*𝐹𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝐵𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑤* - Eld Stephen Djaba When does fatherhood begin?
Most people would say after marriage or when the first child arrives. But fatherhood begins much earlier than that.
It begins when a young man discovers his identity, embraces his purpose, accepts responsibility, and starts preparing for the future God has called him to.
This was the central message during PEMEM's Men's Week celebration.

A father is more than a biological parent. He is a guide, a mentor, a provider, and a builder of generations. Long before a man leads a family, he must first learn to lead himself.

One of the strongest themes of the message was character. In a generation that often celebrates success, influence, and visibility, character can easily be overlooked. Yet character is what sustains everything else. Samson's life serves as a warning: power without character is dangerous. Many desire success without discipline and influence without responsibility, but talent may open doors while character determines whether you remain in the room.

Young men were also challenged not to build their future on social media ideals and trends. Instead, they should learn from men who have lived well, led faithfully, and left behind examples worth following.

Drawing lessons from the lives of Jesus, Joseph, and David, Elder Djaba emphasized that preparation always comes before promotion. David learned responsibility in the sheepfold before he wore a crown. Joseph saw beyond the prison before he reached the palace.

The message highlighted four areas every young man must intentionally grow in: intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially. True growth is balanced growth.

At the heart of the discussion were three essentials: Vision, Responsibility, and Sacrifice. A young man of vision sees beyond his present circumstances. A responsible man becomes dependable. A sacrificial man asks, "What can I give?" rather than "What can I get?"
Perhaps the most sobering reminder was that the future of society depends on the kind of men being formed today. Great fathers are not produced by age; they are produced by preparation.

Discover your identity.
Pursue your purpose.
Build your character.
Embrace responsibility.

Because the journey of fatherhood does not begin after marriage, after university, or after securing a job.

It begins today.