"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
I Corinthians 15:58
(KJV)
In these troubled times, as I look around upon the conditions of hostility towards God,
His Word, and Biblical principles, I admit that I often fight discouragement.
I frequently find myself searching for a beacon of spiritual stability...
one that is uncompromising, one that has remained steadfast, in spite of society's changing culture,
one that has maintained a long-lasting history of Godly consistency and integrity.
During these moments, my thoughts often turn to a ministry that has been a profound blessing
to my family and me throughout the years.
His Word, and Biblical principles, I admit that I often fight discouragement.
I frequently find myself searching for a beacon of spiritual stability...
one that is uncompromising, one that has remained steadfast, in spite of society's changing culture,
one that has maintained a long-lasting history of Godly consistency and integrity.
During these moments, my thoughts often turn to a ministry that has been a profound blessing
to my family and me throughout the years.
Looking back, I can't remember when or how Mom and Dad first became aware of Focus on the Family, but what I can recall is the steady encouragement this ministry has brought into our lives.
Mom and Dad have been called home to glory, they have won their crown, and the race of their earthly pilgrimage has been run.
Now Kevin and I are raising our own dear son, and I cannot express how much it means to know that Focus on the Family still endures, that same steadfast lighthouse of truth, continually pouring encouragement into the lives of families who long to raise their children in the ways of the Lord.
They still stand for life, for traditional marriage, and for the old-time foundation of Biblical truth that Mom and Dad strove so hard to instill within me.
It is with great joy and blessed gratitude that we share with you the interview of the man who is now at the helm of this ministry and who is faithfully carrying the same torch of keeping the trust of truth that has been committed to him in this current generation.
He has an amazing testimony of God's redeeming grace,
and you will be abundantly blessed as you read his Inner Views.
The
of
President of Focus on the Family,
Jim Daly.
Cheryl: Please tell us about yourself.
Jim: Well, first of all, thank you, Cheryl, for giving me the opportunity to share with you and your readers.
I’ll introduce myself first as the president of Focus on the Family and host of its radio program, since that is how your readers would most likely know me. I served at Focus for 16 years before being named president in 2005.
But as honored as I am at the opportunity God has given me to lead Focus, I consider being a husband and dad more important. My wife Jean and I married in 1986, and we have two teenage boys, Trent and Troy. We’re also currently caring for two young children in the foster care system. Having a family means the world to me, partly because of my chaotic upbringing.
My dad was an alcoholic and he abandoned the family when I was 5 years old. He died of circumstances related to the disease when I was 12. My mom soon remarried, and our stepfather – although he truly loved my mom – didn’t care for us kids. He abandoned the children after Mom died of cancer when I was 9. We came home from her funeral to find an emptied house.
I went on to spend some time in foster care. I didn’t find a true place of belonging until I became a Christian in high school.
My life is proof that God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Why else would He choose an orphan with a troubled upbringing to lead an international Christian organization dedicated to helping families thrive? Truly, all things are possible for God!
Cheryl: How were you first introduced to the cross of Jesus Christ? When did you surrender your life to Him?
Jim: Although my mom wasn’t overly religious, she was a good woman who loved us deeply. She taught her children the Golden Rule and had even put me in a church after-school program where I studied the Bible every Wednesday.
But Mom didn’t give her heart to God until the cancer had almost taken her. I thank God that my “adopted” grandparents – neighbors from the happy early days of my childhood – visited Mom when she was at the hospital and led her to Christ.
As a 9-year-old boy who was a nominal churchgoer at best, I was comforted by learning the story of her conversion, but it wasn’t something I really understood.
Fast-forward to 1976, when I was a high school sophomore. I was in desperate need of a male role model… and God brought me Coach Paul Moro.
Coach Moro was the new high school football coach. He was a star college football player, but instead of pursuing the sport professionally, he wanted to coach and mentor high-schoolers.
I’m so glad he did.
Soon, Coach Mo and his wife, Joyce, were inviting me to their house for dinner. For the first time since I was 4, I saw what an intact family situation was like. He pushed me on the field.
And he was a Christian.
I wanted to learn more, so Coach invited me to join him and others from our team to attend a football camp sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The days were filled with practice and training – and our evenings with something called “devotions.”
When the guest speaker started to share about the emptiness he had felt in his life, I felt like he was speaking to me, because I knew that feeling all too well. By the time he was done and asked if anyone wanted to invite Jesus into their life, I knew I wanted God to be a part of my life. One of the leaders helped me pray (I didn’t even know how to do that), and I knew my heart was changed.
Cheryl: Who do you identify as being the most influential mentor in your walk with the Lord?
Jim: I’d say that would be Coach Moro. God used him to lead me to Christ, after all.
