events Archives

Halloween and the 95 Points that Changed the World

In contrast to Halloween, few people will be celebrating “Reformation Day” today, the official anniversary of Martin Luther posting his “95 Theses” on the door of the Church of All Saints in Wittenberg, Germany. (The document was officially titled the “Disputation of Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences.”) Instead, many children (and some adults) will be donning costumes and participating in the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating.

The topic of Halloween triggers strong reaction.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith, news October 31, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Gender Development: A Fork in the Road?

According to a news report, a lesbian couple in San Francisco have started giving their 11-year-old son hormone blockers in an attempt to delay the onset of puberty.

Why?

Because when the boy was 3 years old he told them he was a girl. He holds this belief to this day and the hormone blockers administered by his two mothers are intended to put his sexual development on hold until he can decide who he really is.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, family, kids, news October 19, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dan Wheldon Didn’t Come Home

It is a difficult sight to see, flames bursting from a crushed Indy racing car, tires flying through the air, vehicle upon vehicle slamming one into another.

To watch a crash in which a man dies is a horrific thing. It’s just not supposed to happen this way. Racing is safe, we’re told, even safer than driving our car through our neighborhood on the way to the mall. But yesterday in Las Vegas something went wrong, and terribly so.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, family, news October 17, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On the Murder of Christians in Egypt

By now you have heard that an estimated 26 Christians were killed in Egypt this past weekend. This is not the first time that Christians have been targeted in violent acts over there. Since the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak, Cairo and its surrounding cities have become a dangerous place for followers of Jesus Christ.

The Associated Press is reporting that the ruling council and deputy defense minister are attempting to place the blame for the violence on the very people being persecuted:

At a lengthy news conference to present their version of the events, generals from the Supreme Council of Armed Forces showed footage of priests and a Coptic Christian activist they accused of instigating the violence on Sunday night with calls for demonstrations and storming the state television building.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, events, faith, news, religious liberty October 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: Behind the Scenes of Courageous

If you’re looking for a convicting, uplifting, encouraging and redeeming film, Courageous, which opens today nationwide, is it.

You’re likely familiar with the makers of this terrific movie, Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Previous projects include the award-winning Fireproof, Facing the Giants and Flywheel. Focus on the Family is delighted to offer all of these films on DVD. To request your copies, please click here.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, events, faith, pop culture September 30, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Tough Day at Focus

Many of you regularly pray and support this wonderful ministry, so I wanted to alert you to some staffing reductions here at Focus on the Family.

This past Friday, due to budget constraints, we were forced to say goodbye to 49 team members. What follows are some thoughts that I shared with my colleagues after the decision was announced:

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Many of these individuals are friends with whom I have labored side-by-side for years, some two decades.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, finances, news, staff September 19, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Is Hollywood Listening?

A few weeks ago I shared with you my enthusiasm for a new movie based on a terrific book by author David L. Cook, Seven Days in Utopia. The film stars Academy Award winner Robert Duvall and highlights the critical contribution mentors can make in a person’s life.

As a follow-up to the production’s nationwide release, a colleague just received the following note from one of the movie’s senior executives. It is good news:

I just wanted to send this quick message out to all my friends and partners that helped us with the launch of Seven Days In Utopia.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith September 12, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Ultimate Hope

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith September 10, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Welcome, Dr. Greg Smalley!

I’m delighted to announce that Dr. Greg Smalley has joined the team here at Focus on the Family. From time to time you’ll be hearing him on our radio program, reading his articles and most importantly, benefiting from his wisdom and practical insight on marriage and parenting.

What a pleasure to welcome Greg to Colorado Springs!

If the name rings a bell, perhaps it’s because you’ve already come across Greg’s work yourself, or it may be because Greg is the son of our great and longtime friend, Dr.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, news, staff September 5, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Who Has Changed Your Life?

Is there one person you can point to who helped “turn the tide” in your life?

When I think about that question, my mind immediately settles on a man named Mo – my high school football coach. At the time, my life was a mess. Without a parent to guide me, Coach Mo became my mentor. He encouraged and believed in me. He didn’t just teach me about football. He was a steady, dependable, wise and bold influence.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith, pop culture August 31, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura