Coshocton ministry seeks mentors for new dads

For nearly four decades, if people in Coshocton County knew us at all, they usually thought of us as a group of nice ladies giving away free diapers.

While we love providing practical resources to parents in need, that safe, quiet perception didn't capture the true depth of our ministry today.

Defending the unborn and supporting families is a critical mission. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, shatter old stereotypes and shine a light into the darkest corners of our culture. Right now one of the most vital places needing that light is the role of the father.

When a young woman faces an unexpected pregnancy, the father's response is often the deciding factor. Sometimes, he doesn’t know what to do. Sometimes, that leads to an absent father. Sometimes, it means the death of a child.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1-in-4 children live without a father in the home. Many young men simply wander in the dark because they have never seen a healthy model of a dad.

Young men cannot mirror what they have never witnessed. To break this cycle, PCC wants to pair new dads with Christian mentors who can show them the way. We see the incredible need to fulfill our mission to welcome children into families that thrive by providing emotional, spiritual and practical support through a targeted curriculum covering parenting basics, financial literacy and relationship guidance for both parents.

But we cannot build it alone. What we need right now are the men willing to step into the light and lead. You don’t need to be a perfect parent or a theological scholar to do this work. You just need to be present, available and willing to share your life experiences. If you can grab a cup of coffee with a young dad and show him what it looks like to be an involved, supportive partner, you are qualified.

How you can help our families thrive: We need Christian men ready to be builders. Let PCC share our blueprint with your men's ministry leader, an elder or a pastor. Designate giving to allow us to create a firm foundation of curriculum and training.

We are so much more than a diaper giveaway. We are a ministry dedicated to life-transforming discipleship. God’s light shines brightest in the broken places, and together, we can change the narrative for Coshocton County — one dad, one mom and one life at a time.

This column was written by Becky Armstrong, executive director.