Cheryl: How did you become involved with Focus on the Family, and what types of ministry have you participated in during your years working there?
Jim: After college, I got a job in sales with International Paper, a big company in the field of paper and packaging products. I wasn’t there for long when, to my surprise, I was offered a top position and a six-figure salary.
And that’s when I got a phone call from an old buddy.
My friend told me Focus on the Family had an opening. Now, Jean and I were big fans of the broadcast – but the job I was offered was for a position that paid one-third of the job I could have at International Paper!
The funny thing, however, is that both Jean and I felt God speak to us… and we took the job at Focus.
I started out as an assistant to Dr. Dobson in 1989. In that role I met with ministry donors, thanked them for their support and updated them on our various projects. From there I was able to help the ministry start a new international effort and was appointed international field director for Asia, Africa and Australia in 1992. In 1997 I became the vice president of the International Division. I was named chief operating officer in 2004 and was named president the following year.
Cheryl: In a culture that is becoming steadily more hostile to the cause of Christ, I cannot begin to tell you how much my family and I appreciate Focus on the Family and the way you, as the current president, are so faithfully maintaining Biblical standards and the soundness of teaching that we have come to rely upon and expect from them. It is such a comfort to know you are there, carrying the torch and fighting for what is right, and I want to personally thank you for your dedicated service. What would you say is the biggest threat we, as Christians, are facing in the current cultural war against evil in these last days?
Jim: I appreciate your words of encouragement. Biblical fidelity is something we really pray and strive for at Focus. We want to be completely dependent on Him – on His wisdom, His grace, His guiding – especially as we see Christianity maligned by the culture at large.
It’s tempting to say the biggest threat to Christianity in America comes from the outside, through the continued erosion of religious liberties. And certainly, U.S. Christians are facing oppression that’s new to us here, and it’s a serious and important matter. There are attempts to silence Christians and to force them to violate their beliefs, and many of us are feeling that pressure in their work places, in schools and even from the government.
But I fear that the greatest threat to us really comes from within.
American Christians have been in the majority for most of our history. So as we transition to a minority position, the temptation to compromise increases. The snake asked Eve in the Garden, “Did God really say?”, and he asks us the same thing now:
- Did God really create marriage as the lifelong union between one man and one woman?
- Did God really say we’d suffer tribulation and that “all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution?” (2 Timothy 3:12)
- Do we really need to share the Gospel and “let our light shine?” – shouldn’t it be good enough to have a private faith?
What will our answer be? Will we affirm what the Bible says is true, or will we doubt His word? I pray the American Church will remain faithful to Him!
Cheryl: After spending so many years in ministry, what task would you say has been the most fulfilling?
Jim: I’m an extrovert who loves people, so for me the tasks I enjoy most are people-related.
It’s always fulfilling to speak with people at our events who have been encouraged and helped by Focus on the Family.
It’s also satisfying to host our radio broadcast – what a privilege to talk with so many experts and leaders, and to work on a program that’s heard by more than 6.3 million listeners a week!
Another part of my job that inspires me are my travels to and meetings with the team members in our international offices. During my visits to China, the Middle East, and other areas where there is real government oppression and persecution, I’ve seen the incredible, supernatural faith of my brothers and sisters who thrive and love Jesus under conditions most Americans couldn’t even dream of. The Holy Spirit uses Christians in these countries to convict me of being “soft” in certain areas of my walk, and I’m grateful for that.
One last thing: I find it very encouraging to meet with people on the other side of the issues. I’ve been with homosexual activists and with people who work at Planned Parenthood. It’s an honor to get to know them and share about my faith with them. I’ve even developed a real friendship with some of my ideological opposites, and I’ve seen how God has moved during our times together. I have faith that God can completely transform their hearts – no one is too far from God’s grace.
Cheryl: Can you tell us about your books, "Finding Home" and "ReFOCUS: Living A Life That Reflects God's Heart"?
Jim: “Finding Home” is my autobiography – basically an expanded portion of some of what I shared here. God has redeemed my painful childhood, and for that I am thankful.
“ReFOCUS” is my third book, and in it I share my thoughts on engaging the culture in a compassionate and Christlike way. What should our motivation be? How can we stand on principle with Christ’s heart? How should Christians engage as we go from being the majority to being the minority? With everything going on in the political and cultural landscape, it’s still a timely read.
My most recent is “Marriage Done Right: One Man, One Woman,” which was my attempt to challenge each one of us to look within his or her own heart and examine our life and behavior. Marriage isn’t an entitlement. It’s a gift that too many of us have squandered. If we want to preserve and promote God’s definition of marriage, it’s a good idea to spend our time examining His plan and His purpose for it.
Cheryl: We recently received Focus on the Family's DVD, "Irreplaceable", and, to tell you the truth, as a Christian mother striving hard to raise our teenage son in the fear of the Lord, I was completely appalled to see the things our young people are being bombarded with in this age. As a Christian father of two sons and prominent spiritual leader in this generation, what do you feel are the most important things we should be teaching our children and teenagers? How can we equip them with what they need to stand for God, even if it means standing alone?
Jim: The most important thing we can teach them is to know and love Jesus, to follow Him, and to live by God’s Word, because in Him we can find everything else – the courage, the hunger for holiness, the grace – needed to “make it” in this increasingly secularized world as the minority.
Another thing that would be wise is to help your children understand their identity in Christ – and that, as Christians, they are in the world but not part of it.
Cheryl: One of the most wonderful ways Focus on the Family has ministered to us, as a family, through the years, is through Adventures in Odyssey. I cannot begin to tell you how much we all enjoy it and the way the truth of the Gospel is presented in such an understandable and interesting way. Our son also dearly loves and subscribes to Clubhouse Magazine. What other Focus on the Family resources are available for our youth and teens?
Jim: Again, thank you for your words of encouragement! God has certainly used Adventures in Odyssey – we get notes from college students who listen to it, and from deployed members of our military who listen. AIO fans might be interested in our Adventures in Odyssey Adventure Club, a membership-based program that includes unlimited episode streaming, daily devotionals, a Clubhouse magazine subscription, and exclusive content!
We also have two additional magazines young people would enjoy: Clubhouse, Jr., which is aimed for younger children ages 3 to 7. We’ve also in the middle of relaunching an old favorite: Brio magazine for girls will be coming back!
PluggedIn.com is a great resource that helps parents and teens decide what entertainment choices are best for them.
I encourage young people looking to practice their faith publicly to take part in Bring Your Bible to School Day, which is completely student-led and sponsored by Focus. More than 350,000 students recently participated in the third annual event! That’s a huge number and we’re grateful for it, but I also know there’s much room for growth there. This event is for young people from kindergarten to college.
Older teens and young adults can also benefit from Boundless, our outreach for single adults. It’s a timely resource that helps singles live with godly intentionality and make the most of their current season of life while keeping their eyes on what God may one day have for them.
Cheryl: As days grow darker and we draw closer to the 2nd coming of Jesus, I perceive that the role of Focus on the Family will become ever more necessary and desperately needed. How can we best support and stand behind this ministry and do our best to insure its continuation and prosperity?
Jim: God’s light shines more brightly against the dark, so I believe with you that the greatest opportunities for Focus and other like-minded organizations and individuals are ahead!
The best support you can give is to pray for us. Pray for our staff, for our leadership. Pray that we can discern God’s voice and do His will. That we would have creativity to develop good resources that will equip believers, bring hope to the broken, and reach the lost.
Obviously, we are also grateful for the people who give sacrificially to the ministry. We can’t do what we do without the generous donations from our ministry friends. They fund the teams who create our resources – counselors, radio producers, writers, event planners, family help specialists. They make it so we can create resources and run efforts like Focus’ Hope Restored marriage intensives out of Branson, Missouri. We consider our donors to be our partners, and are grateful for all they give. (Note from Cheryl: You may donate by clicking HERE.)
Cheryl: How can we pray for you?
Jim: Thank you for asking.
In 1 Kings 19 we read that God was going to allow his prophet Elijah to stand in His presence. So there came a great wind, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake, but God was not in the earthquake. Then a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.
Finally, he heard a voice. God spoke in a “low whisper.”
I have a very busy life. I travel, attend meetings, and carry a heavy responsibility here at Focus.
So I would appreciate prayers for clarity and discernment to hear God’s voice through the busyness, and in spite of this fast-paced life.
I would also be thankful for prayers that I would be the husband and father my family deserves. Jean and the boys are my greatest earthly gifts, and I want to serve them well.
Cheryl: We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and the gift of your time and participation in Inner Views, Jim. You are such a blessing to us all, and we are deeply grateful to you for all you do. May God continually grant you renewed strength, courage, and wisdom in each challenge you face. May He always protect you and your family and ever keep you close to Him.
Cheryl: We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and the gift of your time and participation in Inner Views, Jim. You are such a blessing to us all, and we are deeply grateful to you for all you do. May God continually grant you renewed strength, courage, and wisdom in each challenge you face. May He always protect you and your family and ever keep you close to Him.
Dear readers, how grateful I am that there are still men like Jim Daly,
who are firmly standing for the right on the front lines in this present time!
Let us keep Jim and the entire Focus on the Family ministry and staff in our regular prayers.
May God prosper and expand their realm of outreach beyond what they can even imagine.
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
Ephesians 3:20,21
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