Well today was packed. This week we have a team from Peachtree city Georgia running a VBS/Counseling program for children ages 5-19. I'm paired with the HS girls.. which look more like they're in their 20's than mid teens. Anywho, to put it lightly, we spoke about purity. A nurse from the Georgia team explained the physical and emotional consequences of premarital sex and promiscuous behavior.. as can be imagined it made them feel a little uncomfortable. There was one pregnant girl in the group, as well as another who brought her one year old baby. Difficult to grasp there was a six-teen year old girl who also brought her baby.. she is pregnant with her second. due in October. These girls are uneducated about safe sex and STDs and many of them have intense baggage from their past "relationships." We had 17 girls which is an improvement from the 15 who came yesterday :) Along with that they were more talkative.. which is big deal. In the Cherokee culture, the youth will only communicate with you if they think you're trustworthy.
We also tye-dyed socks and finished a craft from yesterday. Throughout my time with the girls, I've been evaluating which three of them would most benefit the mentoring program that the other intern, Rebecca, and I are putting together. It will consist of three high school and middle school girls.. the program we be four weeks long. In the study we will focus on self-worth, unity, purity, as well as define God, sin, and love. Hopefully these girls won't have us do all the talking.. it's meant to be more of a discussion group.
I watched one of the teen mom's baby today.. she was beyond precious.
Emily
Prayer Requests:
-Please pray for the selecting of the members for the mentoring program.
-For the local Cherokee girls.. that they would see their need for Christ.
-For the teenage mom's in our group.. that the Lord would provide them with wisdom and perseverance.. and that they would trust God with all their concerns.
Needs: Let me know if you want to donate items and I'll give you the MTW address.
-Basic school supplies for the HS and MS girls
I love this blog em! I'm proud of you :) keep encouraging in Christ. Love you
ReplyDeleteEmily - we're praying for you...are the supply needs something that your Parkridge family may be able to help with? let me know the specifics. beverlyturner@parkridgebaptist.com God Bless You!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless the mission of hope in the Cherokee nation. Em, you were made for this... Dreams do come true! Always praying for you! Love Mama Bear~
ReplyDeleteBeverly that would be a big help!
ReplyDeleteI'll talk to my boss and find out what the girls need asap. Prayer is the number one thing though.. and thank you for doing so!