Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. Statement

I want to commend Chairman Linwood Dillard for managing the affairs of the AIM 2014 Convention excellently. I want to personally say thank you to him, each of the department leaders and the entire AIM staff. You have done a great job in Kansas City.

Also, congratulations for being a part of the Baltimore, Maryland Business Journal list of conventions with the highest economic impact for 2013 ranking in the Top 15.

I recently made and acted upon very unwise decisions regarding my diet over a period of two days. This resulted in some painful digestive issues, which have now been resolved. There are no continuing major problems that remain. The doctors expect a full recovery and there are no outstanding issues about which they are concerned.

I am allowing my digestive system to fully recover. I am 100% better and strongly wish to be in Kansas City at AIM, but my family and doctors have insisted that I take a few more days, to replenish my body and get all the nutrients back in my system.

Please know that I am well, in good health and experiencing nothing more than what I have stated.

Lady Mae and I love you and the AIM family and will see you soon, God Bless You!

A special Father's Day Message from the IMD

Reflecting on the spiritual inheritance, impact and influence of all of our Fathers of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc., Dr. Judith Christie McAllister, International Minister of Music and President, and the entire constituency of the International Music Department, would like to extend a blessed "HAPPY FATHER'S DAY" to his eminence, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., our most beloved Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, along with all of the brethren of this great church. WE HONOR YOU!!!

One of the greatest joys in my life is being a godly father to my children. As I’ve matured spiritually, I’ve learned that being a good father is okay, but being a godly father is best. Fathers play such an important role in the success of children by showing them manhood; showing them how to work hard; helping to shape their aspirations; and giving them confidence. When we fail to do our job, our children are worse off for it. The signs of godly fathers missing in action are everywhere (statistics compiled by The Fatherless Generation):

• 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes– 5 times the average. (US Dept. Of Health/Census)
• 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average.
• 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average. (Center for Disease Control)
• 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26)
• 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report)
• 39% of 7,000 surveyed inmates come from fatherless homes. (2002 Department of Justice Survey)

The absence of strong men has had a profound effect on the youth of today. As troubling as these statistics are, however, all is not lost. We don’t have to look far to find the perfect blueprint of a great father – we need only look to God Himself and the blueprint found throughout His Word. If we can integrate these traits of God into our lives, we will not only be good fathers, but we will be great, godly fathers.

God is Love

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

A man who loves his family invests physically, mentally and spiritually into their well-being. Love requires a sacrifice and men are often called upon to make sacrifices for the betterment of their families. God gave His only begotten Son to reconcile His most prized possession back to Himself (1 Corinthians 5:18-19). Love is unconditional and doesn’t place stipulations on the recipient (Romans 5:8). Love challenges us to invest into and train up our children to give them hope for their future (Proverbs 22:6). Without love, we cannot be or become godly fathers.

God is Holy

“But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

In this day and time, image is everything.  It’s not just a slogan, but a holy image should be a way of life for men of God. Godly fathers walk in integrity and provide their children with a model of godliness that they can follow (Proverbs 20:7). Godly fathers put childish actions behind them (I Corinthians 13:11) and strive to walk worthy of being called a father (Ephesians 4:1). Our children are monitoring what we do, what we say, how we lead and how we react.  They can see if we’re being real or fake. Godly fathers portray an image of holiness and integrity.

God is Consistent

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken , and shall he not make it good.” Numbers 23:19

“For I am the LORD, I change not;” Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Godly fathers bring stability into their homes by being consistent. It is hard for children to focus when fathers are inconsistent in their actions and interaction. My pastor fondly recalls how his father “put manhood into him” by teaching him work ethic, maintaining discipline in the home and practicing what he preached. Godly fathers are focused and are not unstable (James 1:8). Godly fathers are trustworthy, building confidence and strength in their children and family as a whole (Psalm 37:3-5).

God is Patient

“The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression.” Numbers 14:18a

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Patience, compassion and longsuffering are not common traits for men when it comes to our children, but as we grow in Christ, they should become qualities of godly fathers. Our quick tempers yield foolish decisions and results, but patience shows wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 14:17, 29). Our words can build up or destroy, so patience allows us to breathe life into our families no matter the situation (Proverbs 18:21).

God Is Strong

“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” Psalm 24:8

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

Men who rely upon God as the source of their strength create a fortress of protection around their homes, providing their families with peace and security. God urged Joshua to be strong (Joshua 1:6) and Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus to be strong (Ephesians 6:10), but it was all based on God’s power and might, and not their own strength. Without God, we’ll always fail, but with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Godly fathers rely upon God to help them protect and support their family.

Before we were born, God knew us and shaped us for this day and time (Jeremiah 1:5). Godly fathers mimic the traits of God. If we can follow in the footsteps of God our Father and apply His Word to every aspect of our lives, we can change the lives of our children, our children’s children and the world at large.