[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 20, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FOCUS ON THE FAMILY'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 2017

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 40th 
anniversary of Focus on the Family, a vital American institution 
dedicated to preserving one of our country's most foundational 
pillars--the family.
   Forty years ago, there were dire warning signs of the erosion of the 
family and the Judeo-Christian roots that have brought such benefit and 
blessing to the United States of America, and to the entire world. Dr. 
James Dobson saw these threats and could not ignore them.
   In Psalm 11:3, King David asks, ``When the foundations are being 
destroyed, what can the righteous do?'' That question has been viewed 
by some as a lament--a rhetorical question that signals defeat or 
resignation. But others take it as a rallying cry--to weigh that 
question, to search one's heart, and to resolve to do something about 
the foundations that are being destroyed.
   It was in this spirit that Dr. James Dobson founded Focus on the 
Family. Instead of retreating or shrugging off the problem to the next 
generation, Focus on the Family has proven what the righteous can truly 
do. Under the vision and leadership of Dr. Dobson and more recently Jim 
Daly, by the grace of God, incredible things have been accomplished to 
preserve, promote, and protect the family.
   It would be impossible to quantify the full impact that Focus on the 
Family has had in our own nation as well as across the world. We do 
know that thousands of marriages have been revived, prodigal sons and 
daughters have been brought home, life changes have been successfully 
navigated, young adults have been equipped, children have been lovingly 
discipled, and families have been encouraged and strengthened.
   I do want to highlight a significant impact that can be quantified. 
Through Focus on the Family's Option Ultrasound, over 720 grants have 
been awarded to pregnancy centers to purchase ultrasound machines. As a 
direct result, over 382,000 lives have been saved by mothers choosing 
life over abortion.
   In Colorado Springs, our local pregnancy centers have benefitted 
greatly from the generosity of Focus on the Family. Many of the 
materials given to women facing unexpected pregnancies come from Focus. 
In fact, since Life Network obtained its very first ultrasound machine 
through Focus on the Family, over 2000 women who have seen their babies 
on ultrasounds have chosen life. What an incalculable, multi-
generational blessing.
   Although Focus on the Family was founded in California, we are glad 
that they saw the light and relocated to Colorado Springs when they did 
in 1991. I wonder for how many children around the country--even the 
world--their first knowledge of Colorado Springs is through Adventures 
in Odyssey.
   It is truly a privilege to celebrate with Focus on the Family on the 
occasion of their 40th anniversary. Focus on the Family has fortified 
our families and our country, and for that, I am truly grateful.

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