Family Focus Newsletter | February 2026

Hello from Focus on the Family! I hope these first weeks of 2026 have gone well for you and your family. Despite the concerning state of the culture, it’s important for believers to maintain a hopeful outlook as we embark on each new year. We know the Lord’s plans for His people are good — and what’s more, we know the ultimate outcome is certain. Therefore, we are free to engage the culture with boldness, confidence, and love for our neighbors. As 1 John 2:10 reminds us: “Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.”

Love, of course, begins at home — and that’s why strong marriages are crucial. After all, couples whose marriages are thriving are in the best position to raise godly, mature children who can then go on to serve as Christ’s representatives to a hurting world.

I’m always inspired when I hear stories of couples who have gone the distance in their marriages. The story of Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher, for example, encapsulates so much of what propels us forward in our ministry work.

Herbert Fisher, born in 1905, grew up in North Carolina with his best friend, Zelmyra, whom he married when they were just 18 and 16, respectively. When Herbert passed away in 2011, the couple had been married for over 86 years. That’s over eight-and-a-half decades of choosing each other by faithfully living out their vows, day in and day out.

Herbert and Zelmyra lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the cultural upheaval and changes of the 1960s. They witnessed a culture that changed dramatically over the course of their lives, grieved with the rest of the nation over the September 11 terror attacks, and weathered all of the ups and downs of our volatile economy. They raised five children and went on to enjoy their 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

The Fishers said this about marriage: “A friend is for life; our marriage has lasted a lifetime … Divorce was NEVER an option, or even a thought.” They also shared the best piece of advice they ever received related to nurturing a lasting marriage: to “respect, support, and communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest, and true. Love each other with all of your heart.” 1

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

What a rich legacy the Fishers left to future generations as they remained wholeheartedly committed to one another through everything life may have thrown at them. This rock-solid devotion to marriage the Fishers exemplified is a value that you are helping to uphold and foster through various ministry marriage building efforts — because when marriages thrive, families flourish and the culture benefits from the healthy families that form its backbone. As the family goes, so goes society.

I’m so thankful for all the work God is doing with your help in this realm. For nearly half a century friends like you have helped labor diligently to save, strengthen, and nurture marriages. Whether through a radio show or podcast centered on marriage relationships, online articles geared toward marriage-related topics, marriage enrichment events, Hope Restored marriage intensives, or counseling resources, you are helping couples experience a healthy, fulfilling marital bond.

Ultimately, your sustaining gifts support the biblical perspective of marriage that has been a foundational principle for this ministry for almost 50 years. As God’s people, we uphold the Scriptural truth found in Matthew 19:4-6 that God created “male and female” and that “a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife.” Thank you for joining the calling:

We believe the institution of marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God to model the love of Christ for His people and to serve both the public and private good as the basic building block of human civilization. Marriage is intended by God to be a thriving, lifelong relationship between a man and a woman enduring through trials, sickness, financial crises and emotional stresses. Therefore, Christians are called to affirm and proclaim God’s marriage design and to minister in Christ’s name to those who suffer the consequences of its brokenness.2

You are yielding eternal dividends. Here’s a snapshot of the impact you helped make last year alone:

• 530,000 marriages were strengthened.
• 140,000 couples experiencing serious conflict were helped.
• 490,000 couples were equipped to help support and encourage others to build healthier marriages.

In addition to these heartening numbers, below are just a couple of examples of the kinds of testimonials you make possible every day:

Focus on the Family has been a part of my life since I was a child, and my parents followed your teachings. As a young pastor’s wife and the mother of small children, I continued to glean so much from the great resources. Now my husband and I have been married for 27 years, and we have two young adult children who thankfully love the Lord. I’m so grateful for all the work you have done for marriages and families — not only my own, but for so many other families as well. We pray you will continue your faithful obedience to our Lord Jesus and the Kingdom work He’s given you. -Danyel, Hawaii

I praise God and thank Him for you. Through your ministry, my marriage was saved and restored. My husband and I are still married after 61 years. Praise God! We raised three children and have two grandchildren. I keep you in my prayers. May God bless you — and keep up the good work! -Marie, California

This kind of impact is possible only because friends like you have chosen to stand with us. Would you prayerfully consider sending a donation to help us move forward in our outreach to married couples? A gift of any amount would benefit our work and would be received with deep gratitude.

Please call 1-800-a-family (232-6459) if there’s something we can do to come alongside you and your loved ones. Meanwhile, may the Lord guide your steps, supply your every need, and empower you by His Spirit to live in a way that brings glory to Him. Blessings to you and yours!

Sincerely,

Jim Daly

President, Focus on the Family