 "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." (Titus 2:3-5, NIV)
In a recent study conducted to evaluate the demographics of families in urban areas, over 70% of families in our inner-city neighborhoods are headed by single mothers, often existing in impoverished conditions.
Children raised in this environment are much more likely to grow up poor, fail in school, drop-out, join gangs and become young, single parents themselves. In a recent survey conducted by various states' Department of Children and Family Services or Human Services resulted in some very sad conclusions. Survey results showed that almost half of all pregnancies among young, single women in the inner-city in the age range of 14 - 21 were intentional.
When asked by surveyers the reasons, the majority of responses were, "I wanted someone to love me, and I know my baby will" or "I thought if I had his baby, he'd stay with me." While these may be very pitiful reasons for having a child out of wedlock, they illustrate how the lack of parental love and support during the childhood years of adolescent girls can result in low self-esteem, which has lasting effects. Unfortunately, many of these girls grow up to be victims of abuse and domestic violence.
This emotional profile is very typical of those suffering from "Love Addiction," a psychological addiction resulting from unfulfilled childhood needs. Young girls whose needs remain unrecognized may adjust by learning to limit their expectations; this, of course, results in low self-esteem. A lack of self-love and love from parents, among young, inner-city women have permanent, lasting effects. These young women and others like them, who are not yet pregnant, as a result of emotional neglect, are desparately seeking nurturing love but in all the wrong places.
Satan, the prince of this world, has decieved our young women into believing that by giving themselves through casual sex with men will lead to loving relationships. Unfortunately, this self-destructive behavior only leads to more pain...and the pain only diminishes the woman's self-esteem even further. A point that many of them do not understand, is that before they can experience real love in a relationship, they must first experience God's love through salvation.
Christian Women's Mentor Program
God’s plan to cancel these circumstances in the inner city is being put in place through ministries such as the Christian Women's Mentor Program established by The Good Shepherd Restoration Ministries.
This mentor program partners a young, single mother with a Christian mother that encourages her through mentoring methods and by modeling Godly behavior.
This one-on-one relationship, we believe, is the best way to reach these women and should become a very effective evangelism tool. Perhaps, the Lord is leading you into ministering to one of these young women.
If you're interested in volunteering as a mentor in this program, plese let us know.
Click here to complete our online volunteer information request form. We look forward to hearing from you.
If you are a single mother or one of your loved ones is a single mother that could benefit from this ministry, and you'd like to learn more about hou you can participate in this ministry, click here. We look forward to hearing from you as well.
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