When Colleen Nunn was two years old, her father went missing in action during the Vietnam War. For 13 years, her family lived with the hope that he might return home. Although she grew up without memories of her dad, God faithfully placed people in her life who showed her His love and pointed her to Him.

In this episode, Colleen shares how her mother’s faith, her grandmother’s godly example, and the work of the Holy Spirit helped her come to know God as her present Heavenly Father. Her story is a powerful reminder that even when an earthly dad is absent, God is near, faithful, and at work.

Key Takeaways

A godly grandmother’s love and example can leave a lasting spiritual legacy.

God faithfully provides for His children, even in ways we may not recognize until years later.

Children need the freedom to process grief in their own way and in their own time.

When an earthly dad is absent, our Heavenly Father is present, providing the comfort, guidance, and help we need.

Scripture Mentioned:

Psalm 27, Proverbs 9:10, Luke 11:9–13, Romans 8:16

How to Connect

Absent Dad Present FatherColleen’s story is one of 30 true stories featured in Absent Dad Present Father, offering biblical hope and pointing readers to God, the Father of the fatherless.

Order your copy at PerspectiveMinistries.org

Perspective MinistriesLearn more about resources and support for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children at PerspectiveMinistries.org

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What happens when a twelve-year-old girl loses her father just days before her thirteenth birthday?

In this heartfelt conversation, Lori welcomes Absent Dad, Present Father contributor Susan Richcreek to share how the loss of her father shaped her life and how God faithfully stepped into the role He promises in Psalm 68:5 as Father to the fatherless.

Susan shares what it was like to lose her father to cancer at age twelve and how that loss impacted her growing up. Together, Lori and Susan discuss God's promise to be a Father to the fatherless, the unique challenges children often face after losing a parent, and the practical ways God faithfully provides comfort, wisdom, and guidance through every season. They also encourage mothers and fatherless children to trust God's character and His faithful presence, even when life does not unfold as they hoped.

Key Takeaways

• God faithfully steps into the lives of the fatherless as the perfect Father

• A personal relationship with God brings strength through grief and every season of life

• Even when we do not understand God's plan, we can trust His character

• God's gentle presence often meets us in ordinary moments when we need Him most

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Resources

Absent Dad, Present Father

Connect with Perspective Ministries

Learn more about Perspective Ministries and resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless families. Website: https://perspectiveministries.org

What happens when a father leaves? How does that absence shape a young man's heart, and how does God redeem the pain?

In this powerful conversation, Lori Apon welcomes author, speaker, and founder of You Can Mentor, Zach Garza, to share his story of growing up after his father left when he was in middle school. Zach speaks honestly about the anger, fear, and deep longing for attention, affirmation, and acceptance that marked his childhood.

More importantly, he shares how God patiently led him from an orphan mindset to the security of knowing Him as Father. Through godly mentors, forgiveness, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Zach discovered that his past did not have to define his future.

This conversation offers practical encouragement for single and widowed moms raising sons, fatherless young people, and anyone who wonders whether God can redeem generational pain.

In This Episode

Why father wounds often create a longing for attention, affirmation, and acceptance.

What Zach means by an "orphan spirit" and how God invites us into true sonship.

The power of mentors in the life of a fatherless child.

Why forgiveness brought freedom instead of bitterness.

How God can transform generational patterns into a legacy of hope.

Key Takeaways

Practical encouragement for moms raising sons without an earthly dad.

Moving from an Orphan Mindset to Sonship

Understanding how God can transform generational patterns into a legacy of hope.

Finding Freedom Through Forgiveness

Resources Mentioned

Absent Dad Present Father

The Impact of a Mentor Part One Episode 50 with Zach Garza

The Stages of Growing up without a Dad Part Two Episode 51 with Zach Garza

Tell Me About Your Father by Zach Garza

You Can Mentor National Network for Christian Mentoring

Connect with Perspective Ministries ⁠perspectiveministries.org

Whether your child's story includes death, divorce, abandonment, addiction, or another form of father absence, God has not forgotten them. He is still writing their story. He is patient, faithful, and able to become the Father they need. As Zach reminds us, what the enemy intended for evil, God can use for good.