Raising Fatherless Kids

Lori Apon
  • 5.0 (55)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Over 20 years ago Lori Apon found herself raising eight children without a dad and in desperate need of help. Psalm 68:5, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling," became the family's anchor.Raising Fatherless Kids podcast hosts weekly conversations that offer practical guidance on how to do life with children who don't have a dad. You will hear from Lori Apon, founder of Perspective Ministries, and guests who bring hope and understanding because they have been there. The good news is that with God as Father you are never alone!

  1. 4d ago

    235. Biblical Boundaries: God’s Protection for Widows & Fatherless Kids

    Boundaries can feel confusing, painful, or even threatening, especially after loss. For widows and single moms, it may seem as though all protection has been stripped away. But Scripture tells a different story. In this episode, we look at God’s promise to set and guard the boundary stones of the widow. Long before boundaries became a modern conversation, God established Himself as the protector and defender of the vulnerable. You will be reminded that even in seasons where life feels exposed, God has drawn clear lines of protection around you and your children. This episode is both reassuring and points listeners back to the safety, authority, and care of our Heavenly Father. Key Takeaways: God sets and protects boundaries for widows You are covered, even when life feels exposed God defends what is entrusted to you Scripture References: Proverbs 15:25, 23:10–11, Psalm 16:6, 68:5, 139:5 Other Resources: Anger in Grief: Helping your Heart and Your Child Heal Podcast Episode 204 with Lori Apon Connect You can learn more about Perspective Ministries, find resources for widows and mothers raising fatherless children, and connect with upcoming gatherings at www.perspectiveministries.org You are not alone. God sees you, He is present, and He is faithfully defending you and your children.

  2. Sep 23

    234. God of Comfort with Lisa Appelo

    Grief can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and unsure of how to move forward. While God does not always remove the pain of loss, He promises to meet us in it. In this episode, Lori talks with bestselling author Lisa Appelo about experiencing God as the God of comfort and learning to trust His character through grief. Lisa shares how daily time in God’s Word helped her walk through the sudden loss of her husband and discover that life can be good again. Key Takeaways:How God meets us in the pain and loneliness of grief.What it means to do the hard work of grief through lament and trust.Why knowing the character of God can bring comfort when circumstances do not change.How giving joy and comfort to others can help us experience joy again. Scripture:2 Corinthians 1:3–4, Matthew 28:20 Connect with Perspective MinistriesVisit Perspective Ministries to find biblical encouragement and resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children. Follow Perspective Ministries on social media and subscribe to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast so you don't miss an episode.

  3. Sep 16

    233. Recognizing and Releasing What Keeps Us Anchored to Grief

    Grief is a natural response to loss, and there is no timetable for how long it should last. But over time, the reminders of loss can either help us remember with gratitude or keep us anchored to the pain. This episode explores how to recognize “trophies of grief” and prayerfully replace them with “trophies of grace”—reminders that put God's faithfulness on display. Key Takeaways: How to recognize when grief may be holding you hostage. Knowing when it may be time to let go of reminders of loss. Why grief should not become your identity. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1–4, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Connect with Perspective Ministries Visit Perspective Ministries to find biblical encouragement and resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children. Follow Perspective Ministries on social media and subscribe to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast so you don't miss an episode.

  4. Sep 9

    232. Suicide Loss: Finding Hope When the Questions Remain

    During Suicide Awareness Week, we are having an honest conversation about one of the most difficult kinds of loss. Drawing from personal experience after the death of her husband by suicide, Lori shares biblical hope for those grieving the loss of a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or friend. In this episode, you'll hear practical guidance for helping children process suicide loss, learn how to respond to the questions and lies that often follow tragedy, and be reminded that even when answers are not found, God remains faithful. Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, there is hope because the absence of an earthly father never changes the presence of our heavenly Father. Key Takeaways Common questions families face after a suicide loss Helping children process grief in healthy, biblical ways Truths that protect against guilt, shame, and fear How churches and friends can faithfully support grieving families Scriptures Mentioned: Genesis 50:20, Psalm 68:5, Isaiah 41:10 and 46:1, Ezekiel 18, John 10:10, Hebrews 13:5 Resources Mentioned Absent Dad, Present Father Solace for Suicide booklet Children are not bound by the Past from Ezekiel 18 Podcast Episode # 221 Hope, Hurt, and Healing Podcast Episode #181 with Catherine Renfro Helping Children Grieve Loss by Suicide Podcast Episode #129 The Sovereignty of God in Suicide Connect with Perspective Ministries If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need hope today. To learn more about Perspective Ministries and discover resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children, visit PerspectiveMinistries.org. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact your local emergency services if you are elsewhere.

