In this heartfelt conversation, Lori talks with David Welch, a husband of 42 years, father of four, and grandfather of nine, who shares his powerful story of growing up without a dad. At just eight years old, David lost his father unexpectedly and was raised by a single mother who carried the weight of providing, nurturing, and grieving alone. His journey beautifully testifies to how God pursued him, guided his steps, and became the Father he never had.

David’s story, featured in Absent Dad, Present Father, offers hope to single moms raising sons and daughters without an earthly dad. His experiences remind us that God is present in the pain, faithful through the years, and intentional in bringing godly mentors at just the right time.

Key Takeaways

1. God is faithful, even in the absence of a father From early childhood through adulthood, David experienced God’s steady presence, even before he came to faith. Looking back, he sees how the Lord redirected his path countless times and gently drew him toward salvation.

2. The role of a faithful mother matters David’s mother worked tirelessly and carried immense responsibility alone. Though he didn’t fully appreciate her sacrifices as a boy, he now sees the courage and strength it took for her to raise him with love and moral grounding.

3. Mentorship comes in God’s timing For years, David lacked a male role model—but God provided one later through his father-in-law, a gentle pastor who modeled what it means to be a husband and father. Moms, this is a reminder: God knows the right mentors for your children and will bring them at just the right time.

4. For moms with rebellious or wandering children David’s encouragement to mothers: Do not lose hope. Even when your son or daughter seems far from God, He is still working. The same God who pursued David is pursuing your child. Keep praying, keep pointing them to Jesus, and trust Him to write their story.

Encouragement for the Listener

If you’re walking this journey alone, take heart. You are not forgotten. God sees your faithfulness, and one day your children will see it too. Your story, and theirs, is still being written by a loving Father who is faithful through every season.

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Absent Dad, Present Father: Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness to Fatherless Children

• David Welch’s Blog: The Scarred Oak Redemption | David Welch | Substack

https//davidwelch.substack.com

Connect with Perspective Ministries: PerspectiveMinistries.org Follow on Instagram @perspectiveministries

The start of a new year often brings both relief after the holidays and a desire for a fresh beginning. In this episode, mothers are encouraged to make God’s Word a foundation in their home by intentionally teaching the Bible to their children.

You do not need to be a Bible expert or have a perfect routine. This episode offers simple ways to begin learning Scripture together and trusting God to bring forth fruit from the seeds planted.

Key Takeaways

• What Scripture Says About God’s Word

• Guidance on how to instill God’s Word into the hearts of your children

• Suggested Scripture for memorization

• An overview of how to teach the Bible to your children from preschool to the teenage years

Trusted Resources

• The Big Picture Bible

• Happy Hymnody 

• The New City Catechism: 52 Questions and Answers for Our Hearts and Minds 

• Old Story New

• The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New (The Kid's Theology Series) by Marty Machowski
• WonderFull: Ancient Psalms Ever New (The Kid's Theology Series) by Marty Machowski
• The Bible Recap for Kids: A 365-Day Guide Through the Bible for Young Readers Ages 8-12  by Tara-Leigh Cobble 

If you would like additional encouragement and resources for raising fatherless children, we would love to connect with you. Visit perspectiveministries.org for more podcast episodes, Bible-based resources, and information on Hope Gatherings in your area. 

As the year comes to a close, Lori invites single and widowed mothers to pause, reflect, andremember God's faithfulness. Whether this New Year’s Eve is quiet, heavy, hopeful, or filledwith questions, Lori shares encouragement from Scripture, from her home, and from the ministryGod has built through Perspective Ministries.In this tender episode, she reflects on angels, shepherds, and the Christmas story—then followsMary’s example of “treasuring and pondering” all that God has done. Lori offers simplereflection questions for moms and children, shares her family’s “Year at a Glance” tradition, andopens her own heart about her word of the year, her family updates, ministry milestones, andGod’s continued goodness.Four Practical Takeaways1. Pause and remember God’s faithfulness.2. Reflect as a family using simple questions.3. Notice God’s care in your personal story.4. Look ahead with hope, trusting God’s gentle leading.Connect with Lori and Perspective Ministries● Website: perspectiveministries.org● Email: [email protected]● Subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform● Share this episode with a mom who may be entering the new year with sorrow, hope, or both.

