This document discusses the importance of a father's presence for their children. It begins by defining the homonym "present" and its different meanings. The main points are: - The best gift a father can give is their presence, not just being physically present but engaged. - A father can demonstrate presence through being involved in four key areas: worship, relationships, stewardship, and leadership. - When fathers are truly present, it leads to better outcomes for children in academics, emotional well-being, and future relationships. The message is that a father's presence is more valuable than any present.

1. A Father’s Present
Terry-Ann Alleyne
June 20, 2020

2. Homonyms
The word “present” is a homonym
Homonyms - two or more words that have
the same spelling and pronunciation, but
the meanings are different.

3. Present:
• Adjective – describing word, tells about the
state or existence of a noun/pronoun. E.g.
The teacher is present.
• Noun – the name of people, animal, place
or thing, e.g. we are living in the present
time
• Verb – is an action word, e.g. gift, or to give

4. The Greatest Want of the World
“The greatest want of the world is the want of
men—men who will not be bought or sold, men
who in their inmost souls are true and honest,
men who do not fear to call sin by its right name,
men whose conscience is as true to duty as the
needle to the pole, men who will stand for the
right though the heavens fall”.
― Ellen G. White, Education p57

5. The Best Present
• These are the qualities of the men that we need
to be present in our families today
• The best present that a father can give to his
child/children is his presence
• One of the greatest problems facing a lot of our
families today is DNA
• DNA – Daddy Not Available!
(Absent, uninvolved)

6. HOW CAN A FATHER
DEMONSTRATE PRESENCE?

7. Demonstrating Presence
• You can demonstrate “presence” by being
“present”
(Living in the house)
• You can be “present” but doesn’t show any
“presence”!
• You can be “present” but doesn’t add any
value, not effective etc.

8. How can a father be
truly present?
Four “SHIPS”

9. Be present at “WORSHIP”
Pray for and with your children/family.
A family that prays together stays together

10. Be present in your “RELATIONSHIP”
Have a healthy relationship with your
spouse and children, play with them, give
them attention, show them love and
affection.

11. Be present in your “RELATIONSHIP”
There is a difference between telling
someone you love them and showing
someone you love them.
Action speaks louder than words!

12. Be present in “STEWARDSHIP”
Model good use of resources:
Talent
Time
Treasure
Temple

13. Be present in “LEADERSHIP”
For I know him, that he will command
his children and his household after him,
and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to
do justice and judgment;
Gen 18:19

14. Be present in “LEADERSHIP”
• Speak up –let your voice be heard!
• Children are looking for direction, affirmation
• Shut up – know when to stop talking, and start
listening
• Lead by example!

15. Be present in “LEADERSHIP”
• Be the example of a man you would want your son to
be, and the example man you would want your
daughter to marry!
• When a father is present, it makes a difference!
• Children will follow in their footsteps

16. When Fathers are PRESENT
Better academic performances
Better emotional well-being
Better homes
Better churches
Better society

17. • A good father knows how to give good
gifts to their children.
• Your presents will last for a little while
But your presence will last for a lifetime!
When Fathers are PRESENT

18. Fathers, you are a present, but you must be
present!
You are a gift, but you must be in
attendance!
When Fathers are PRESENT

19. The End!