Looking Ahead to 2015

A couple of weeks ago I shared with you many of the exciting things God accomplished through Focus on the Family—with your support—this year. With tomorrow being the last day of 2014, it’s appropriate to start looking forward. God has put many plans in our hearts for 2015. We’ll be stretching towards these goals – as well as eagerly anticipating what the Lord might surprise us with. Here are just two of the things Focus will be working on next year.

1. 2015 will mark the theatrical release of “The Drop Box”: – On March 3, 4 and 5, Focus’ second movie documentary will debut in select theaters across the nation. It’s a powerful film about one man’s efforts to save babies who might have otherwise been abandoned on the streets of Seoul, South Korea. Pastor Lee Jong-Rak built a “baby box” – a safe location where desperate mothers can place newborns. So far, more than 500 babies – many of whom have disabilities – have been left in the box and helped through Pastor Lee’s ministry.

The movie has already won recognition and top awards at film festivals and also has been praised by leading Christian figures. Dr. Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, thinks the film “will inspire you as perhaps nothing else you have ever seen.” Religion News Service writer Jonathan Merritt says, “The Drop Box depicts authentic Christianity at its very best.”

It’s our hope and prayer that “The Drop Box” will not only inspire viewers to help modern day orphans, but that it will also open eyes to the type of love our Heavenly Father has for us.

2. In 2015 we will expand Focus on the Family’s National Institute of Marriage (NIM): An “ER” for marriages in crisis, Focus’ NIM provides proven help for couples on the brink of divorce. The results are astounding: research shows that two years after participating in a NIM marriage intensive program, 84 percent of couples remain married.

In this coming year, Focus will continue to build more cabins at the NIM campus. With God’s provision, we’ll be bringing on more counselors. We’ll continue to promote the program’s resources via our broadcast, family help specialists, social media and more.

Our prayer is that these efforts will add to the 3,000 couples from all 50 states and more than 20 countries who have already been helped by NIM. Helping marriages thrive is core to our calling and heart at Focus on the Family, in part because the impact is exponential. When we help marriages, we help the sons and daughters, grandchildren, churches and communities that are impacted by each husband and wife pair. Everyone benefits when a marriage is strong and united.

We’re able to move forward with these plans only through the help and generosity of our ministry friends. Our year-end giving campaign has been reminding folks to “Give the Gift of Family.” And there are few things more worthy of our investment.

Tomorrow is the last day for giving that can be included in 2014 taxes. As you consider which organizations to support this season, please prayerfully consider partnering with us at Focus on the Family. God bless you and yours in 2015!