"Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man." – Frank Pittman
Absent Earthly Fathers: The Ripples on Society
The absence of fathers leaves deep and lasting marks: not just on individuals, but on communities and societies. Regarded as the first global study on fatherhood, the State of the World’s Fathers (SOWF) report highlights several vital truths:
- Involved fatherhood helps children thrive.
- It enables women and girls to reach their full potential, now and for future generations.
- It improves the health and happiness of men.
- Fathers themselves desire more time with their children.
- Men’s support is critical to ensuring all children are wanted and cared for.
- Economically, care work shared by men contributes to broader social benefits.
On the other hand, the absence of a father in a child’s life has been widely shown to carry serious and far-reaching consequences.
A powerful video titled Black America Needs Fathers, created in response to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, captures this reality. It illustrates the generational impact of fatherlessness: where the pain, anger, and absence experienced by one generation is often passed on to the next.
A Deeper Look: The Singapore Case Study
Dr Timothy Khoo, former Director of Prison Fellowship International for Asia and the Pacific, conducted research in the early 1990s to understand the primary causes of crime in Singapore.
His findings were surprising. In a country with low unemployment, high education standards, strict law enforcement, and economic opportunity, Singapore still had over 12,000 convicted felons in a population of 2.8 million. Traditional explanations: poverty, joblessness and weak policing didn’t apply.
Yet there was a consistent theme: many prisoners described a poor or absent relationship with their fathers during their early years. Dr Khoo concluded that a major contributor to criminal behaviour was the absence of a strong internal moral foundation: often rooted in a father's engagement, or lack thereof, from ages zero to four. This moral vacuum was made worse when the mother also exhibited weak leadership.
He observed that true rehabilitation and change come from within. And the lack of a father’s guidance during early development leaves that inner space unformed and vulnerable.
Stepping Up: Restoring the Role of Fatherhood
Thankfully, the narrative doesn’t end with what’s broken. Around the world, individuals and organisations are stepping into this gap, working to restore the vital role of fatherhood.
Movements such as The World Needs a Father and the Growing Up Without a Father foundation seek to equip men to become the fathers their families and communities need. Others, like Rob Kenney—who was abandoned by his own father at 14—have found unique ways to offer guidance to fatherless children. Kenney’s YouTube channel, Dad, How Do I?, has become a global platform of practical help and fatherly advice for those who lack parental guidance. Since its launch in April 2020, it has gained millions of subscribers and touched hearts worldwide.
These stories show that change is possible: and that men can step into this role even if they didn’t have role models themselves.
Relating to a Heavenly Father
For many, the idea of a loving Father is difficult to grasp, especially for those who grew up without one or carry the wounds of a broken father-child relationship. How can a person come to trust in God’s fatherly love when their earthly experience has been marked by pain or absence?
Dr Khoo, reflecting on the long-term transformation of individuals, emphasised the role of “a true, religious conversion” as the most significant factor in rehabilitation. At the heart of this transformation is the ability to connect with God as Father.
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" — 1 John 3:1
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in this connection. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our Helper: not only to empower us for mission, but also to guide us into relationship with the Father. He bridges the gap between our human experiences and the perfect, unconditional love of God.
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." — John 1:12
Petra Institute: Building Communities Where Children Are Welcome
Our calling is rooted in God’s heart for children, especially those who are emotionally wounded, alienated, or growing up without love and safety. While many churches focus inwardly on their children, our focus includes those outside the church, those who are often overlooked.
Through strategic partnerships with churches and organisations working in contexts of poverty, emergency, and persecution, we aim to build capacity in children’s ministry and restore broken relationships. Our goal is to see children welcomed into healing communities and families where they can experience the love of the Father.
To support this vision, we offer several in-partnership training programmes:
- Entering the World of Children – Equips children’s ministry workers to help children begin a relationship with God the Father.
- Helping Children Grow in Faith – Helps deepen children's faith journeys through relationship and reflection.
- Walking with Wounded Children – Trains caregivers to walk with emotionally wounded children with sensitivity and insight.
Partnerships to Help Children Heal, Belong, and Thrive
If you’re passionate about building communities where children are truly welcome:, especially those growing up without the love and guidance of a father, consider partnering with us to bring healing and hope.
Whether you're a church leader, caregiver, educator, or organisation looking to strengthen your capacity for child-focused ministry, we would love to connect with you.
Get in touch with our Coordinator for Strategic Partnerships: Rev. Dirk Coetsee, to explore collaboration opportunities, learn more about our training programmes, or discuss how to advocate effectively for children in your context.
