The World Needs a Father-And So Does Your Family

“Virtually every major social pathology has been linked to fatherlessness—violent crime, drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, suicide—all correlate more strongly to fatherlessness than to any other single factor.”

-Dr. Stephen Baskerville, 

Howard University

Behind many of today’s most painful social issues lies a silent crisis—the absence of engaged, intentional fathers. Across nations, and right here in Sri Lanka, children are growing up without the stability, guidance, and love that only a father can give. And the consequences are undeniable.

Children raised without a strong father figure are far more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, low academic performance, substance abuse, criminal behaviour, and teenage pregnancy. Communities with a high rate of fatherlessness often suffer from broken families, economic hardship, and violence. In short—when fathers are absent, society suffers.

But there is hope. And that hope begins with you.

The Call to Fatherhood Has Never Been More Urgent

It’s easy to look around and blame governments, schools, or the media for what’s going wrong in society. But what if the true answer lies closer to home? What if, rather than pointing fingers, we took responsibility—and reclaimed the power of fatherhood?

Many men want to be great fathers. But the truth is, most were never shown how. In today’s complex world, being a good provider isn’t enough. Fathers must learn to connect emotionally, lead spiritually, and model strength with humility. That doesn’t come naturally. It takes training, support, and vision. Too often, fathers operate with good intentions but limited tools—trying their best, but unaware of what their children really need at each critical stage of growth. The result? Wounded relationships. Missed opportunities. Generations repeating the same mistakes.

“We cannot afford to do nothing. The future of our families—and our nation—depends on what fathers do today.

World Needs A Father: Equipping Men for the Most Important Role of Their Lives

This is where the World Needs A Father (WNAF) movement steps in—not as a judgment, but as an invitation. An invitation to become the father you were created to be.

Launched in Sri Lanka under Awake A Nation, this powerful movement has already trained and impacted over 45,000 fathers and mothers across all 25 districts. With more than 300 volunteer master trainers, WNAF is equipping fathers across the country to lead their families with purpose, wisdom, and love.

Their mission is to restore true fatherhood in a fatherless generation—and to raise up men who lead not through control, but through compassion; not through force, but through faithfulness.

Through engaging workshops, personalized mentoring, and community-based networks, WNAF helps fathers:

• Discover the deeper meaning and purpose of their role
• Learn how to connect with and guide their children through every stage of life
• Build emotional intelligence and resilience in their homes
• Re-align their priorities, values, and actions to become life-giving leaders
• Create homes where children feel secure, valued, and loved

This is not a program for perfect fathers. It’s a movement for willing fathers—men ready to grow, learn, and lead with courage. 

Sent by Pastor Neroshan Perera