Keith Danby, chairman of Safe Families for Children and a major business developer, paid tribute over the weekend to to Eddie Stobart after his death. Stobart founded one of Britain’s most well-known transportation companies. Eddie Stobart was influential in the M6 motorway and leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his business endeavors. Danby drew attention to his deep Christian faith and commitment to spreading the gospel.
Danby, who was a close friend, said “His very core was to see people come to faith. Everybody knew he was a Christian man of God as well as a businessman.” Danby explained how Stobart’s faith shaped his life and work: “He was a committed member of Gideons International, while his wife, Nora, served as a One-Time Lady President.”
Stobart brought the Christian book distributor Send the Light (STL) to England. He was passionate about bringing Bibles and Christian literature reached people around the world. He also funded the construction of Lowmoor Evangelical Church in Wigton, Carlisle. He is survived by his daughter and a son. His late son Edward, was influential in growing his business.
Danby added “He lived into his 90s. His faith never waned. There were some challenging times, some difficult times with the business, but it was a constant.” Danby is the president of Safe Families for Children, a charity that helps at-risk children in over 120 cities. The organization was founded in 2003 and has expanded rapidly over the last few years.
According to their website, “Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family–like supports for families through a community of devoted volunteers who are motivated by compassion to keep children safe and families together.” The organization operates in a chapter-based format, and there are over 100 local chapters in the US.
Safe Families for Children describes their mission as ” Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family like supports for families through a community of devoted volunteers who are motivated by compassion to keep children safe and families together.” They partner with local families to house at-risk youths. They explain that many families lack the resources they need to take care of theirFounder of Iconic Firm Passe, Is Remembered as Ardent Christian Whose “Faith Never Waned” children.
They have 3 main objectives in their work. First, they want to “Keep children safe during a family crisis such as homelessness, hospitalization, or domestic violence to prevent child abuse and/or neglect.” They also prioritize keeping children with their families and out of government systems. They conclude by saying they want to “Reunite families and reduce the number of children entering the child welfare system. We seek to be an alternative to foster care, where appropriate.” The issues with the foster care system are well known.
The charity believes that this is important because, ” Research shows that children who grow up in their own families leads to better outcomes in terms of sense of identity, educational attainment, overall stability, and employment. The goal is family preservation. We believe when parents are supported and strengthened with intentional relationships, children can thrive and families can flourish!”