You may not have heard of Rita Mae Brown, but I believe that you are aware of the quote attributed to her:
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
I mention this because this is the third year in a row that I am suggesting to men that they should start this new year off by writing letters to the people in their spheres of influence.
If you have not been satisfied with the relationship and connections you have with those in your sphere of influence (for example, your wife or children) in 2025, why not try something new? Why not take the time to write letters to those individuals?
It is a personal tradition of mine to write New Year’s letters to my son and three daughters. I take the time to reflect on the past year, how much they have matured and what characteristic or quality I admire most for each child. In the letter, I encourage them and speak positive words into their lives, and end by letting them know how much I love them and how much God loves them as well.
For my wife, I take the time to reflect on our year and let her know what she means to me. All in all, I try to hear what messages God wants me to speak into their lives.
You would be surprised how powerful written words can be, and how much your children -regardless of their ages- really long to hear and read words from the important men in their lives.
Gentlemen, our kids and young people that we mentor and influence need to not only hear, but see our written words. (Personally, I have found at times that it is easier to write than to speak.) Furthermore, the written word can really speak to someone, and it will be around when they are ready to hear it.
If you feel that you can’t write or you don’t have the greatest grammar skills, get someone to help you or consider a video or audio recording. But really, you just need to speak from the heart and the Lord will help you. (Trust me, your kids won’t be marking you on spelling and grammar…)
If you’ve been present (physically or emotionally) with your loved ones, you will know what to say. If you haven’t, well this could be an opportunity to begin 2026 on the right foot.
On a larger level, this year as your National Men’s Director our focus is about forming alliances.
Our 2025/ 2026 goal is…
Fostering a culture of engagement: Men working to build alliances with our youth
The vision of Men’s Ministry in Eastern Canada runs deeper than events and fellowship -although these are important pieces of our foundation. Yes, we want a vibrant and functioning Men’s Ministry in every local church, but the purpose of this ministry is to deeply inspire our men to engage with their boys and young men (specifically) and our girls and young women as well.
Passport 2 Purity & Rite of Passages, Ceremonies, and Mentorship are four targeted areas of engagement that I wish to strongly promote during the 2026 year.
In the meantime, I would like to invite you to engage with your family or someone you mentor by writing to them a New Year’s Letter this week. (I would love for you to share your experiences and let us know what happens.)
Finally, stay tuned for our National Men’s Ministry End of Year Newsletter. Also, below are a few important dates for 2026.
Save the Dates
East Regional Father’s and Kids Trip – Saturday March 14, 2026
GTA Mid Regional Men and Young Men’s Conference – Saturday June 13, 2026
National Men and Young Men’s Weekend Retreat – October 16 – 18, 2026
West Regional Men and Young Men’s Conference – Saturday March 27, 2027 (New Date)
On behalf of the National Team we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year, and may God bless and keep you and your families during 2026.
Israel Harriott
National Men’s Ministry Director | COGOP Eastern Canada
Please feel free to email us and share your comments and thoughts! Contact us below, we would love to hear how your letter writing goes!
Contact Us
The Genesis Man Project 
Leave a comment