The lecture was built
on sequential statement of the 7 principals of relationships formation: praise
(independently from emotional condition of the child), adoption (independently
from circumstances, it gives the sense of security), values (it gives the sense
of significance), accessibility (it gives the sense of necessity), tenderness
(expression of mental warmth and caress), concern about the child’s world, responsibility
(accountability). In my opinion, there was a very interesting thought that
“responsibility without relationships leads to rebelliousness.” Truly, in our
society today there are a lot of children who “rose” against their parents. And
this is all because parents did not know how to raise their children properly,
how to build relationships with them.
The target audience
for Josh McDowell all over the world is parents, young adults and educational workers.
During the last 30 years, he has visited 107 countries and delivered 23
thousand speeches in front of a multi-million youth audience. He wrote 98 books
which are translated into 60 different languages. Here are the titles of some
of his books: “Handbook on Counseling Youth,” “In Search of Certainty,” “Disconnected
Generation,” “A Word which Builds Relationships,” “How to be a Hero to Your Kids.”
His scientific research works were noted by prestigious rewards of “Gold Medallion”.
It is
interesting that Josh has a very open hurt for Ukrainian children. Beginning
with 1992, he regularly visits Ukraine,
Russia and Byelorussia within the framework of
a special project “Operation Carelift” (modern title “Global Aid Network”).
Thanks to this project, more then 4,000 tones of clothes, school stationery and
toys were given to 10, 000, 000 children from needy families.
For resolving
obvious problems of the present, Josh McDowell uses both social-practical and biblical
approach. His lectures find live response in the hearts of listeners, give them
opportunity to get valuable answers on vital questions of life and give hope
for better understanding of young adults and consolidation of family relationships.
Josh and his
wife Dotty have 37 years of family life and joint work. They have 4 children and
one grandchild.
One would really
want that the knowledge gained at Josh McDowell’s seminar would find reflection
in our real life and help many parents and teachers in building relationships
with “disciples”. We are thankful to our guest for revealing “the secrets of fatherhood
in the 21st century”.
Svetlana Iotko,
student of journalism
department (KCU)
From the editorial staff. The conference was
organized by a public organization ”International Center of Paternity” (mission “Ukraine
for Christ”) headed by Alexander Marchenko (phone 8(067) 402-5469). The next event
of the ICP is a forum “The role of the father in family and society” will be
held on September 18, 2008 in the Kiev
international center of culture and art (former October Palace).
Translated by Anastasia Maksimova
