We are offering all of the wisdom and years of experience that we have in the area of helping families grow in the Lord and prosper via what we are calling Faith and Family Seminars and Conferences. These meetings would consist of several days of intense training on the home and family. The lectures would be taught by classroom instruction, power point presentations, and preaching. Our desire is to effectively reach out to everyone in the home. Handouts would be included along with any other instructional materials deemed necessary for the sessions. (Sometimes we use workbooks depending on the subjects taught.)

Following is an example of what could be done at its maximum capacity. We are not suggesting that you do all of this necessarily, as your people may not be available to come to all of these sessions or have necessary childcare. It is simply a suggestion of what could be available, if desired. 

Friday Night: Teen Meeting or Couples Meeting
Saturday- All-Day: Ladies Sessions (9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Six Sessions, Including a Lunch Break and Question and Answer Time)
Saturday Evening: Men’s Session and/or Couples Session
Sunday: Available For Any and All Services with Messages for the Family
Sunday Afternoon: Men’s Session
Monday Morning: Staff Training in Counseling 

This would be a very full weekend for us, but we feel very strongly that this is what God is compelling us to do. Of course, the schedule can be custom designed to meet your needs. If flying or driving, it would be best for us to come in on a Friday and leave on a Monday. But again, we are willing to adjust our schedule as needed.

We desperately want to reach families for Christ and we feel that if there was ever a time when families needed to be helped, it is now. The family is under attack; the Christian family is under attack. The nation is only as strong as our churches, and the churches are only as strong as the families that comprise them. We must fight to preserve the next generation for God.

We don’t presume to be experts by any means, but we do have thirty years of experience in the field of counseling on the home and family. I have personally earned a BA in Criminal Justice, a BA in Pastoral Theology, a Master’s Degree in Theology and have been given an Honorary Doctorate. Jo Beth has been counseling and working with women for over 25 years. However, we think our greatest assets and the validation of the principles God has taught us rests primarily in the on-going lives and ministries of our six married daughters who love us, love the Lord, whose husbands are all preachers, and who are also teaching and rearing their families for Christ.

Our goal is to inspire, encourage, and help individuals regardless of where they are in their spiritual growth. Although our outreach is primarily to couples and their families, we are particularly interested in helping women, married or single, deal with the many and varied issues in their lives.  I have included for you a list of topics that my wife is available to teach to the women. I do feel my wife is excellent in dealing with hard topics with which many are not comfortable dealing. For many years God has brought to my wife those suffering from a myriad of issues, such as, bitterness, abuse, self-abuse and self-mutilation, and many other “hard” issues.  The classroom atmosphere is particularly helpful as it gives ladies the opportunity to discuss potentially divisive issues. The talks are designed to fulfill Titus 2:3-5 by both teaching women what the Bible has to say and encouraging them to teach other women also. She is a sought out and respected speaker and has a way of communicating to women in a non-offensive, non- abrasive manner. I think you would be pleased.

We have no desire, of course, to conflict with you on any subject. We would prefer that the topics for the women be chosen by you. You know best what your ladies need. Our desire is to support you and encourage your people in the direction that you want them to go.

We are scheduling now for the year 2012. February is nearly filled and the fall is filling fast. We would love to be of service to you if we could. Whether we get to be with you or not, we sincerely hope that God blesses you in all that you do as you strive to serve our Saviour.

We can be reached by writing to us at our email address: hookpublications@sbcglobal.net, or by calling us at 219-808-3989 (Bro. Hooker’s cell number) or 219-661-3480 (our home number).

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Bob and Jo Beth Hooker  

These videos are a recap of the celebration of Dr. Hooker’s tenth anniversary as Sunday school teacher of the Faith & Family Class. We are blessed to have Dr. & Mrs. Bob Hooker!

These videos are a recap of the celebration of Dr. Hooker’s tenth anniversary as Sunday school teacher of the Faith & Family Class. We are blessed to have Dr. & Mrs. Bob Hooker!

