This month has been dedicated to fatherhood. This week, Rev. Leondis Fuller is our father of the week. Rev. Fuller lost all three of his biological children to the senseless violence on our streets. This writer was moved by the openness, strength and love of this father’s submission and this writer is confident you will be moved too. Following Rev. Fuller’s reflections on fatherhood, this column will conclude by highlighting FUTURE, Inc. (“Fathers Uniquely Thriving To Understand Responsibility and Education”) which is a mission begun by Rev. Fuller after losing his biological sons in separate shootings.
Reflections on Fatherhood By: Rev. Leondis Fuller
I currently have 3 deceased children. All of them are males. In 1993 my 12 year old son, Monte Devon Fuller was shot and killed in a drive by shooting. In the year 2000 my 21 year old son Leondis Prince Fuller was shot 7 times and he died. Then, in 2002 my 27 year old son LaMar Grayson was shot 6 times and he died. I currently have a 38 year old step-son, Carl Lamont Fuller; and a 29 year old step- daughter, Tejuana Denene Wade. I have 6 grandchildren: Tatyanna Grayson, 20; Chasity Fuller, 18; LaMar Grayson, 16; Brooklyn Jones, age 11; Jerzi Jones, 7; and Bronze Harrison, 2. The greatest joy in fatherhood is being able to pass on positive values– values that my children can cherish, provide direction in their lives and pass on to all generations to come. My sons may not be able to capture this wonderful joy, but their children surely receive this gift from me.
Rev. Fuller, committed to making a difference, has dedicated his life to ministering to fathers. He began FUTURE, Inc.; in 2001, a mission to offer supportive services to fathers 18 years of age and older to help them re-establish functional relationships with their biological children. FUTURE, Inc., addresses many of the underlying concerns that inhibit a young father’s ability to carry out the responsibilities of parenthood. Services include: job readiness/ training as well as assistance with employment placement, child support and alcohol/ drug abuse issues, to name a few. Research shows there is a connection between fathers and a child’s outcomes, including cognitive ability, educational achievement, psychological well-being and social behavior. Noted sociologist, Dr. David Popenoe, addressing the impact fathers have on their child’s welfare noted: “Involved fathers bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring.” (Source: The Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children, U.S. Children’s Bureau, 2006). If you are a father or know a father who wants to get involved in FUTURE, Inc., call Rev. Leondis Fuller at (414) 303-1903. Services are offered from 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. FUTURE, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and therefore, your tax deductible financial donations are always welcome. Thank you Rev. Fuller for making a difference in our community and for the work you are doing in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
On behalf of the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper, its owners, management and staff, we celebrate all fathers everywhere who are working hard to be a good father to their children whether you are the stepfather, biological father or you have been blessed to be someone’s spiritual father.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in these articles, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