On Christmas Eve, Lori invites single and widowed moms into the heart of the Christmas story—the Lamb of God who came near. While Christmas Eve is often portrayed as peaceful and serene, many moms raising children with an absent dad experience a night filled with pain, tears, and last–minute responsibilities. Lori offers compassion, biblical truth, and practical encouragement for mothers navigating Christmas with both hope and heartache.Tracing the Lamb of God through Scripture, from Genesis to the Gospels, Lori shows how Jesus has always been God’s plan of rescue and redemption. She reminds moms that Emmanuel, God with us, meets them in the loneliness and the sorrow, offering His presence, protection, and peace.In this episode, Lori shares:- Honest reflections from her own Christmas Eves as a widowed mom - How Jesus, the Lamb of God, appears throughout Scripture:-- Genesis 22 and God’s provision of the ram-- Exodus 12 and the Passover lamb-- Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of the suffering servant- The beauty of Emmanuel—God with us—in sorrow, uncertainty, and in the absence of an earthly dad- Encouragement for single and widowed moms facing fresh grief during the holidaysKey Takeaways:1. Jesus has always been the Lamb of God.2. God comes near to the humble and hurting.3. Emmanuel means you are not alone.4. Your children can experience the hope of Christmas in simple, meaningful ways.Connect with Lori and Perspective MinistriesWebsite: perspectiveministries.orgEmail: [email protected] to YouTube and your favorite podcast platform!Share this episode with a mom spending Christmas Eve in the quiet ache of what is missing.

As Christmas approaches and the days grow full and emotional, Lori invites single and widowed moms to look at a tender part of the Christmas story—the shepherds. These quiet, ordinary men were the first to hear the news that Jesus, the Savior, had come. Their story offers comfort for mothers raising children without an earthly dad, reminding us that God is our faithful Shepherd who watches, protects, provides, and gently leads those who have young.In this episode, Lori shares from Scripture, from her 26 years of widowhood, and from her heart as a mom who raised eight fatherless children. She highlights the shepherds’ role in the Christmas story and offers six practical ways God shepherds single and widowed mothers today.Key Takeaways:1. The shepherds reveal God’s heart for the overlooked and overwhelmed. He sees single and widowed moms who feel unnoticed and promises to be their Shepherd, watching over their families.2. God gently leads mothers who have young. He guides you one step at a time, equips you with wisdom, and holds you when you feel weak.3. Six comforting ways God shepherds moms raising children with an absent dad.4. Encouragement for mothers in fresh grief who are facing Christmas with tears and questions.Scriptures Mentioned:Isaiah 30:15, 40:11Psalm 68:5Proverbs 27:23Luke 2:8–20John 10:11Hebrews 13:20–21Connect with Lori and Perspective MinistriesWebsite: perspectiveministries.orgEmail: [email protected] to YouTube and your favorite podcast platformShare this episode with another mom who needs to know she is not alone this Christmas

Single and widowed moms often hear well–meaning phrases like, “Your daddy is now your guardian angel.” In this episode, Lori gently unpacks what Scripture really says about angels, clarifies common misunderstandings, and offers comforting, hope–filled truth you can share with your children.

Key Takeaways for Moms:

1. Do our loved ones become angels when they die?

2. Angels in Scripture

3. Angels in our lives today

4. How to teach our children about angels

Scriptures Mentioned:

Psalm 34:7, 91

Matthew 18:10, 22:30

Luke 2:8–20, 20:35–36

2 Corinthians 5:8

Hebrews 1:14

Revelation 5:11–12; 7:11–12

Connect with Lori and Perspective Ministries:

Website: perspectiveministries.orgEmail: [email protected]

Subscribe to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast and YouTube channel, and share this episode with a mom who is wondering how to talk with her children about angels and their loved ones in heaven.

In this heartfelt Christmas-season episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori shares the pivotal moment when God whispered, “You are just the mom.”

For every mother feeling the pressure to fill the void of an absent dad—through death, divorce, or desertion—this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to do it all. God’s presence is enough.

Lori is joined by her son Evan, who offers practical wisdom for moms raising sons without a father, with insightful encouragement for every stage of a boy’s growth from toddler to young man. Together, they share stories, laughter, and truth about letting go of perfection, resting in God’s peace, and trusting Him to father your children in ways you never can.

Key Takeaways

1. You are just the mom—and that’s enough You cannot be both mom and dad. God never asked you to fill that role. He is the Father to the fatherless, and He will fill every gap.

