Father's Day Around the World!

When is Father's Day celebrated around the world?

We took a little survey of some missionary ladies around the world who follow this blog and asked them if and when Father's Day is celebrated in their parts of the world and in this post we will share with you what we found out! 

We also asked missionary ladies to send in photos of their hubbies with their children or hubbies active in ministry. We hope you enjoy the photos of these faithful missionary fathers!

Stewart Schepers with son, Seth. (Dominican Republic)

Bill Brouwer with daughter, Abby. (Tanzania)

The following countries follow the US celebration of Father's Day:

Mexico 

Costa Rica 

 Peru 

Japan

Ecuador 

Argentina

 Ghana 

New Caledonia and France - However, Mother's Day in these countries is the first Sunday in June. 

Bill Brouwer enjoying game time with kids at MKamp.

Father's Day is also celebrated in:

Honduras - March 19th

Germany ( two weeks after Mother's Day)

Australia - September 2

Lithuania - 1st Sunday in June

Malawi - October 15th

Argentina - August 24th

Brazil - 2nd Sunday in August

In Thailand, Father's Day coincides with the King's Birthday (December 5) because he is regarded as the Father of all Thai people. FYI: The first Father's Day in Thailand was December 5,1980. They had celebrated Mother's Day for 30 years before the first Father's Day.

Matt Gansemer with his children, (from left to right) Brenna, Ethan, and Clara 

Father's Day is NOT and officially recognized holiday in the following countries:

Ukraine

Belarus

India

Uganda (some do "unofficially" celebrate it the same date as in the US)

Tanzania

Republic of Vanuatu

Greenland

 ***The following is a quote from a missionary wife in Greenland - "In our five years here last year was the first we've seen any mention of Father's, Mother's (or Valentine's) Day. I think we're slowly being influenced and will see more as the years pass. We usually follow Denmark in almost everything, it just may take us a while. So, in Greenland I would say that we acknowledge the special days, but we don't really celebrate them. By "we" I'm referring to the Greenlanders, in our home we do remember the days and even have a special mention and/or gift in church. I should clarify and say that this is how it is done in our town. I had to spend a month in the Capitol last year and they were definitely more exposed and influenced to Western Culture. I did see many Valentine's decorations, etc... (this was in Feb-Mar) Since each town is isolated from the rest, we are all growing and changing at different rates. 

David Sterling (my kid's wonderful Daddy) after a Wednesday evening service. 

With Father's Day being on a Sunday, these missionary Dads pictured here and many others all over the world will have a busy day just like all their other Sundays.

Daniel Jacabo with his children. (Honduras)

Dear Faithful Fathers, 

We pray you all can take some time to celebrate your special day with your family.

First time pig hunting in the Northern Territory of Australia for Patrick Bauer.

May God bless you abundantly as you continue to serve Him and raise up children who God may call to carry on in your footsteps continuing to take the gospel to the four corners of the earth!

Father's Day Craft Ideas

In honor of Father's Day, which is celebrated in the US this year on June 17th, we wanted to give you some craft ideas to help you make Dad's special day extra special!

If your son or daughter are still little peanuts who can't yet make much of a card or gift themselves, this is a great gift for Dad (or Mom) from a little one who only needs to provide the adorable footprint!

http://www.theseedsnetwork.com/search_result.php?i=349 

Here is another, little more complicated design of a DAD cut-out frame which you can paste photos in and give Dad as a gift.

http://www.marthastewart.com/266139/fathers-day-cutout-frame

I love this creative gift card holder that kids can make to present Dad with a gift card from his favorite tool store or auto parts store!

If you follow the link there is another style of shirt card to make for the more casual guy.

http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/fathers-days-cards-shirt-pocket.html

A car washing kit is a great and practical gift for Dad. Mom, help the kids design and print out a "Free Car Wash" coupon for Dad and you are ready with a great gift that will surely make him smile!

Martha Stewart

A bit more challenging of a gift would be a decorative pencil holder such as this nautical one below. You could decorate a jar with modeling clay objects which match Dad's favorite sport or colors. 

http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/polymer-clay-tutorials-sailboat.html 

For the older child, a little more advanced gift idea would be  to make one of these great car kits to fill with necessary items Dad can have readily available in the glove compartment of his car. I realize the exact materials may not be available for some of us in our various countries but you can always improvise! You could always use an already made container or fabric pouch of some sort that you already have laying around and add pertinent items to where you live. For example, in Siberia during the winter months, lighters and matches are always an important item to keep on hand in case of an emergency.

http://news.holidash.com/2011/05/24/diy-fathers-day-gift/

I hope you can use at least one of these ideas in celebrating Father's Day this year. Remember, if none of these work out for you to try this year, there is always the safe route of.....

baking your way to his heart!

 Ever wondered if Fathers are honored in all parts of the world?

Next week we will take a glance around the globe at different mission fields and find out if and when they celebrate Father's Day. Come back for a visit!