John Smithbaker, long-time outdoor industry leader and owner of North American Gear, is the founder of Fathers in the Field, a Christian adventure ministry that unites fatherless boys ("field buddies") with mature Christian men ("mentor fathers") in God's classroom, the great outdoors, to help boys learn about the liberating love of Christ and the healing that comes through the forgiveness of their earthly fathers.

"For generations, outdoor adventures, such as camping, fishing, hunting and hiking have been treasured experiences for fathers and sons - times of bonding and meaningful conversations about Creation and the Creator," said Smithbaker who was deserted by his own father and struggled for decades before turning to Christ and discovering the healing of forgiveness.

"Millions of fatherless kids never get to experience these outings and the loss is huge. Now we have a way to give abandoned boys the Father/Son outdoor experience they are missing; and in doing so, give them true hope that comes only through the love of Christ and an adventure that can only be found in God's great outdoors."

Eleven-year-old Masen was abandoned by his father before birth. Early on in his Fathers in the Field journey, he was asked if he could forgive his dad for abandoning him. The boy angrily responded, "Never...never...ever!" But through the time that he spent with his "mentor dad" exploring God's creation and the forgiveness of Christ, the boy's heart softend. One Sunday morning, "Never...never...ever" arrived. Masen trusted in Christ and forgave his dad.

FATHERS IN THE FIELD FACT SHEET

THE NEED: Some 12 million boys are growing up fatherless in America—the majority of them carrying deep, damaging wounds of abandonment that threaten them and society.

Children from fatherless homes are:

§   A greater threat to society

·         72 percent of adolescent murders are committed by fatherless children

·         60 percent of rapists come from fatherless homes

·         67 percent of state prison inmates come from fatherless homes

·         70 percent of juveniles in reform institutions are fatherless

§   30 percent more likely to abuse drugs and/or alcohol

§   Twice as likely to drop out of school

§   11 times more likely to exhibit violent behavior at school

§   Dramatically more likely to commit suicide

§   More likely to engage in early sexual activity

(Source: National Center for Fathering)

THE RESPONSE: When a father abandons his child, a boy naturally says, “I’ll never forgive you!” Society says, “Forget about him! You don’t need a Dad!” God says, “Forgive him, so your Father in heaven may forgive you of your sins" (Mark 11:25).