The last two weeks of ministry have been some of the richest times of blessing for the staff of the Vision Forum, as we joined the nearly 600 individuals who participated in our Alabama Father and Son retreat (March 25, 26,27) followed by the St. Louis Father and Daughter Retreat (April 2,3).

For some it was a time to heal broken relationships, for others it was an opportunity to broaden their biblical vision of daughterhood and fatherhood. Still, others came to simply rejoice in a special season of fellowship with their loved one. Over the course of the weekend, fathers and daughters played unity games designed to build trust, engaged in contests to to demonstrate being a servant, tested their knowledge of each other, enjoyed a special brunch and later a “high tea” — during which the daughters interviewed their fathers — and listened to several motivational and biblically-driven messages about the relationships and duties of fathers to daughters and vice versa.

Below are some images from the retreat and letters that arrived in our office this week:

The Father/Daughter Retreat was our second event with Vision Forum. It certainly lived up to it’s billing, providing us with exhortation and example of what it means to shepherd a daughter and what it means to grow into a virtuous woman. My daughters were first exposed to examples of virtuous women and Biblical womanhood on the Faith and Freedom Tour last November. The lovely ladies we encountered there made quite the impression on all of us. Hearing and seeing the example again this weekend confirmed in their hearts that this is the direction they want for their lives. They have both given their hearts to me and I intend with all my (and the Lord’s) strength to guard them and nurture them until such a time as I give them to a godly man in marriage.

My older daughter is already taking the initiative to learn more on the domestic front and her spirit is noticeably softer now that she has a direction in life that coincides with the way God naturally wired her as a woman. My younger daughter is watching intently the example of her older sister. And both have turned to me as their Dad and their head. It is a beautiful and lovely thing to be a father of daughters when we do things according to Scripture.

Thank you, Vision Forum, for directing my family to God’s design. May the Lord continue to bless all you do. For the Glory of His Name! Charley Adams

Dear Friends at Vision Forum, Thank you so much for the lovely, encouraging weekend at the Father/ Daughter retreat!The games were a fun reminder that fathers and daughters can be friends and must work together to accomplish goals. The speakers were excellent and communicated God’s vision for fathers and daughters with passion and sincerity. What an encouragement it was to hear from brothers and sisters in Christ who share the same desires as your own! The Lord be praised! Thanks to all of you for taking a stand and proclaiming what the Word of God says about fatherhood and daughterhood both through your words and actions. My dad, sister and I found the weekend to be affirming and edifying.

From a sunny park filled with laughter to excellent food in elegant ballrooms combined with the message of truth while spending a weekend with dad, I don’t think the retreat could get any better! Pressing on for God’s Glory, Sarah H., Nebraska

From the bottom of my heart I want to give you thanks for being a willing instrument that the Lord has used to impact my family. My three oldest girls (17, 15, 7) and I attended the Father / Daughter retreat last weekend and one week later it is still the dominant topic of conversation. Some heart changes have occurred that are a delight to behold. My God continue to bless your ministry. James Spangler

The Father and Daughter Retreat was not only a time to serve (and shave) Daddy, but to dress up pretty as a picture.

Some dads even learned to serenade their daughters.

Banana Splits with Dad.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious brunch in a very elegant setting.

Thoughts Regarding the Father-Daughter Relationship

The following remarkable letter was written by Miss Katherine Bradrick in preparation for the Vision Forum Ministries 2004 Father and Daughter retreat. Katherine provides both practical examples of the importance of the father-daughter relationship and demonstrates the wonderful relationship she has with her beloved papa. Click here to read the article.