2. Simplify the season Christmas does not have to look perfect. Focus on peace over perfection. Choose simplicity, invite others in, and make room for God’s presence.

3. Raise sons with grace and space Let your boys be boys. Give them room to grow, to fall, and to rise again. Affirm them, pray for them, and respect them; your influence matters deeply.

4. Trust God’s faithful fatherhood You are called to mother with faith, not fear. God is working in your children’s hearts, shaping them into who He created them to be.

Stay Connected Stay connected for more hope-filled encouragement by subscribing to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast and visiting PerspectiveMinistries.org or following Perspective Ministries on social media.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many single and widowed moms feel the pain of an empty chair at the table,  a tender reminder of who is missing. This heartfelt episode offers hope and gentle guidance for moms navigating grief, change, and new traditions.

Whether you are facing your first holiday without your husband or walking through another year of absence, you are reminded that God’s grace meets you right where you are. His presence fills the quiet spaces with peace that surpasses understanding.

Key Takeaways

• Give sorrow a seat. Acknowledge the empty chair and the memories it represents. Allow tears and laughter to coexist.

• Gratitude and grief can sit side by side. Giving thanks magnifies God’s goodness, even in hard seasons.

• Look ahead with hope. Trust God for the strength, provision, and peace you need in the days ahead. Allow grace for yourself, your children, and others as God writes a new chapter in your story.

• Practical tips and encouragement, offering grace for tomorrow.

Stay Connected Stay connected for more hope-filled encouragement by subscribing to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast and visiting PerspectiveMinistries.org or following Perspective Ministries on social media.

In this heartfelt episode, Lori Apon welcomes her son, Evan, to share what it was like to grow up without a dad and how God became his Father. Together, they encourage moms raising sons to move from a victim mentality to a victorious mindset rooted in truth. You will be reminded that even when Dad is absent, God is present and powerful to redeem your child’s story.

Key Takeaways

1. Beliefs shape behavior

   A victim mentality begins with false beliefs like “I can’t overcome.” Moms can help their sons replace those lies with truth from God’s Word, which leads to hope and confidence.

2. God is the true Father

   Even without an earthly dad, sons can find identity, strength, and direction in their heavenly Father, who promises to be faithful.

3. Moms are powerful influencers

   Your example of faith, gratitude, and perseverance speaks louder than words. When you live in victory, your children learn to do the same.

4. From pain to purpose

   God can turn every hard place into a platform for His glory. Encourage your children to trust His plan and walk forward in hope.

Stay Connected

For more encouragement and resources for single and widowed moms, visit PerspectiveMinistries.org. You can also follow Perspective Ministries on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for weekly inspiration, podcast updates, and stories of hope.

In this special episode marking the beginning of Raising Fatherless Kids on YouTube, host Lori Apon takes us back to where it all began—the story behind the podcast and Perspective Ministries. Lori shares her personal journey from wife to widow, mothering eight young children after tragedy, and the hope she found in God’s promise from Psalm 68:5: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.”

Whether you’re a single mom, a widow, or raising children who’ve lost or been abandoned by their dad, this episode offers biblical encouragement, honest reflection, and a list of 25 things to expect when raising children with God as Father.

Key Takeaways

1. God will be faithful.

2. When in transition, God is at work.

3. Expect God to father your children.

4. Expect to grow as a warrior and a woman of prayer.

5. Expect hope to rise.

   
   

   Scriptures Mentioned

• Psalm 68:5 – God is a Father to the fatherless and Defender of the widow.

• Psalm 18:34–36 – He trains our hands for battle and strengthens us.

• Isaiah 40:11 – He gently leads those with young.

• Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.

• Matthew 11:30, Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 40:31, Ephesians 6, James 1 – Encouragement for weary hearts.

  
  

Episode Highlights

• Lori recounts the night God’s Word in Psalm 68:5 became her family’s anchor.

• How Perspective Ministries began with one widow’s obedience to trust God through pain.

• The pivotal—not darkest—day that changed everything.

• 25 lessons learned from raising eight children without an earthly dad.

• Encouragement for moms to expect God’s presence, provision, and promises to hold true.
  

Encouragement for Moms

You are not alone. God is with you, and He will father your children. You are a visual aid to the world of His glory. He is using your story and your children’s lives to display His faithfulness and love.

For more hope-filled resources, visit PerspectiveMinistries.org or follow @PerspectiveMinistries on Instagram and Facebook.