(1). Women have a lot of issues and need a means of asking questions and talking
their issues out.

(2). Women tend to feel alone in their struggles. They need to know that they
are not alone and help is out there.

(3). Women are nurturers and caregivers and need the comfort that fellowship
with other women offers.

(4). Women need specifics to know “how” to deal with a problem, and specifics
that are tailored for their situation.

(5). Get-togethers are fun!
Some of the lessons we have already learned are: women do not trust what they do
not see; women will trust their own perceptions more than they will trust
authorities, truth or even evidence; women think in terms of “black and white,”
meaning, “this man hurt me, therefore all men are bad;” and, women do not have
natural discernment which makes them vulnerable to deception. Our study is now
in Titus 2:3-5 and boy, is it good! Following Bible study is an exercise program
at 9:00 am. At 10:00 am we go soul winning. Then, we finish out by walking from
11:30-noon. Don’t miss out. Plan your day so that Thursdays are a part of your
routine and, I promise, you won’t sorry!

I said, “No catch. We just want you to know that we care and appreciate what you are doing for our nation.”

He looked at me and told me a very sad story of abuse done to him by his stepfather. He showed me a large, nasty-looking scar on his arm and elbow, the result of being thrown out of a second story window by his stepfather.  He said to me that no one in his life had ever cared for him or loved him. At this point I said, “We do and God does.” He broke and wept. That young man became what we called a “regular” at our home. When he did not have duty, he came down every weekend for months, ate home cooking, played ball and became part of our family. Never one time after that did I have a problem with his attitude or compliance with rules.  He became a son and a son with a right relationship with his father wants to please his father. Of course, I wasn’t his real father but, as his “adopted” father, he wanted to please me.

In the book of Proverbs we find a passage in chapter 29 that explains why this transformation took place.
Proverbs 29:17-21 says, “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul (vs17). Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (vs.18). A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer (vs. 19). Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him (vs. 20). He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length (vs. 21).”

Note that last verse. This passage may be the greatest passage in the Bible for working with young people. 

Notice what it says in Proverbs 29:17:

1. A son should be corrected
2. A son that is corrected will give you rest (give comfort or allow you to live in quiet or peace)
3. A son corrected will give delight to your soul (to live cheerfully, in pleasure).

Next, look at 29:18. There may seem to be a shift in thought here, but really, there is not.  This entire passage is a counseling passage and this verse is primarily speaking about having a vision for the people that we will be helping and counseling. We must understand that if we, as parents and leaders, want the promises, we have to keep the law. We must follow the commands we are given starting with the command found in Proverbs 29:17 to “correct thy son.” If we don’t have a vision for “our sons” and follow the command we won’t see the desired result.
Next, in Proverbs 29:19, we find an incredible teaching that illustrates why many times those that we are attempting to teach and influence are not receiving what we are trying to give.  Why? Because a servant will not be corrected by words. Even though he understands what we are saying and what we are trying to accomplish, he will not receive it.
Again, Proverbs 29:20 may seem like a change in thought, but it is not. In fact, the man who is “hasty in his words” is the man who verbally tries to get the servant to obey when the scripture clearly says he will not. Failing to heed God’s word is clearly a foolish and intentional act against God’s word.
This leads us to the final verse that we will discuss- Proverbs 29:21, and the real point of this lesson. This verse says, “He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.”  God is teaching us how to have real, life-changing influence with people, especially young people. God is teaching us how to have real results in our counseling and in necessary correction of those we lead. How? By taking the relationship from a master (employer, counselor, leader)/servant relationship to a father/son relationship. God says that it can be done and, if He is teaching us that it can be done then, it should be done. The key to acquiring this kind of relationship comes from the realization that it will not happen because we, as the leaders, command or demand it, but by long, careful, and loving efforts by us.  “Delicately” is the key word.  When we make the servant a son then we will receive the promise of verse 17. Moreover, God is also telling us that it is not just physical offspring that we can have this relationship with, but anyone with whom we are willing to develop a father/son relationship. And, when we do, the promise is that they will receive our instructions and give rest and delight to our souls.
Now for the final thought.  Just as it is a shame when we fail to develop a father/son relationship with those we counsel and lead and therefore struggle with their followship and compliance, it is more shameful when we allow our relationship to our biological children to be nothing more than a master/servant relationship.  How sad it is when we allow work, play, or the enjoyment of possessions to take up so much of our time that our own children feel like nothing more than servants to us! In my counseling I so often hear a parent say, “I don’t understand. He/she won’t listen to a thing we say”. Remember, a servant will not be corrected by words but a son will receive correction and “give thee rest.”  If we want the results, we must be willing to spend the time.

