From the Executive Director

Mona Boelens Executive Director

Dear Friends,

I trust this letter finds you well and excited for the upcoming months ahead as we give thanks to God for his provision and as we anticipate celebrating our Savior's birth.

Have you ever thought about the road Mary and Joseph traveled that first Christmas? Our bibles tell us that Mary was late in her 3^rd trimester and the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 70 miles away. While it would take us about an hour by vehicle today, Mary had to endure the discomfort of the journey while pregnant, on an unpaved road, and on the back of a donkey! I wonder what must have gone through Mary's mind? Any mother-to-be may have complained or not even made the journey in the first place. But God's favor was upon Mary and she trusted The Lord despite the discomfort of the journey. Luke 2:19 reads, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

Like Mary, our teenage mothers are on a similar journey - while they may not be pregnant anymore, they have the same doubts and fears of a new mother without many of them having the benefit of knowing God personally. Amazingly, they still come to TMC with their fears just as we do with Jesus. Because of our godly volunteers, donors, and staff, teenage moms and their children find Jesus along with the many resources and encouragement TMC provides. When we point the way to the Almighty God, teenage moms can make sense of their discomfort for his honor and glory. What encouragement we glean from the Hymn, Trust and Obey, "When we walk with the Lord, In the light of his word, what a glory He sheds on our way."

This Christmas Season, let's follow the example of young Mary who trusted and obeyed her Heavenly Father's request to go to Bethlehem. When we do so, God's glory brightly shows all the blessings he has for us. Looking forward to celebrating God's gift in Jesus with you!

From all of us here at Teen Mother Choices, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Mona Boelens, BSW, MPA
Executive Director

"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:13