|
Marie was our first client. She came to us after we were contacted by the birthfather’s family. At the time, she was homeless, 16, almost six months pregnant, and a runaway from her parent’s home. Her 18 year old boyfriend was trying unsuccessfully to graduate from alternative high school. We invited her to stay with a mentoring family temporarily to see what the situation was and through the work of the Holy Spirit were able to help Marie move back into her parent’s home. We continued to meet with Marie and her parents as they worked through issues at home and with her relationship with her boyfriend. The mentoring family became a second family for Marie; she would stay at the house for short periods of time and they took her on small vacations with them. Marie and her mentor met many hours to discuss her future decisions about adoption or parenting as well as to go through a Bible Study together. The mentor met with Marie and the father of the baby to help them come together on a decision for their child. Now after the birth of the baby, Cradles of Grace’s mentor continues to support and meet Marie on a weekly basis and will commit to her for the next year or two until she is able to stand on her own.
Our second client, Jan, responded to the sidewalk counselors at the abortion clinic and decided to give life to her unborn child. The sidewalk counselor called us and asked us to help with Jan. Cradles of Grace became involved with Jan when she was about 28 weeks pregnant and have connected Jan with one of our Christian mentors who meets weekly with her. We are also helping get her to doctor’s appointments and with decision making. Jan will need a place to live and a way to support herself after the baby is born. It has been such a privilege to work with her as she responds to the Lord’s voice in her life. She began walking to a church ½ block away and attending the church’s Bible study for single moms. This church has embraced her. This young lady, who is 22, has never known people to love her as the people of God have.
|