Focus Events Archives

Focus’ Wait No More Kentucky Event on Nov. 12 to Feature Linkin’ Bridge

There will be a special guest at Focus’ Wait No More event in Shepherdsville, Kentucky on Nov. 12.

Linkin’ Bridge, the vocal group who made it to the finals in America’s Got Talent’s 11th season earlier this year, will be performing for the 800 attendees looking to learn more about – and possibly start – the process from adoption from foster care.

If you’re not familiar with the group, watch their America’s Got Talent audition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5-I28L4MUk

Foster care is certainly an issue that touches the band directly, as singer Shon China Lacy spent time in the system when he was 7 years old and his mother was in prison.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: adoption, events November 9, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Special Announcement for MercyMe Fans

How many of you are MercyMe fans?

Many of you, I’m sure – because the award-winning Christian band with proven crossover appeal has been releasing hit after hit for two decades now. From “I Can Only Imagine” to Word of God Speak,” MercyMe’s popularity has only grown with its most recent album and its current single, “Dear Younger Me”:

And for you MercyMe fans, I have good news: I’m happy to announce that the band will join us on the Focus on the Family 40th Anniversary Cruise in November 2017!

Topics: Focus Events Tags: entertainment, events, family, promos November 2, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Spend an Evening with Ray Vander Laan and Learn about the Mission of Jesus

I’m writing this from my “home base” in Colorado Springs, Colo., but a couple of weeks ago I was in Israel, walking where Jesus walked, and learning from acclaimed teacher and Focus friend Ray Vander Laan.

It was an incredible experience I’ll always remember. Going to the Promised Land is adventure enough, but listening to Ray make biblical stories come alive took the trip to another level. Ray is an amazing communicator who has a unique grasp of Scripture.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: discipleship, events, faith September 29, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Newsboys and Focus Join Together to Encourage Students

There’s a familiar voice helping raise awareness of students’ First Amendment rights in schools: Michael Tait of the award-winning Christian band the Newsboys.

He’s been voicing video and radio promotions raising awareness of “Bring Your Bible to School Day,” the Focus-sponsored, student-led event taking place next Thursday, Oct. 6. (You might have heard him talk about the issue if you’re a listener of K-LOVE, WAY-FM, or Christian channels on Internet radio and satellite radio. He’s even appeared on our recent broadcast highlighting the event!) Here’s one of his video spots:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48c-8kSTskA

Not only that, but the Newsboys are encouraging students to share God’s hope by partnering with us on an exciting giveaway that gives fans a chance to win a free trip for four to hear the Newsboys LIVE in concert in Dallas, Texas!

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, faith, kids, promos, religious liberty September 28, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

One Practical Way Parents Can Encourage their Kids to be Bold in their Faith

Last Friday on my blog I shared a troubling trend with you: schools banning Bible verses. Despite students having a clear Constitutional right to include Bible verses in their personal work projects, or with their friends outside of classroom time, some children are finding themselves silenced when it comes to their faith.

However, I also shared a way for students to celebrate their First Amendment rights: the Focus on the Family-sponsored and student-led “Bring Your Bible to School Day,” which will be held on Oct.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, events, faith, parenting, religious liberty September 19, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why are Schools Banning Bible Verses?

Mackenzie Fraiser’s PowerPoint assignment for her sixth grade class was called “All About Me.”

But it turned out her Las Vegas-area public charter school didn’t really want Mackenzie to share about herself. Because when the sixth grader, the daughter of a pastor, included a slide with one of her favorite Bible verses … her teacher told her to remove it.

Mackenzie was told she wasn’t allowed to use “biblical sayings” in assignments. That left the young girl feeling like she wasn’t supposed to talk about her faith at school.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, kids, news, religious liberty September 16, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What’s on Your Summer Playlist?

Music has the power to transport you back in time, doesn’t it?

Listen to an old song, and all the emotions come flooding back … it’s almost like you’re in your childhood home again, or studying for college finals in your dorm, or falling in love with your spouse all over again.

Fast-forward to today. I hope most of us are enjoying the great things about summer – the barbecues, road trips, and visits to the beach or mountains.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: entertainment, events, family, promos June 29, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Five Reasons Christian Students Should Participate in Day of Dialogue on April 14

If you ask one of the roughly 90 percent of school-aged children in the U.S. who attend public school how often they discuss sensitive topics like homosexuality, transgenderism and same-sex marriage in class, you might be surprised at how often they say it occurs.

Part of it can’t be avoided – these topics dominate the news and popular culture. But in many of our schools, the conversations are one-sided. Christian students who hold to a biblical view of sexuality often feel their perspective is shunned or disparaged.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: homosexuality, promos, religious liberty April 4, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Do You Want to Unlock the Secrets to Lifelong Love?

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re excited here at Focus on the Family because we’re working with congregations worldwide to exalt marriage this Sunday in an event we’re calling the Honoring Marriage Event.

It’s a time for churches to talk about God’s design for marriage – something we’re doing with special emphasis throughout the month of February here at Focus.

In fact, we think marriage is so important to the health and stability of the culture that we have an entire division of our ministry dedicated to helping husbands and wives strengthen their relationships.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: church, marriage, promos, relationships February 11, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Perfect Way to Spend Valentine’s Day

Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day?

It’s a day for romantic dinners, flowers, chocolate, and clothing the world in red.

But this year Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday, and we have an additional idea in mind.

At Focus on the Family, we believe that weekend offers the perfect opportunity for congregations to unite in conveying one important message – marriage should be honored by all. As Hebrews 13:4 says, “Let marriage be held in honor among all” (ESV).

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, events, marriage, pop culture, promos January 14, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura