Fatherless Generation: Redeeming the Story
John Sowers
Zondervan, 2010, 144 pages, $14.99
Every youth worker is familiar with the plight of fatherless youth. They are often identifiable by their constant shame, their nagging loneliness, their unending sense of being rejected. According to author John Sowers, statistics show that fatherless youngsters account for 63 percent of youth suicides, 71 percent of teen pregnancies and 85 percent of youth who exhibit behavior disorders. Fatherless Generation is a must-read for youth workers who are tired of these harsh realities.
In the first half of the book, Sowers, president of The Mentoring Project, describes the plague of the upcoming generation’s fatherlessness in heartbreaking detail. Dozens of stories (including his own) punctuate his vivid portrayal of the effects of this insidious problem. Among other things, Sowers discusses gang involvement, teen pregnancy and substance abuse.
The second half of the book is a clarion call to action. Though preventative measures against fatherlessness are helpful, Sowers insightfully argues for mentoring. Why? Because meaningful relationships are the only way to reach the fatherless generation. These latter chapters include numerous practical examples of mentor-mentee relationships, as well as three useful benchmarks for mentoring.
This book’s readability, its accessible length and its powerful message make it ideal for disseminating to people in your church and community.
