As a Christian, premarital sex is a no-no. As the child of a woman who had her first baby as an unmarried teen, premarital sex is a no-no. As a girl with low self-esteem who though that after you had done it once there was no point in saying “no”, I became pregnant at 19. The fact that I miscarried doesn’t make teenage pregnancy less of a heartbreaking issue for me. I’ve always had strong feelings for girls dealing with being alone and pregnant, feeling like outcasts, with hormones more out-of-control than normal. I’ve always wanted to help, but wasn’t sure how. Then I “met” Miss Avis Ward on Twitter.
I don’t remember exactly how we met, but I am certainly glad that we did. Miss Avis is one of the most spirit-lifting, fun, caring people I have ever come into contact with. As if that wasn’t enough, she runs a home for pregnant teenage girls who would likely choose abortion, a safe haven to help them get through school, learn parenting skills if they choose to keep their baby, find adoptive parents if needed, etc. The girls are also taught life skills necessary to be successful adults in our society. Any teenage girl from any state in any stage of pregnancy is welcome at GeoVi’s Home for New Life as long as there is an open bed.
Where faith, hope and love abide for pregnant teens and their unborn babies.
“One hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” —Anonymous
GeoVi’s Home for New Life
A 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible.
GeoVi’s Home for New Life’s Community Project is no longer a dream. GeoVi’s Home serves homeless pregnant teens and young moms. The founder is Avis Ward, who believes Community is World Wide. We were born to do life together. This is why Jesus Christ commanded us to love one another. The strong must help bear the shortcomings of the weak. We cannot sit and watch without reaching inside ourselves to give of ourselves.
So many of these children are unable to recognize real love. They are mistrusting and apprehensive when acts of kindness are given without any expectation of something in return.
When they learn we only expect them to be teachable and learn what they need to have a brighter future than the one they’re currently living, they are utterly amazed.
Teen-Mobile is in this community and can branch out into other communities around the world. We are taking love to young mothers and their babies. (If you click on the Teen-Mobile link, it will tell you more about their community project.)
I can see that you’re wondering what on earth this has to do with you. Here’s the deal… Miss Avis is only one woman. She’s not a billionaire. She does have a huge heart for Jesus, and scared teenage moms. There are so many ways that we can help, even though we aren’t billionaires either. (Well, I’m not. If you ARE, might I suggest a hefty cash donation…?) First of all, monetary donations are greatly appreciated. I know not everyone can give money, so think about this… Last summer, I held a yard sale that was a miserable disaster. When it was over, I had an entire picnic table full of baby clothes left. A few weeks after the sale, Miss Ward mentioned on twitter that they were in great need of baby clothes for the home. You can bet I packed up those boxes of clothes and sent them to her. Not ready to give up your baby clothes yet? What about that half a package of unused diapers or toys your baby has outgrown? Or extra school supplies you don’t really need? Maybe you have a van sitting around that you’ve been thinking of donating somewhere. Wal-Mart gift cards are a huge help as they can be used to buy everything from toiletries to baby things to gas for the van. I’d be willing to bet if you sent Avis an e-mail that simply asked, “How can I help?” she would reply with a list that would include something you could manage. If nothing else, prayers are greatly appreciated. (Bonus for you, praying is free!)
As a Christian, and a mom, I feel a deep need to make a difference. While premarital sex is against my religious beliefs, grace is not. Everyone deserves a second chance, and I’m pretty sure that pregnant teenage girls are included in “the least of these”.
***I am not being compensated in any way for this blog post. I approached Avis about writing it because I believe she is doing great work, and I wanted to spread the word. You are under no obligation to make any sort of donation. However, donations are tax deductible.
