Since the Middle Ages, Fatherβs Day has been celebrated as a holiday to honour fatherhood, paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society.Β
This Fatherβs day, Benjamin Barker celebrate and honour dads from different walks of life who shared their unique stories onΒ living and leaving a legacy.
Jeremy Seaward,Β 42
Father of 4 children,Β 4th generation missionary,Β 5th generation pastor
Between raising four kids, maintaining an enduring marriage with his wife, Charissa since college, and being an all-around American missionary and pastor, Jeremy is definitely a super dad.
The Seaward Legacy
1919, USA to China
At the formation of Assemblies of God General Council with the original group of missionaries sent to China. Jeremyβs great-grandfather, Harold HansenΒ (front row, third from right)Β was home on furlough from China.Β
1938, China to USA
Jeremyβs great-grandfather,Β Harold, having been in China for 25 years since 1913 had to return to the USA during World War II as part of prisoners of war exchange. Haroldβs son and Jeremyβs grandfather, Fred Seaward (left) with his sister Cleo and cousin Eleanor Seaward.
1968, USA to Singapore
Jeremyβs grandfather, Fred, together with his entire family, are the second generation of missionaries to set foot in Asia. The Seawards - Fred, Rick, Douglas, Pamela, Connie, Margaret and Debbie, together with Polly, a friend in SingaporeΒ (right to left).
1977, Singapore
Victory Family Centre (VFC) was founded by Rick Seaward in 1977 and has since planted over 10,000 churches in 93 countries. The torch was passed to his son, Jeremy, who carried on the legacy of building churches in all nations of the world.
1994, USA
Coming from an illustrious line of missionaries and pastors does not necessarily mean that Jeremy had to step into the big shoes of his forefathers.Β His parents didn't put him under any pressure. Rather, they were more concerned with laying a firm foundation and living by faith than with his line of work.ο»ΏΒ It was the Word that convicted him at the age of 14 and gave him a sense of vocation and purpose.ο»Ώ
βBut my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesusβthe work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.βΒ Β
Acts 20:24
2001, USA to Singapore
The same Word gave Jeremy the confidence to uproot from the United States, pack his bags, and fly to Singapore with Charissa, just two weeks after their wedding.
2005, Singapore
Four generations of Seaward - Fred, Rick, Jeremy and baby CalebΒ (left to right)
2017, Singapore
Rick & Jeremy Seaward, a year before Rick's passing.
"My father had been a source of inspiration to me. He lived out what he believed, set the pace and tone for my life, and was the role model of how to live a meaningful life of significance. In spite of all his travels and hectic schedule, he always made time for family moments. It was a devastating loss when he died four years ago. One of the most difficult things I had to do as a father was to tell my children about his death."
2022, Singapore
Jeremy is now the Senior Overseer of VFC, Singapore. Together with his wife, Charissa, they have served on the pastoral team for over 20 years, and have a strong desire to see people grow and fulfil their purpose.
The Seawards continue to live the legacy of serving people, whatever the role may be.
2022, Singapore
Caleb, 17, Jeremy's eldest son and biggest fan
βIβm telling you this straight. The Son canβt independently do a thing, only what He sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does." John 5:19
βThe Father loves the Son and includes Him in everything He is doing.β John 5:20
Singapore is where Jeremy and Charissa, who have been married for 21 years, call home. They have four children: Caleb, 17, Megan, 13, Ethan, 10, and Luke, 3.Β
Big get-togethers were rare, but family was always important.Β
"Pastoring is unique in that it involves elements of a βwork' but also who you are, so it never truly stops. I make an effort to ensure we have intentional time just with the family so that it doesn't get lost in the shuffle."
βIf I'm with my family, I can completely focus on them. Weβd make time to create memories together, whether it's something fun to do locally or on vacation.β
βWith 4 kids, I definitely love them all the same! It is amazing how different they all are though. We're still figuring out what is most important to each of them, and we come up with ideas on how to show our love to them."
Jeremy bonds with Caleb, 17 over soccer, social media or helping him with school projects.
Sharing a words of wisdom with Megan, 13.Β
Hanging out with Ethan, 10 by playing his favourite games or catching movies together.
Luke, 3, just loves any form of attention!
Living A Legacy
"My life has been so changed by my faith in Jesus, and so Iβd always want to use my life to help others experience that too. I would hope to be remembered as someone who lived out Godβs call and honoured Him with my life."
Leaving A Legacy
"I hope my children would have a strong faith in God. Life and circumstances are unpredictable, but everything else stems from this foundation of believing in Him. If they have Him, they have everything."
From us to the world. Happy Father's Day!
