Inc

 

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Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

When I was a child growing up in South Africa in the 60's & the 70's I was part of the very privileged elite, white community and was sadly, completely unaware of the very harsh racism imposed upon my fellow ?non-white? citizens, part of what I now consider was a very dysfunctional system and  in truth I am very happy it has changed and is so relatively peacefully. Then suddenly four years ago, I found myself subject to a very similar second class role by way of my now ex-wife. One of the wonderful aspects I found very enjoyable when I arrived in Australia in the very late 70's was the apparent freedom and equality that I completely enjoyed through the 80's & the 90's. Very sadly I now consider my self  informed, as I now am 'enjoying' the feeling of being a completely second rate pers on / father. First, at the hand of my ex-wife and then at the hands of the Family law Court and then the final "prize ".... the CSA who can and have taken the remaining ... thus make a father after 5 years of IVF as very sad prize. So, I now truly understand the feeling of the 20 million non-white South Africans that I grew up with, while I received all the things that I considered as a natural right, while they were very, oh so badly, treated as mere items of wealth makers for the ruling elite. I very strongly believe if such an injustice system of racism then found in South Africa can be eliminated then the current deal we as Disney Dads receive can, and must be, defeated. This change must be done in a very positive and orderly way.  

 

Regards

Clive Purt

 

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Dear Fatherhood Foundation

We pray all is going well for you. We wish the team at the fatherhood foundation a blessed Christmas.  Thought you might like the following from Nelson Mandela.

Philip and Anne Harback  

 

We ask our selves, ?Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous??  Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking back so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fears, our presence automatically liberates others.

Nelson Mandela 

 

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Dear Fatherhood Foundation,

 

I would like to add my own thoughts to the letter that Nigel wrote to you and that you had put in this last email newsletter.

 

I believe that men and women are far from equal!

In fact, I believe we are the exact opposite to each other.

Why do I think that? 

 

Well, this is the part where I agree with Nigel.  

God made us Male and Female for one reason only. Not to have fun, or to introduce a creature to this world totally distracted by constantly sparking off the other sex.  No, God made us as male and female, so we can reproduce and hence allow the growth of us, the human race.

 

You see, if we were made equal, there would be something missed out on, and there would be no need for the two of us at all. 

God being, He Who Is, knew what He was doing when He made us male and female exactly opposite to each other.  Because, when we are joined together, we become one complete, whole unit or human being. 

Each of us, male and female, are expert in the art of our own craft given to us by the Father himself.  For the children to be properly cared for, God had to have all bases covered.  So, He did it by splitting the job into two parts that were completely opposite to each other but as far as He was concerned, completely equal and complimentary to each other.

 

We are not complete unless we are joined permanently to either a member of the opposite sex or we are joined to God.  It is a marriage of either of the above species, that makes us a whole human being.

 

Men have never, are never, and never will be, equal to women. And the exact same is the case with women being equal to men.  It is improbable and will never happen, in the context of the argument that we foolish men and women have had raging for centuries.

 

Our Heavenly Father in His infinite wisdom, has made us for completely different reasons.  I'm not going to go into the anatomy and physiological aspects of the make-up of humans, but we all know what the differences are if we are honest with ourselves.

 

HOWEVER!!!!!!!!

 

In the eyes of God The Father, we, both male and female ARE EQUAL!!!!!!!!!!

 

Therefore, when Our Lord Jesus said to us 2000 years ago, to love your neighbour as yourself, and of course His Command that basically covers all 10 set down by The Father, "Love one another as I have loved you!" 

These two statements when explained by Jesus: that our mothers; fathers; sisters; brothers and anyone/everyone else in the world; are our "neighbour", then we have to treat that person as a complete equal to us.  Because Our Lord has instructed us to. 

 

He also told us how we are equal in sin and also in good things and in gaining grace from The Father.

 

So, if all this is taken into account, then the arguments put forward by men for hundreds of years, that women are patently stupid and are only good for housework and child rearing, and also that of the feminists who have created such havoc and heart-ache all round the world for a long time now in trying to de-value the male role in society, are now totally defunct.  They have no basis in reality. 

It boils down to the arrogance of pride and a power struggle that has been ignited by the father of lies himself.  Satan!

 

There is however, one area where we, both male and female, excel at being equal with each other, and that is sheer bloody- minded stupidity.

 

On the other hand, look at all the Saints and those who are saints in the eyes of God, but have never been known of by the rest of us,  they are all equally wonderful and thanks be to Almighty God that He put them here to help the rest of us fairly ordinary servants. 

 

Where would we be without this Wonderful, Loving, Papa's love, affection and guiding hand.

We do not know how fortunate we are.

 

So, as Nigel says, if once we have pulled out the super glue(which is God's grace) and applied it to each other, then joined ourselves together, there is no going back.  The only way to break this bond, is to completely and very severely injure both of us, which if will take years to recover from, if we do recover at all.  Some don't!

 

Then there is the damage done to the innocents.

This is where we are treading on very thin ice indeed!

One of the worst things a person could possibly do in the eyes of God The Father, is to do some kind of harm to one of His precious children.  He is a very jealous and protective Father, even Jesus told us that.  So, better we never hurt or damage any of these precious little souls, for fear of very severe punishment indeed!

 

In summary, once we are joined together as Husband and Wife, we as an individual are dead. 

This does not mean we lose who we are or what we know, it means we no longer think of us first.  We should always think of the other and not of ourselves at all. 

 

Because if both husband and wife only thought of, and catered for the other's needs, neither would ever be found wanting, would they?

 

God bless and thank you.

Peter Gregory

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Dad's Prayer

Dear God

 

Thank you for coming to this earth over 2,000 years ago as a baby of Middle Eastern appearance.

Thank you that the angels sang at your birth to the shepherds, Peace on earth, good will towards men.

Thank you for growing up to be a man of middle-eastern appearance who went about in a spirit of good will: doing good, healing the sick and raising the dead.

Thank you that when that violent mob came to arrest you, you healed the servants ear and told your disciples to put away their swords because, they that live by the sword will die by the sword.

Thank you that, as you breathed your last pain-filled gasp of air, you prayed on that cross, Father forgive them for they know not what they do.

Thank you that you also cried out My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?

You experienced everything we have experienced and so much more, and yet you never did wrong to anyone.

Your father even rejected you.

You became fatherless to heal us from our fatherlessness.

Your wounds bought our healing.

Your stripes made us whole.

Thank you for being a man of Middle Eastern appearance, and yet much more than a man.

The God/Man Jesus, who gave us unconditional love.

Fill us with your perfect love.

Help us give this perfect love to our families.

Help us to give this perfect love to each other

And fill this nation with your peace.

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About Us

Mission Statement & Help Us!

Mission Statement

The Fatherhood Foundation is a charitable, non profit incorporated association with a goal to inspire men to a greater level of excellence as fathers, by encouraging and educating them, thereby renewing and empowering families.

Click here for more information about us

Help Us!

The Fatherhood Foundation believes that the key to life is giving.  That's why this newsletter is given freely without expectation.  Life is also about relationships.  That's what being a good father is all about, developing relationships with your loved ones.
 
If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation,
please mail your cheque or money order to:
Fatherhood Foundation
PO Box 440
WOLLONGONG  NSW  2520
AUSTRALIA

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