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What a week! Six of us spent the week of July 20-26th in beautiful, cool Arizona – rocking babies, playing with bubbles, cleaning up — and most of all caring for babies of teen moms.
Pictured left to right: Anna Mulloy, RCK; Beckie Hinze, 26:12; Emily Obert, 26:12; Bonnie Thompson, FMS; Mattie Strange, FTW; and Amy Hart, JAY
Teen moms live in two worlds. While they have the responsibility of caring for their child – or children – they are still teenagers.
We had the unique opportunity to give these moms some free time while they heard and experienced the love of Jesus Christ.
We think that we were more tired than Amy’s little guy.
“It is an incredible ministry that pairs these girls with mentors at home who love them through all the struggles of being a teen mom. I noticed while I was a camp that this ministry restores their dignity in a way and shows them how valuble they are – to God and to others!! I also realized how great a generational impact Young Lives is…not only are we sharing Christ’s love with these moms, but praying for the babies and knowing that if their mom comes to know God that these children will grow up knowing and hearing about Him – they will someday have to make their own decisions but at least they will have had the opportunity” Anna Mulloy
“I had the time of my life. I was so glad to get to share my life with all those girls to let them know that I was once in their shoes too. I wish there was a camp like that when I was 15. I would have gone. I look at my picture every day and I think about Jessica and that sweet little baby hoping God will bless them like He did me. I am planning on going next year.” Amy Hart
And we had loads of fun!
Hope you enjoy the rest of our pictures below. The thing about our week – not only did we watch lives change – but we know that generations of families will be changed because of these young moms, many who have no hope, had time to reflect on God’s love and how He is the Hope of the World.
“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.- Matthew 18:10-14
The Amarillo staff served alongside Habitat for Humanity on a hot Saturday in July -
Front row left to right is Sam Abrell, Janelle Gressett, Becca Armstrong. Back row left to right is Jessie Hamby, Johnie Archer, Debbie Archer, Cindy Thomet, Rick Thomet, and David Chapman (Amy’s husband)
Jessie Hamby, the “Most Valuable Volunteer” for 26:12 in Amarillo had this to say about a day of service in their hometown.
“Saturday July 26, myself and 10 other Twenty-Six: Twelve volunteers had the opportunity to work on a Habitat for Humanity house. The house we were working on was going to a Somalian refugee family of 15! We scraped floors and painted eaves, caulked windows and trimming, and even built a water heater closet. Cindy Thomet and I had the opportunity to see 3 houses in the different stages of development, one of them completely done. It was really special seeing what the end result of our efforts will look like.
As we are walking through life, we can only pray that somehow we brush off on other people and leave our fingerprints on their lives. This past Saturday, I think that we made a difference. It was so awesome working and laughing and learning and sharing, and even having a few blisters with people who want to give of themselves to others.”
“We live in deeds, not years: in thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not figures on a dial. We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best” – David Bailey.
Thanks Amarillo! You made a difference in your world!
Susan Hambrick, of the FMS Denton office, has found her passion. She prayed for many years that God would let her go to Africa to serve Him. It was easy to become discouraged during those very busy years of raising a family thinking that Africa would never be possible. But little did Susan know that God’s plans were so much better than anything she could imagine. Through her church she and a friend are teaching English to a group of refugees from Africa. Most of these beautiful people are from Tanzania and other east African countries. Swahili is the primary language. Twenty-six:Twelve has helped Susan serve through providing breakfast, purchasing a game to be used to teach English to adults and assisting with other supplies. Because of the relationship that FMS has with Jesse Kiwovele, a young man from Tanzania, Susan was able to take advantage of his interpretation skills recently. You will also see the great pictures of the Fourth of July celebration that Susan and her family and friends held for these people new to our country. Happy Birthday America!
If you are interested in helping Susan or starting your own ministry in your community, call the 26:12 office and talk to either Beckie or Emily. Here are some more pictures of a great Saturday with our new friends.
Emily and I went to Forney today and got to meet Lori and see Laura again. These ladies are enthusiastic and energetic about Accolade and serving their patients. They are already thinking of ways to serve their community – and have started on their shoeboxes, too! Welcome to the FMS family, Forney!
