Story of Hope: Edward

Edward knows first hand what it means to grow up without a father. At the age of 5 years old, Edward’s father left him and his 6 other siblings to their mother. Without his father’s support and guidance, his family fell on very hard times. Despite his family situation, Edward was fortunate to meet caring individuals throughout his young life which helped to steer him in the right direction.

Edward had the talent to play football. Because of his determination and willingness to listen to individuals who helped him along the way, Edward was awarded his senior year in high school a full athletic scholarship to play for Jackie Sherrill’s Mississippi State University Bulldogs.

Even though outwardly Edward appeared to be the most excited young man on earth, his heart was still empty. This feeling of abandonment left on April 13, 1997 when Edward gave his heart to Jesus Christ. From that time God placed in Edward’s heart a hunger to reach out and help other children like himself whose father was not actively involved in their lives. Thus was born the Father’s Child Ministry, a non-profit ministry in Columbus MS dedicated to ending fatherlessness. Father’s Child has a mentoring program for fatherless teens, a support group for moms, and a father’s outreach program dedicated to shaping young fathers into who they need to be.

It’s been my privilege to be able to be a part of this ministry for the past three years. Edward is the real deal. He’s a man’s man, but it’s his heart for others that defines him. He goes for the most at-risk teens and becomes a father figure to them. This past weekend I had the privilege of speaking at his annual Manhood Camp, where he takes the boys in his program out of town for a weekend of godly character building.

These kids are ones that society might have already given up on. They’re in danger of becoming another statistic, but not if Edward can help it. He’s one man through the power of the Spirit making a difference in over a hundred families. These are the people we should celebrate. If God can redeem the tragic circumstances in Edward’s life and use it as a catalyst for good, I know God can do the same in your life. That’s hope.

to find out more about the Father’s Child Ministry, visit his website.