They said what happened was strange to them. This thought got me thinking about other incidences in scripture. I began to ask myself, how would it be if I were present at the time this actually took place? What would I have thought? How would I have reacted?

Just days ago we experienced what is known as April Fools Day. A time when some say or do something random or extreme and fool someone and then say, “April Fools!”  It is a day when things sometimes happen that are strange or out of the ordinary, and unexpected.

I began to think of all the things that God said to man that, at the time, must have seemed similar to an April Fools joke.

For example, if I had been in Naaman’s place and was told that in order to heal my leprosy all I had to do was go wash seven times in the Jordan River.  I probably would have anticipated the whole time that the servant or Elisha would have been on the shore just waiting until I finished the 7^th time to yell, “April fools!”

How about Peter when he went to Jesus and said he needed money for taxes and Jesus responded, “Go catch a fish and look in his mouth.”  Now if I had gone to catch a fish I would have been looking over my shoulder to see who was watching as I looked into his mouth, just waiting for someone to yell, “April fools!”

Then there was the time when the disciples needed to feed thousands of peoples and they asked Jesus and he said to go get that little boys lunch. Now really, if you were there would this have made sense to you? One little lunch.  Was this going to be the first Lord’s Supper with a little pinch for everyone?

Ezekiel, was told to go preach to the wind and then to the bones. If it had been you, would you have thought it a little strange?

Moses was told to throw a tree in the bitter water. Joshua was told to conquer a city by walking around it, and the walls would fall down.

Gideon was told to battle nearly 135,000 Midianites with 300 men and they were only to arm themselves with a pitcher, a lamp, and a horn.

If you were there would this have not seemed like strange instructions, maybe like an April Fools joke?

Here is what is amazing, in every instance the instructions did not make good sense but every time there was success.

What I learned from this:

1. God does not have to make sense to us.
2. We simply obey the instructions even when they do not make sense and we also will see the victory, the success.
3. The rest of our lives we must realize that when God’s plan makes no sense to us, it is His plan.
4. I am not supposed to understand everything now. Peter surely did not understand but he still went fishing.  Gideon, I am sure, did not understand but he still sent away everyone but three hundred and went after the Mideonites
5. How great would God really be if we, as finite humans, could understand all about Him.

Many things may seem strange that God and leadership may ask of us as Christians, but if we obey as the 300 obeyed Gideon, as the disciples obeyed Jesus, we will always see the victory.

Man pulls April Fools jokes but God does not. So if you need to see, don’t be surprised if Jesus spits in the dirt and rubs mud in your eyes.  It doesn’t make sense but it worked.

What is God asking you to do that does not make sense?  In 1982 He asked me to move my family to a place I had never seen before and it did not make sense to me to leave family, career, friends and home but what an incredible life He has given to us.

"Mom, what are you talking about?"

"You’re turning thirteen. Just think! You’re leaving your childhood behind. Ashley, you will never pass this way again."

"Mom, please."

"This is such a heartbreak! Oh, grief, sadness! I’m too young for this."

"Brooke, get in here quick! Mom’s losing it."

"It was traumatic enough watching you go from 0 – 1, let alone 12 – 13. What will I do when you turn 20?"

"Mom, you’re embarrassing."

Brooke enters the room.

