Tyler

By PATRICK BUTLER
Religion Editor

Christian Homes and Family Services will present Ryan Dobson at its annual fundraising banquet at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Dobson is the son of Dr. James and Shirley Dobson, founders of Focus on the Family ministries based in Colorado.

The theme of the event is "A Family for Every Child" and will be held at the Villa di Felicita on Highway 110 North.

"There are few leaders today who speak to the pro-life issue with the sense of personal gratitude Ryan does," according to information from Christian Homes and Services. "As the son of James and Shirley Dobson, he was raised with a unique look at faith, life and the need to be relevant in society."

Born in 1970, Dobson was encouraged to follow in his father's footsteps, but instead took the time to explore his own gifts. After college, he found his natural talent for public speaking, combined with a passion for helping youth. He has traveled extensively, challenging youth at music festivals, concert tours, youth camps and crisis pregnancy centers.

He wrote his first book "Be Intolerant" in 2003, a wake-up call warning young Christians not to fall for the lies of a relativistic, postmodern society. Publisher's Weekly described "Be Intolerant" as having "a colloquial style with all the subtlety of a two-by-four to the side of the head." Two follow-up books, "2 Die 4" and "2 Live 4" became best sellers, according to Family Services.

Christian Homes provides foster care, maternity care and adoption services in Tyler and Abilene. The foster care is for children who have been temporarily removed from their homes by the state. In most instances, the ministry provides care to protect the children while the state allows parents opportunity to resolve issues of alcohol or substance abuse, neglect or unemployment.

Counseling and medical aid for children are provided by "a staff with knowledge and experience."

If the child is left in perpetual care of the state, the foster-to-adopt ministry of Christian Homes takes over. The goal is to find a permanent new family, by recruiting Christian couples to take foster care a step further, to adoption and a permanent family.

The ministry also assists young women with unplanned pregnancies, with food, clothing, housing, medical care, moral support and "prayers and compassion."

Since 1962, Christian Homes and Family Services has served more than 1,370 children in foster care and 1,677 families and children "through loving adoption."

Tickets to the event are $50. Call Brad Spradlin at 903-509-0558 or visit the Web at www.christianhomes.com for information.