The story of a mom in crisis and those who have wrapped the love of Jesus around her.. the impact is amazing and eternal!
“I am a single mom, I have 2 kids, living in the mission in my city, going to have a baby in 2 weeks, and have no reliable, extended family or friends to help me. I don’t want my kids to go into foster care, I want to take care of them, but without help I don’t know what I will do. I am very motivated to get a job and get my own place, raise my kids, and be a good mom. I have hope that somehow I can make all of this happen.” -Young mom in crisis
“My family loves kids. We love serving together and we want our home to be a place God uses to show compassion and hope to families and their children. We want to be on mission right here in Topeka, in our own community and through our family life. We believe our own children will be impacted by opening our home and our lives to serve others. We have been looking for a way to do this and the Safe Families ministry of Lifeline Children’s Services and our church have given us a way!” –Host Family
“I have learned a lot. I have lived through a lot and feel God is leading me to mentor a young woman/mother of young children. I want to offer hope, encouragement, an invitation to my church and women’s small group as well as any other practical help I can. I have some time every week to spend chatting and praying for this young mom over a coffee or at the McDonald’s play place or park. Jesus has taught me so much about relationships, parenting, growing spiritually…I really want to pass that on.” –Family Friend
“I am now employed. I need hosting for my kids again with people who already love and know them. I want to get established in and keep my job, but without a couple weeks of help with my children, it could be challenging. I am also close to having my first apartment secured and ready to move in. I will need many things to help me get settled and get off to a fresh start! I feel hopeful. I am no longer alone.” –Young mom who was in crisis and is now moving to independence
“We have been supportive and encouraging to the family who has hosted this mom’s kids and mentoring her. We have prayed for them and loved the kids when they came to our church. To care for the mom as she entered her new apartment, we showered her with stocking up her cabinets…cleaning supplies, paper products, household items, food/staples, and furniture to help her get started! We felt like we as a church really made a difference together.” –Lifeline partner/Safe Family Church
“…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” -Jesus, Matthew 25:40
Your Turn to RESPOND
Now it’s your turn! To RESPOND is to open yourself and your life up to another with compassion. To RESPOND is to take initiative to be the hands and feet of Jesus in real and practical ways. To RESPOND begins a step in the journey of seeing God use you and your family on mission where you live.
The Safe Families for Children ministry of Lifeline Children’s Services continues to make impact in the lives of children and families. We have seen 3-4 families begin relationships with host families, churches, and other supportive relationships. We have seen missional families and individuals give sacrificially to see parents empowered and families surrounded with compassion, hope, and support.
If you have ever thought, I want to be on mission where I live, I want to make a difference to families in my community, I want my church to be a place where people find real help and feel welcome.. please connect with our Lifeline staff at 205-967-0811 or email [email protected] to find out your next steps.
Sue Smith, Safe Families Specialist
For more ways you can respond to tangible needs locally, visit our September Focus page HERE or join us for our webinar on September 16th HERE.