Single Moms: Fathers in the Field reaches fatherless boys through single mothers who want their sons to have mature Christian male role models. The ministry is funded through sponsoring churches so there is no cost to moms.  

 

Widows: Community service is an integral part of Fathers in the Field ministry, which identifies widows in need and gives boys an opportunity to serve them and in doing so, to gain a sense of accomplishment, helpfulness, and self -worth.

MASEN’S STORY FROM THE FIELD

Eleven-year-old Masen had never met his father, who abandoned him for a life of crime that ultimately led to prison. The wound of abandonment that Masen carried was not visible on the outside, but it gnawed at him on the inside—producing anger and resentment, and convincing him that he was not worthy of a father’s love.

In 2006, Masen, then 9-years-old, was enrolled in 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 God and the healing that comes through the forgiveness of their earthly fathers.

 

About six months into his first year, Masen was asked by his Mentor Father, Scott, if he could forgive his dad for abandoning him. Masen emphatically and angrily responded, “NEVER, NEVER, EVER.”

 

Over the next couple of months, as Masen and Scott spent more time exploring God’s creation and the forgiveness that He offers through His Son, Jesus Christ, the boy’s heart began to soften. Then one Sunday morning, “NEVER, NEVER, EVER” arrived.  Masen excitedly told Scott that he had prayed for forgiveness from his Heavenly Father and salvation through Jesus Christ. He went on to say that he had forgiven his dad too. To say the least, Scott was blown away.   

 

The story doesn’t end there. Within two weeks of receiving God’s forgiveness and giving his own forgiveness to his dad, Masen got a surprise letter from his father in prison who wanted to see him. Just months earlier, such news would have infuriated this hurting boy. But now, with his wound of abandonment beginning to heal, Masen welcomed the opportunity to visit his dad, tell him he forgave him, and share with him the freedom that he had found in Jesus Christ.

   

Today, Masen still does not have a relationship with his dad, but he knows he has a Father in heaven who loves him and will never leave or forsake him. Through his faith, his relationship with Scott, and the journey that they are on together with Fathers in the Field, Masen is growing into the young man he never imagined he could be.