The South African statistics for fatherless homes are shocking – 9 million children grow up without fathers in South Africa, 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes; more than a third of the country’s prisoners are aged 18 – 25. Nearly 50 000 school girls fell pregnant in 2007 a 151% increase since 2003. Nearly a third of 12 – 14 year olds said they had easy access to marijuana and 8% had easy access to crack cocaine .(info. SAIRR ) This crisis is out of control and affecting our communities.

The odds are stacked up against South Africa’s Youth, therefore The Greater Blue Downs Ministers Fraternal and Hearts of Fathers have joined forces to address issues relating to fathers and sons that are destroying the community and our country.

Heart of Fathers will be launching an inter-church crusade from 22 – 24 July 2011 which is aimed at uniting the Church and community to fight the degeneration in the youth and families caused by absent fathers.

Special guest, Tex Neveling from the Journey of Hope will be speaking to the group during the event. Neveling is a breast cancer survivor and the Journey of Hope’s first male rider. “It is important for fathers and sons to communicate and to address sensitive and difficult topics.

Breast cancer is one of those topics – it is something that does not discriminate against race, gender, age – it is important to know about and if you see any changes in your body to not be ‘macho’ about it, but to check it out; if I had not been proactive I would not be here today.”

The Journey of Hope is a breast cancer awareness initiative that was launched in 2006 where Survivors ride motorcycles throughout the country and create awareness and educate people about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Dispelling myths about breast cancer is also important – it is not something that only middle-aged women get.

For more information on Heart of Fathers Event please call 021 904 0533 or email kimministry@netactive.co.za and for more info on the Journey of Hope, please contact 011 317 3861 or visit www.journeyofhope.co.za