This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, June 2025

Fatherhood: Keep Going!

By Jared Jones
Program Director of The Paul Anderson Youth Home
In Luke chapter 9, Jesus gives His disciples power and authority over demons and to heal diseases, and He sends them to heal and proclaim the gospel. They were to take no provisions with them; instead, they were to rely on provisions from others. Verse 6 confirms that the disciples did what they were sent to do. They report back to Jesus just before His miracle in the feeding of the 5,000. A verbal response from Jesus is not present. In the following verses, in contrast, there is a sense that the disciples did their deal and they were content to let someone else step in. Jesus is now doing the healing and proclaiming the gospel. The disciples recognize the need for the crowd that has gathered to have food and lodging, but their response in verse 12 is, “Send the crowd away.” When our children get older and their needs change, as fathers, we often similarly move from engagement to passivity.

I remember on several occasions taking four of my children when they were very young to the video store to choose a movie for a family evening at home. The store was full of shiny things and candy, all within reach of young children. What could go wrong? Yes, it was challenging at times, especially when they headed in opposite directions. But it was fun for me, for my kids, and it gave my wife a much-needed break. I remember someone telling me, “You’re very brave”. Translation: You’re crazy. Someone else said, “You’re a good dad.” I’m glad someone understood that I was just trying to spend time with my kids and to teach them how to behave.

As our children grew older, the challenge to help them became far greater than simply keeping watch over them in a small area. One major struggle came in small packages. Devices infiltrated the home, and we became guinea pig parents trying to figure out where to take our stand. We fought an invisible enemy that became increasingly stronger. And if I’m honest, we mostly lost. There was increasing pressure that devices were not just optional, but necessary. They came with much appeal, no guidance, and poor parental controls. This often reminds me of a line from Dr. Ian Malcolm addressing the park founder in the original Jurassic Park movie, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” The devices, which were supposedly intended to bring joy and connectivity, instead brought discouragement and isolation.This impacted not only our children but most of us as parents as well. We have allowed our children to be led away from us, and we have allowed ourselves to be led away from them.

At the Paul Anderson Youth Home, the young men are not allowed to have devices or cell phones. What we see instead is imagination, creativity, productivity, and engaging conversations. My desire for the growth of our young men is that we help prepare them to be fathers, if God so desires them to have children. Fathers with a God-given role of leading their families cannot be passive. In verse 13 of Luke chapter 9, Jesus challenges the disciple’s passive response with, “You give them something to eat.” Later in the same chapter, Jesus speaks to the cost of being His disciple. We must put away distractions to be present, to protect, to lead, to teach. We need to get back in the fight.

Strength For The Day

Each week, PAYH shares a devotional; “Strength For The Day,” by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. In addition to being a retired US Army Chaplain, he is also the husband of our Co-Founder, Glenda Anderson Leonard. His writing is both moving and inspiring and will most certainly lift your spirit and encourage you in your walk with Jesus. To receive his weekly writing, you can subscribe online at payh.org. You can also read past writings by clicking here.

2025 Onion Run

The young men of the Paul Anderson Youth Home showed incredible strength and perseverance at the Vidalia Onion Run 5K this weekend! Out of over 292 runners, every one of them placed in the top 51 — an amazing accomplishment!

In the 5k Category…

Jaxon took 6th place

 Tyler finished strong in the top 10

In the ½ marathon…

Jack placed 1st in his group.

These young men continue to rise to every challenge with determination and heart. We’re so proud of their hard work and how they represented PAYH!

Congratulations on a great day, boys!

32nd Annual PAGC

The 32nd Annual Paul Anderson Golf Classic was a day to remember!

From incredible shots to heartfelt moments, we are beyond grateful for the players, sponsors, and supporters who made this event possible.

Your generosity directly impacts the young men at Paul Anderson Youth Home, helping them build brighter futures. Because of you, lives are being transformed!

We couldn’t have asked for a better day on the course, and we look forward to seeing you next year!

Why we ride

Each year, the young men of the Paul Anderson Youth Home ride over 550 miles—and now, you can hear in their own words why they ride.

Their stories are powerful, personal, and rooted in a legacy that began when Paul Anderson, the World’s Strongest Man, rode his bicycle from Vidalia, Georgia to Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska to raise awareness for the Youth Home.

This tradition continues today, not just to honor Paul, but to transform lives—one mile at a time.

Click above to watch the video: “Why We Ride”

Want to support the mission?

Text “bikeride” to 71777 or visit payhbikeride.com

Celebrate Recovery

Faith. Fellowship. Growth.

The young men of Paul Anderson Youth Home attended Celebrate Recovery, embracing the journey of healing and transformation.

Afterward, they enjoyed a well-deserved dinner together—sharing laughs, conversations, and brotherhood.

Moments like these remind us that true growth happens in community—through faith, support, and encouragement. We are so proud of these young men for their dedication to becoming who God has called them to be!

Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race Check Presentation Banquet

What an incredible time at the Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race Banquet!

We are thrilled to announce that a total of $15,790 was raised for each of our amazing benefiting charities:

• Paul Anderson Youth Home
• Vidalia Heritage Academy
• WinShape Camps

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported this event through your prayers, sponsorships, and participation. Your generosity and dedication make a lasting impact on the lives of so many, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Together, we are making a difference, and we are so grateful for this amazing community! Let’s continue to support these wonderful organizations and the incredible work they are doing!

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for the 32^nd Annual Paul Anderson Golf Classic on Monday, May 5th, 2025! Join us for a day of great golf, fellowship, and support for the young men of the Paul Anderson Youth Home.

When: Monday, May 5, 2025

Where: The River Golf Club in North Augusta, SC.

Register Now: payh.org/golf

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event! Whether you’re playing, sponsoring, or simply supporting, your participation makes a difference in the lives of these young men.

Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to see you on the course!