Why Fathers Must Be Present In Their Children’s Lives

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Despite the spiritual mandate, many families in The Bahamas are headed by single mothers, who are tasked with being both mother and father to their children.

Apostle Raymond Wells, Senior Pastor of Living Waters Kingdom Ministries, says that while mothers are natural nurturers, there is a downside to this dynamic.

Apostle Raymond Wells – Senior Pastor, Living Waters Kingdom Ministries
“If there is no balance, it will affect the children mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. So there must be a balance. Even if the father and the mother are not married, that still doesn’t ignore the fact that both of them have a role to play in the lives of the child or the children.”

Wells attributes many of the social ills currently facing The Bahamas to the absence of fathers in the lives of their children. He referenced personal encounters to support this point.

Apostle Raymond Wells – Senior Pastor, Living Waters Kingdom Ministries
“Where I sit in the country as a pastor and also the chaplain for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and also having worked in the prison for years, a whole lot of the children who are wayward and are either incarcerated , most of them will tell you that their father was not in their lives.”

As a father of three himself, he says the highlights of fatherhood are being present and being able to provide for his children.

This Father’s Day, he is leaving a heartfelt message for other fathers:

Apostle Raymond Wells – Senior Pastor, Living Waters Kingdom Ministries
“Sometimes it’s not the gift that you give them, it’s the time that you give them. And there are times when you find yourself in hard times as a father, where you can’t provide the gift or pay for this school fee or do this, but be present. Let them know that you’re there for them, and do whatever you can to help guide them or direct them. That’s the best gift, that’s the eternal gift.”