As a lifelong teacher of children and families, Dr. Michelle Ramsundar was urged to research the exodus of youth from churches. During her study, she heard the cries of mothers and fathers whose sole desire for the treacherous journey to the United States was to secure a future for their children, one that connects their children to their faith. But how can this be if the children are disconnecting from church and faith?
We found that this was a CRITICAL TIME in the life of the church, and new strategies were needed to connect the parents’ faith with that of their children.
At the same time, Dr. Ramsundar was invited to a Doctoral Program to research the issue of the exodus of youth from our churches. In her dissertation, she explored ways and reasons for nurturing the faith of second-generation immigrants. Which led her to believe that second-generation immigrant Latinos were a CRITICAL GROUP.
Latinos are among the poorest in our society. A study from the United States Census points out that Latinos are overrepresented in poverty compared to Blacks, Asians, and Whites. This economic pressure is part of the reason many Latino families are overworking and spending less quality time with their children. This led to the conviction for a program that recognized their needs and was willing to support families in their journey as they share their faith with their children.
Dr. Ramsundar was convinced that there is a CRITICAL AGE for morality and spirituality: the ages of 9 to 13. These ages are critical to the ability to think abstractly, leading them to think of matters of good, evil, hope, and love. It is detrimental that the family provide the opportunity to discuss faith and values. Families must have the place and time to explore the values that have kept them this far.
Prior to completing her Doctoral Dissertation, one of her readers, Dr. Elizabeth Conde Frazier, who had been reading Ramsundar’s research, approached her about the Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative from the Lilly Endowment Inc. This was both eye-opening and a blessing since there was a possibility of funding the very thing the Lord had put in her heart.
Ramsundar contacted Charlotte Cabello, Pastors Jose Luis and Karina Larco, and Pastors Dalimar Velez and Pablo Cordero. They began a dialogue to formulate a vision for taking this program to the church at large.
The group celebrated when Lilly Endowment Inc. provided the grant to make the dream a reality. That began the journey to make the vision a reality.
As a lifelong teacher of children and families, Dr. Michelle Ramsundar was urged to research the exodus of youth from churches. During her study, she heard the cries of mothers and fathers whose sole desire for the treacherous journey to the United States was to secure a future for their children, one that connects their children to their faith. But how can this be if the children are disconnecting from church and faith?
We found that this was a CRITICAL TIME in the life of the church, and new strategies were needed to connect the parents’ faith with that of their children.
At the same time, Dr. Ramsundar was invited to a Doctoral Program to research the issue of the exodus of youth from our churches. In her dissertation, she explored ways and reasons for nurturing the faith of second-generation immigrants. Which led her to believe that second-generation immigrant Latinos were a CRITICAL GROUP.
Latinos are among the poorest in our society. A study from the United States Census points out that Latinos are overrepresented in poverty compared to Blacks, Asians, and Whites. This economic pressure is part of the reason many Latino families are overworking and spending less quality time with their children. This led to the conviction for a program that recognized their needs and was willing to support families in their journey as they share their faith with their children.
Dr. Ramsundar was convinced that there is a CRITICAL AGE for morality and spirituality: the ages of 9 to 13. These ages are critical to the ability to think abstractly, leading them to think of matters of good, evil, hope, and love. It is detrimental that the family provide the opportunity to discuss faith and values. Families must have the place and time to explore the values that have kept them this far.
Prior to completing her Doctoral Dissertation, one of her readers, Dr. Elizabeth Conde Frazier, who had been reading Ramsundar’s research, approached her about the Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative from the Lilly Endowment Inc. This was both eye-opening and a blessing since there was a possibility of funding the very thing the Lord had put in her heart.
Ramsundar contacted Charlotte Cabello, Pastors Jose Luis and Karina Larco, and Pastors Dalimar Velez and Pablo Cordero. They began a dialogue to formulate a vision for taking this program to the church at large.
The group celebrated when Lilly Endowment Inc. provided the grant to make the dream a reality. That began the journey to make the vision a reality.
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