Youre pregnant Those two words can thrill signalling

You're pregnant. Those two words can thrill… signalling a time for celebration, or they can chill…sending a wave of panic throughout the ditch of dire desperation. TEENAGE PREGNANCY PSALM 3. 3 BUT THOU, O JOHOVAH, ART A SHIELD ABOUT ME; MY GLORY AND THE LIFTER UP OF MY HEAD.

FINDING OUT DECISIONS: ABORTION OR TELLING MY MUMMY

STATISTICS IN SOUTH AFRICA In South Africa, 1 in 3 girls will become pregnant before the age of 20

HOW DOES THE CHURCH DEAL WITH TEENAGE PREGNANCY. 1. WHAT DOES GOD’S WORD TEACH ABOUT SEX OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE. 2. SHOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND FORGIVENESS. 3. FACILITATE A SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS AND ONE FOR TEENAGES. 4. ENCOURAGE THE CHURCH TO PRAY. 5. CHURCH SHOULD BE AN OPEN PLACE FOR HELP. THE TEENAGER MUST KNOW THAT OUR DOORS ARE OPEN AS A CHURCH TO THEM. 6. DON’T IGNORE THE FAMILY, ESPECIALLY THE TEEN. 7. ASK A MATURE CHRISTIAN WOMAN WHO LOVES GOD TO BE LIKE A MENTOR TO THE TEEN AND HER MOTHER. 8. Teach the difference between a critical spirit and a caring spirit.

HOW TO HANDLE TEEN PREGNANCY IN YOUTH GROUP. SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS. 1. USE GOD’S WORD AS A GUIDE 2. DON’T PROMISE CONFIDENTIALITY. 3. SEEK HELP IF YOU SUSPECT SOMETHING STRANGE 4. LISTEN, LISTEN AND LISTEN 5. DON’T JUDGE 6. DON’T ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY. 7. INVOLVE PARENTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 8. INFORM THE YOUTH GROUP AND ALLOW QUESTIONS 9. STAY CLOSE TO FAMILY.

Counselling offered to the teenager. Even if you made a mistake, your child is not a mistake. God is not surprised by the creation of this new life. He is the Creator. And those whom He creates, He loves. Therefore nothing will ever separate you or your baby from the love of God. Romans 8. 39. God is the author of life. I bring to life. Deuteronomy 32. 39 God opens and closes the womb. The Lord…. Opened her womb Genesis 29. 31 God ordains all pregnancies, regardless of the circumstances. This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb; I am the Lord, who has made all things. Isaiah 44. 24 What are predictable reactions to unplanned, unwanted pregnancies: 1. DENIAL 2. DISTRESS 3. DEPRESSION 4. DREAD 5. DILEMMA Allow God’ word to direct all your decision making.

WE CAN REJOICE, TOO, WHEN WE RUN INTO PROBLEMS AND TRIALS, FOR WE KNOW THAT THEY HELP US DEVELOP ENDURANCE. AND ENDURANCE DEVELOPS STRENGTH OF CHARACTER, AND CHARACTER STRENGTHENS OUR CONFIDENT HOPE OF SALVATION. AND THIS HOPE WILL NOT LEAD TO DISAPPOINTMENT. FOR WE KNOW HOW DEARLY GOD LOVES US, BECAUSE HE HAS GIVEN US THE HOLY SPIRIT TO FILLOUR HEARTS WITH HIS LOVE. ROMANS 5. 3 -5

FROM DISAPPOINTMENT TO HOPE

MY STORY