Local ministry teaches about the importance family has on the world

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer

The Dunford Family Ministries is about—well, family.

With seven children and another on the way, the Dunford family considers a good family their greatest contribution to the world. They demonstrate good families through programs on character presented in public schools, through their Web site Dunford Family Ministries and their work in numerous churches around the Enid area.

“We have lots of strengths and weaknesses,” said Jen Dunford who is expecting her eighth child in March. While talking with the Dunfords, their children, Hannah, 12; Nathaniel, 10; Micha, 9; Caleb, 6; Esther, 4; Benjamin 3; and 17-month-old Phoebe sit around the family table politely watching.

Part of the Dunford family ministry is daily devotionals posted on their Web site, which now are sent to about 500 people from coast to coast. They consider the Internet their way to pastor to large numbers of people. The small daily devotionals leave plenty of time for family. They average three or four appearances per month and their program is a collage of music, games and things that engage children.

Lorenzo and Jen have been married 13 years and Lorenzo has pastored and worked in churches during that time. Originally, Lorenzo started with Wal-Mart directly from college. He came to Enid for training and the family liked it here, so he quit and started his job as a minister.

That job was made possible through the Rev. David Wiggs of First United Methodist Church, who brought Lorenzo to Enid as a staff member. Wiggs wanted to start a bridge program to reach youth who had grown up in the United Methodist church, but no longer attended. Lorenzo enjoyed being part of that bridge program and has expanded it with his family into the programs they do in schools. The whole family sings, and the older children play instruments.

“We enjoy being a bridge to public schools because we home school our children,” Jen said.

Their programs include children doing character programs, as well as the music. Lorenzo said their ministry is an extension of First United Methodist Church’s vision. Lorenzo was working in a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma City when he got the opportunity to go to Enid through some friends he was connected to Wiggs. Lorenzo said he wanted to see his family touch a broader population and he is thankful for Wiggs and the opportunity he provided.

Lorenzo said Jen was an excellent student and an outstanding musician. Before their marriage, they decided the best thing they could do for humanity was raise great children. It was difficult at first, the first three were 18 months apart. Then there was a three-year gap. Now every child has a buddy and the house runs like a corporation, with everyone having an investment.

“Healthy families are deficient in society and that is the reason there are so many issues and problems,” Jen said. “Whatever you do, give your children ownership and values. That will be the greatest thing you can do.”

That type of parenting takes investment and time like people do in a financial world, Lorenzo said. Your first priority should be raising a Godly family he said.

“Children are a letter we write to a time we will never see,” he said.

The family had a motto: Teamwork makes the dream work. Lorenzo and Jen plan to have many children believing Psalms 127: “Children are a heritage of the Lord and blessed is the man whose quiver is full.”

Lorenzo believes a quiver is at least 12 arrows. He said training children is not about children but training the parents. Each of their children have strengths and weaknesses Lorenzo and Jen need.

“Everything is a family. Home is just the first tier. The creator designed family as a way of life,” Jen said.

During the interview, 17-month-old Phoebe was restless and went from one parent to another, then to her big sister. Lorenzo said all of the children were once like that, but as they grew they developed a sense of ownership in the family.

“Raising a large family also is hard work and requires a big commitment. We have hard days like everyone else,” Lorenzo said.

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