A resource for parents coming soon to Ekalaka

Our youth make up the most valuable resource this community has. As we look into the innocent eyes of a small child or the hardened gaze of a rebellious teenager, we do not just see who they are today but who they will be. They are the next generation; they are the ones who will lead Carter County forward in an ever-changing world. If you share a concern for our youth the question becomes, how do we set them up for the very best chance of success in life? Who is responsible for guarding and molding and investing these young hearts? Who has the most opportunity to influence our next generation? The answer is you, moms, and dads. It is up to you to raise your children, to raise up a new generation. Parenting is an exciting adventure, but it is also a sobering and weighty commitment. It is full of life’s greatest joys and some of the greatest struggles we will ever face. As the job of parenting is so difficult, several in the community have expressed the need for resources for parents. Starting on Sunday, January 8th, a six-week parenting class will be held on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at the Carter County Event Center. It will feature a video presentation from Paul David Tripp entitled, “Getting to the Heart of Parenting.” Local facilitators will guide the class through group discussion of the hope-filled and practical biblical principles addressed in each session.

Who should attend this class? This will be a valuable resource for parents of kids of all ages from birth through their teenage years, but it is not just limited to parents who have children at home. If you are a grandparent who is involved in the lives of your grandkids and would like to be better equipped to invest in them, this class is for you. Young singles and couple are also encouraged to attend as you plan well for the future task of raising children wisely. Teachers and others who work closely with children and parents would also benefit from these sessions. It is open to all whether you are struggling as a parent or if everything is going well.

“Parenting is more than using your power to get children to behave in certain ways. Parenting is all about the exposure and change of the child’s heart. When the heart changes, the behavioral change that is needed will be lasting. Learn how to be an instrument of heart changing grace in the little moments of life that God gives you with your children, whether they are toddlers or teens.” — Getting to the Heart of Parenting (Paul David Tripp).

Adult-led childcare will be provided during each session that will be themed around the topic that will be discussed in the adult session so that both the parents and young people will be encouraged together by these sessions.

These sessions and additional resources will be provided free of charge by local community volunteers, but for the sake of getting a rough number on how many to plan for, we do ask that you contact one of the facilitators and let them know that you are interested in attending.

If you have any questions or are interested in attending, please call: LeRoy and Jennifer Schallenberger at 406-775-6302; Shawn and Sarah Strangford at 406-775-6752; Jonathan and Rachel DeFord at 406-775-6517; Jon and Kati Champlin at 406-775-6234; Steve and Celeste DeFord at 406-775-6760.