"I’m tired of being thirteen. I can’t wait until I’m sixteen. I’m gonna get my driver’s license."

Mom groans.

"Just think, mom, I can drive the kids to school in the mornings and you won’t have to worry about it anymore."

"I think I’m gonna be sick," moaned mom holding her head, "I feel flushed. My knees are getting weak. Look! It’s the nervous twitch disease already starting. My leg! It’s going berserk!"

"Aw, mom! Cut it out!"

"I can see it now. You’re driving, kids are hanging out the window screaming, you will have forgotten something and I will be forever standing in the wake of exhaust fumes shouting, "Brooke, come back Brooke!"

"Mom!"

"I can’t do it! I refuse! I’m not ready for the teen years. The last time I checked, I was only 29. Where has the time gone?"

"I told you she was losing it, Brooke!"

"What a bummer!"

"Mom, where did you hear that kind of language?"

"I don’t know. It’s the crowd I run with, I guess. Mom always warned me about running with the wrong crowd, but she never told me what to do when I had to live with them."

"Mom, you are crazy!"

"It’s all your fault!"

Ashley signs, "I love you, mom, even if you are weird."

"Thanks, honey, your words mean so much to me. I really treasure these times we can talk."

"Good night, mom!"

"Good night, sweetheart. Don’t forget to brush your teeth."

"Mom!"

"I can’t help it. Once a mom, always a mom. Habits are hard to break." Mom turns to leave.

Brooke and Ashley look at each other, shrug their shoulders, and say, "I guess some things will never change."

The older I get the more I appreciate those wonderful words of wisdom my mom passed on to me, "Just wait! Your time is coming. I’m going to laugh when your daughter says to you all the things you have said to me." Or the infamous, "I told you so!"

Aw, mom, have a heart, will you?

Growing up with teens doesn’t have to be a dreaded thing. I have enjoyed my daughters and their friends very much. We have our ups and downs like most parent/kid relationships, but what an adventure. The hairbrush and hairspray start disappearing, the mascara is nowhere to be found, your best pair of pantyhose gets a mysterious run in it, dad’s favorite sweatshirt is missing and they can never remember to tell you important things like, "You mean I didn’t tell you that we leave on the eighth grade trip tomorrow and I have to bring in a hundred dollars?" Or "Oh, mom, by the way, I told my teacher you would bring a main dish and dessert for the teacher’s luncheon tomorrow," and it’s 10:00 at night.

The classic is, "I told you, mom, you just don’t remember." When you’re gritting your teeth and trying to calmly say, "I’m going to kill you," you know you are in the teen years.

Here are some things that others told me I should do, and things I have learned to.

1. Communicate. Have a ready, available listening ear whenever they need it. Let them unload on you.
2. Love them and accept them for what they are unconditionally.
3. Get involved. Enjoy what they enjoy. Get to know their friends. Chaperone activities. It makes them feel important to you.
4. Don’t yell or scream at them. Talk it out. Don’t lose your cool if you can help it. Treat them as an adult.
5. Be consistent with your rules and standards. Nothing will cause a young person to go bad quicker than inconsistency in training.
6. Be an example of right. Walk speaks louder than talk.
7. Don’t belittle them in front of others. They have enough to overcome with peer pressure without mom or dad adding to it.
8. Keep them involved in activities that promote a healthy spiritual consciousness.  Take them to teenage soul winning, church-related activities, revivals and camps. Let them help run bus routes and do things that foster an interest in others.
9. When they fail, believe in them. Forgive them. Help them to go on anyway.
10. Don’t criticize them. This is an emotional time. If you must correct a problem, try to do it privately and positively. Feeling like they can never measure up or be what you expect them to be is the leading cause of teen suicide.

Love them. Unselfish actions, sincere concern, communication, and lots of prayer, I believe, seem to be the key ingredients to keeping a parent/teen relationship sweet. I have learned that these days are important ones, challenging ones, but ones that can be the most blessed if we look for ways to simply meet the needs of those who need us most.