Men Matter, Men's Matters

They call it Men's Ministry. So, they shut women out of their seminar discussing "success that matters to men". About 200 very important men in my town were in a workshop a day before Mothers' Day to be more equipped in their roles in home, workplace, society, church, nation and world!

I reported for the organizers when they called for "important men" to attend the workshop. Later, I was updated by them that some 180 had responded to the "call of a woman journalist" and had registered and paid for the workshop. I thought that was great. Few days before the workshop, I read that the world would mark International Day of Families on May 15 themed "Father and Families: Responsibilities and Challenges". I thought, the workshop would be newsworthy.

I was actually very curious of what would be discussed at the Seminar. But, the organizers would not allow female journalist to go. So, I sent a male journalist. I suggested to this male journalist what to cover and who to talk to. My suggestions are what I am eager to know! The woman shut outside still got to know what she wanted to know anyway. There is always a way when there is a will!

Now, what have been discussed? My male journalist reports,

The candid observation of the speaker, Gorsuch: "While it is true that fathers are breadwinners for their families, there is a growing need for them to take on a more engaged role in their families in the light of the changing socio-economic environment."

His bottomline? "What I am saying is simple, as fathers they need to be involved in both the spiritual and emotional development of their families."

What does he suggests? "Do little things like taking our children to a movie for example. Such actions may appear minor to us but to them, it means a lot. Always bear in mind. They are still young and need us to be around. They model almost everything around us. In fact, research has shown that when fathers are engaged with their children, they tend to perform better in school and exhibit healthier behaviour".

His straightforward observation? "I think we have just missed the best part of the show - to see our children growing up."

He speaks from his personal experience of a missing Dad at home. He says that major social problems can be traced back to the fault of men being passive rather than proactive.

What has other men in the workshop said?

Daniel, the Deputy Mayor of the town says, "To win the friendship of children, we need to be like what the business world called customer service officer, who is friendly and comfortable to talk with."

Rev Dr Tie, principal of Methodist Theological School, notes, "Find time to talk to your children and I am sure they have much to say."

Rt Rev Doninic Su says, "As husbands, they need to be understanding and be supportive of their wives." He was citing example of working women.

My friend, Dato James Tai, also a corporate figure speaks of the globalized world with new challenges that needs father to provide good leadership for their families.

The speaker notes - "While major roles will not change, there is no better way to raise their children than an engaged father and mother. There is absolutely no replacement for this."


Beyond the Men's Matters, the speaker, Gorsuch also shares in a pure women's meeting. I have a file picture of the speaker, Gorsuch speaking to women in the Asia Fellowship two years back in Singapore. Identify me there?