Maggie's

 

Early in August, Mom and I were blessed to visit an old friend, Maggie, at her ministry to teenage moms. Thousands of girls across Uganda find themselves as mothers during their teenage years due to the expensive dowry that their boyfriend cannot pay; so, the couple gets pregnant in hopes that the family will then consider them married. Obviously, this causes much poverty, the couple separating, kids left with grandparents or uncared for. As someone who is friends with multiple teen moms and passionate for life from womb to tomb, I was thrilled to hear about and visit the work Maggie is doing! Two or three times a week the girls gather together to learn trade skills, such as bag, sandal, soap and hair making. Maggie gets a variety of people involved by inviting other women to come and teach the girls these skills.

Mom brought the book God's Very Good Idea by Tillia Newbell to read the girls. She surprised me by asking me to read it; I was thrilled! To teach these girls, my age mates, intimidated me. What did have to say to them? If I were in their shoes- a single mom trying to raise her child amidst a poor family- would I do as good as they're doing? Thus, I was beyond excited to read the book! I love reading; in fact, I have an entire podcast devoted to children's books (Secondary Stories). Mom, knowing it or not, allowed me to mix two of my passions in a beautiful moment. The girls' attentive gazes are forever branded in my memory. What a beautiful sight to behold! How wonderful these daughters of God, how precious their children which God holds in His mighty right hand!

Mom shared how each of the young women (and each of their children, whether unborn or in their arms) is God's very good idea. The idea He loved so faithfully, He died to redeem.

Mom then gave each young woman a "Who I am in Christ" bookmark (see FICM Bookmarks to copy down the bookmark or get your own!). We read the list together- our voices raising together in power, declaring the truth of the new identity God gives each born again believer. After reading, Mom asked the girls which declaration meant the most the them. "I am a citizen of heaven", "I am complete", "I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit" and "I am secure" were among those chosen. Shivers glazed across my skin as a heard these young women, often with a smile, declare the truth of the priceless value God places on them.

Mom ended with asking if anyone wanted to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Four girls raised their hands! Halleluiah! The angels in heaven certainly were praising the name of Almighty God! Please continue in prayer for these new believers (Grace, Miriam and two whose names I can't recall). Their lives aren't easy. Pray they will walk in purity of heart and body, reunite with their boyfriends/husbands, use the skills they've learned, and love their child(ren) as God loves them.

I brought cards to color with Bible verses on them. A fellow missionary had given me these for my birthday; I found such delight in sharing them! We had a lot of fun coloring together. Coloring gave me a way to be still each day when I passed through the hardest season of my life. I still use their practice, thus it felt like offering a part of myself when I stood inadequate, nothing great in my possession to give these girls who'd bravely chose life for their children.

Our departure was delayed by a downpour. Although we couldn't chat, the togetherness was wonderful. Apparently not all of us appreciated the rain, though :)

How good to be together; we hope to return!

"Hold the babies!" someone said. So we get another great selfie ;)