  5. Sep 2

    231. Praying for Our Children

    As moms, we want to protect, guide, and help our children, but at times, the greatest thing we can do is bring them before the Lord in prayer. In this episode, we look at Abraham's powerful example of intercession in Genesis 18 and discover how God prepares us to pray for others through our own journey of faith. Learn what it means to stand before God on behalf of your children, trust His character when you do not know the outcome, and find hope in knowing that He hears every prayer. Whether you are praying for a young child, a struggling teen, or an adult son or daughter, be encouraged that your prayers matter because the God who remembered Abraham still hears and responds today. Key Takeaways What intercession really is and why it is so important Pray God's character when you do not know how He will answer your prayers Practical ways to pray intentionally for your children every day Scriptures Mentioned: Genesis 17-19, Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 121:2 Connect with Perspective Ministries If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent or caregiver who needs hope. To learn more about Perspective Ministries and resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children, visit PerspectiveMinistries.org.

  6. Aug 26

    230. When Dad Never Came Home: Colleen Nunn’s Story

    When Colleen Nunn was two years old, her father went missing in action during the Vietnam War. For 13 years, her family lived with the hope that he might return home. Although she grew up without memories of her dad, God faithfully placed people in her life who showed her His love and pointed her to Him. In this episode, Colleen shares how her mother’s faith, her grandmother’s godly example, and the work of the Holy Spirit helped her come to know God as her present Heavenly Father. Her story is a powerful reminder that even when an earthly dad is absent, God is near, faithful, and at work. Key Takeaways A godly grandmother’s love and example can leave a lasting spiritual legacy. God faithfully provides for His children, even in ways we may not recognize until years later. Children need the freedom to process grief in their own way and in their own time. When an earthly dad is absent, our Heavenly Father is present, providing the comfort, guidance, and help we need. Scripture Mentioned: Psalm 27, Proverbs 9:10, Luke 11:9–13, Romans 8:16 How to Connect Absent Dad Present FatherColleen’s story is one of 30 true stories featured in Absent Dad Present Father, offering biblical hope and pointing readers to God, the Father of the fatherless. Order your copy at PerspectiveMinistries.org Perspective MinistriesLearn more about resources and support for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children at PerspectiveMinistries.org Follow Perspective Ministries on Instagram: @PerspectiveMinistries

  7. Aug 19

    229. Handpicked by God: Amy Vliet’s Story of Adoption, Faith, and Fatherlessness

    Amy Vliet grew up in Japan as one of 15 children adopted by missionary Betty Vliet, founder of Ebenezer Children’s Home. Although Amy never knew her biological father, her mother taught her from an early age that she had been handpicked by God and could know Him as her Heavenly Father. Amy shares how that foundation carried her through the questions of growing up without a dad and, years later, through the loss of her husband, Russ, to cancer. Her story is a testimony of God’s faithfulness through generations and the truth that He is Father to the fatherless. Key Takeaways -One step of obedience can impact generations. -The importance of helping adopted and fatherless children understand their stories through a biblical perspective. -A mother’s example of faith makes a lasting impact through Scripture, prayer, and family routines. -God is faithful to be Father to the fatherless. Scripture Referenced: Psalm 61:2, Psalm 68:5 How to Connect Absent Dad Present Father Discover Amy’s story along with 29 other testimonies of God’s faithfulness in Absent Dad Present Father Perspective Ministries Learn more about resources and encouragement for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children through Perspective Ministries. Raising Fatherless Kids Podcast Subscribe to Raising Fatherless Kids and share this episode with a mom or family who needs the encouragement that God is faithful to be Father to the fatherless.

  8. Aug 12

    228. God’s Gentle Fathering with Susan Bongers Richcreek

    What happens when a twelve-year-old girl loses her father just days before her thirteenth birthday? In this heartfelt conversation, Lori welcomes Absent Dad, Present Father contributor Susan Richcreek to share how the loss of her father shaped her life and how God faithfully stepped into the role He promises in Psalm 68:5 as Father to the fatherless. Susan shares what it was like to lose her father to cancer at age twelve and how that loss impacted her growing up. Together, Lori and Susan discuss God's promise to be a Father to the fatherless, the unique challenges children often face after losing a parent, and the practical ways God faithfully provides comfort, wisdom, and guidance through every season. They also encourage mothers and fatherless children to trust God's character and His faithful presence, even when life does not unfold as they hoped. Key Takeaways God faithfully steps into the lives of the fatherless as the perfect FatherA personal relationship with God brings strength through grief and every season of lifeEven when we do not understand God's plan, we can trust His characterGod's gentle presence often meets us in ordinary moments when we need Him most Resources Absent Dad, Present Father Connect with Perspective Ministries Learn more about Perspective Ministries and resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless families. Website: https://perspectiveministries.org

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About

Over 20 years ago Lori Apon found herself raising eight children without a dad and in desperate need of help. Psalm 68:5, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling," became the family's anchor.Raising Fatherless Kids podcast hosts weekly conversations that offer practical guidance on how to do life with children who don't have a dad. You will hear from Lori Apon, founder of Perspective Ministries, and guests who bring hope and understanding because they have been there. The good news is that with God as Father you are never alone!

Information

  • Creator
    Lori Apon
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    239
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lori Apon
  • Show Website
    Raising Fatherless Kids

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