There’s an amazing story that took place right here in Niagara. Sometimes the Lord surprises us in how he uses what we give him for his glory. This is such a story…
The author
Barry Adams grew up in an alcoholic home. He didn’t have a very good, caring, loving father. As a youth, Barry tried to please his father and earn his love and acceptance. He never felt he could. In spite of this rough beginning, Barry became a believer at age 15. He lived in St. Catharines and attended Westview Christian Fellowship.
Barry worked for the St. Catharines Standard newspaper for 19 years eventually becoming the director of advertising. He married Anneliese and raised a family of three children. In 1996, Barry felt God calling him into pastoral ministry so he quit his job and became the associate pastor of his home church. In 1998, he attended a retreat in North Bay. The speakers were Jack Winter and James Jordan and the topic was “The Father Heart of God”. The message had a profound impact on Barry.
The message
Barry now understood more clearly how much God really loved him. He moved from “orphan-hearted thinking” to fully seeing himself as a true son of God. As he continued reading and studying his Bible, he began to see the theme of God’s love and the Father’s heart everywhere in Scripture. He began making a list of all the places where God was expressing his love for his children.
Barry made it personal by paraphrasing the verses in the first person. Each statement included the word “I” or “my” as though God was speaking directly to each person. When he finished he had 54 statements. He simply called it “Father’s Love Letter”. It began with the words, “My child” and continued with statements like these:
* “You may not know me, but I know everything about you” (Psalm 139:1)
* “I knit you together in your mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13)
* “Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand” (James 1:17)
* “Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4)
* “Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
The “love letter” ended with this: “Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen” (Luke 15:7). “I have always been Father, and will always be Father.” (Ephesians 3:14-15). “My question is… Will you be my child?” (John 1:12-13). “I am waiting for you.” (Luke 15:11-32) “Love, Your Dad, Almighty God”.
Barry made it into a powerpoint to present to his church family on a Sunday morning in January 1999. He prayed it would be an encouragement and blessing. Little did he know how God would use it.
The impact
The response that morning in his congregation was immediate and (for many) emotional as people realized how extravagant, unconditional and sacrificial God’s love for them has always been. Barry quickly realized that others could be helped and blessed as well. He began sharing it with other individuals and congregations . Audio and video versions and a website www.FathersLoveLetter.com were produced.
Barry eventually asked his church if he could be released to spread this message more widely and in 2000 a ministry called “Father Heart Communications” was launched. A book was produced in 2003 to tell the story. He has personally visited and ministered in 14 countries on all five continents. The “love letter” has been translated into 126 languages. The website reaches over 125 countries and has had millions of visits over the years. The impact continues to spread.
Today, Barry and his wife have been married for over 40 years and have three grandchildren. Next year will be the 25th anniversary since Barry shared his personalized “love letter” with his church family. Together, they have experienced this truth —“God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
