Faith

‘God Never Asked Gov’t’: Pro-Life Christian Group Is ‘Restoring Love’ By Helping Teen Moms in Need

Teen Mother Choices International Helps Teen Moms Battle Poverty | Restoring LoveWith Glenn Beck’s “Restoring Love” just days away, it’s important we look at the many individuals and groups that are making a lasting (and positive) impact in their communities. Through unique and impactful programs, these people and organizations are giving of themselves and, as a result, transforming lives. Christa March and her non-profit Teen Mother Choices International (TMCI), an organization that equips teen mothers with important resources, is a prime example.

Many pro-life Americans wish to see young women carry their pregnancies to term. But, what happens to these inexperienced girls when they find themselves with a child to raise and with very little resources and support to adequately do so? This is the question that March and TMCI have set out to answer, both in theory and in action.

Considering the fact that 465,600 teen girls choose to keep their babies each year — and that the majority of them will not finish high school — the challenge surrounding how to help these young women is profound. March claims that the vast majority of females who receive public assistance also began getting it when they, too, were teen mothers (we told you about TMCI in the July/August issue of The Blaze Magazine – get your copy here).

A description on the group’s web site briefly recaps how it works to help these teens:

TMCInternational has designed a step-by-step plan to train and equip your church to provide practical assistance to families headed up by teen mothers. Some of the training includes:

  • Training and supervising caring mentors
  • Providing weekly Lifeskills Workshops™
  • Discovering the missing service – the “Hook Service” – that hinders teen mothers in your community from becoming independent and learning how your church can provide that practical service.

So TMCI, a Christian-led group, seeks to train churches across the nation to help them better understand — and meet — the needs of teen mothers. From life skills trainings to academic advice, guidance and assistance, TMCI is helping churches work with young girls, while putting their beliefs — that individuals should help those in need who choose to keep their children — into action.

Watch an informational video for more about TMCI:

Here’s more about TMCI from The Blaze Magazine interview in this month’s issue:

“Our overall purpose statement is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to teen mothers and their children,” March told The Blaze. “The goal is to empower teenage moms to become independent, functional members of society…it’s our goal to live our faith in such a way that it practically assists teenage moms and their kids towards independence.”

So far, the group has been wildly successful. None of the more than 400 teen moms who have gone through the program have relied upon public assistance later in life – a startling accomplishment that provides an interesting blueprint for helping young women across America. The key to these efforts is rooted in the fact that every church member gets involved and offers up his or her gifts to meet teen mothers’ needs. It’s a collaborative process that works.

TMCI has had enormous success relying upon generous and caring people in diverse communities — individuals who have been and continue to be willing to help “the least of these.” The payoff, of course, has been great both for the young women and the churches involved. March believes, too, that conservatives ought to be convicted to be involved in organizations like hers.

“As conservatives, our philosophy should be — God never asked governments to do these kinds of things,” March explained. “It is our responsibility as people of faith to live out our faith and help those in need. It was never the government’s responsibility.”

You can find out more about TMCI here.

Editor’s Note: The author of this article serves on the Board of Directors for TMCI.

Comments (33)

  • eggs1337
    Posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:12pm

    I am so glad to see some Christians actually helping these lost souls now instead of just berating them. My faith in Christianity and Christians has just gone up significantly and I can now say I’m proud to be a christian again.

    Report Post »  
  • AwakeAndAware
    Posted on July 18, 2012 at 9:01am

    I was 19 when I got pregnant. We got married after our son was born, and were blessed to have the support of our families and church. While on government assistance for a while, my husband went to college full time and worked, and I worked two jobs. Now, my husband has a very successful career, I run a small business, we have paid far more back into the system than we took, we paid off our student loans, and our son is an intelligent, responsible young man. We made a mistake having sex before marriage, but our son is not a mistake! Jesus died on the cross because we make mistakes and sin. Because of his sacrifice, we have a second chance. Our second chance was not easy! But, with the love and support of our families and church, and yes even some government assistance for a short time, we were able to be successful, by the grace of God. Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). So many of your comments are just stones of judgment! They show that you are part of the problem and not the solution. Bruce P. seems to have it right. This program and ones like it are part of the solution. We can’t do away with government programs that don’t work if we don’t replace them with charities and church programs that do. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). So stop being part of the problem with your judgments and start being part of the solution by seeing these girls as Christ do

    Report Post »  
  • onetoomany
    Posted on July 18, 2012 at 2:18am

    CPC’s et al have been doing this stuff for years. Birthright is a Catholic organization. There are many places a teen can go to get help. There is some truth to the argument that when being pregnant when a teen was something to hide and shameful, that it kept some girls from not getting pregnant, and when it became common place than it started happening more and more. The stigma is gone and more are doing it, like it or not. Yes, they need help afterwards, not a bailout, just a helping hand, and that is the Christian way, not to judge, just to help. But we should also be encouraging and educating how to delay pregnancy until later in life. The stats don’t lie, the future of children born to unwed and teen mothers is not a pretty picture. Also, gov’t programs discourage marriage, it has made men incidental and unnecessary, which is proving disastrous. There are many girls who have abortions and don’t really care, they use it as a form of birth control, when contraception is practically free, and is free to some. 90% of the pregnancy tests were false at the CPC where I worked in any given month, but the girls continued in the behavior that got them there, maybe some were more cautious and used protection, but most did not.

    Report Post »  
  • USA-Ron
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 11:45pm

    let teen moms parents finally help the teen moms

    Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 12:36am

      Sure, let them. But the parents may be unprepared for the challenges and could use access to resources that Ms. Marsh’s.

      But oh, that’s right, these girls are “sluts” and “sinners” for having a baby so young. What helps them most is your scorn, right?

      Conservatives keep saying “it should be private charity, not government, helping with social ills,” and I completely agree. But then you same conservatives heap scorn on those charities and condemnation on those they help. It is a disgusting hypocrisy. And in your hate-filled naivety, you think shoving a Bible in their faces is the be all and end all of the help they need.

      You claim to be pro-life, but when there are charities helping these girls make the decision to stay away from the abortion clinics, you criticize the charities existence. You think the best way to keep a girl away from an abortion clinic is not providing her with options so that she can raise the child, but by calling her a “slut,“ ”sinner“ or ”murderer.” Oh, but they deserve it for spreading their legs in the first place, as another ignorant member here who belongs to your filthy ilk so eloquently put it? Because they made the mistake of sinning, and therefore will receive no compassion or help from the likes of your perfect ass.

      You’re dirty hypocrites who are doing nothing but ensuring more abortions. But I‘m sure you’ll sleep real well tonight thinking you did the Lord’s work by calling the girls any sort of name

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 2:13pm

      I found a great video of Bruce P.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWwA3wv04OM

      Report Post » The_Cabrito_Goat  
  • USA-Ron
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 11:44pm

    teens, don’t be a mom, OK ?

    Report Post »  
  • USA-Ron
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 11:43pm

    I do NOT understand restoring love,

    it should be Restore God

    Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 12:21am

      And that is the problem. For some reason, Christians on this board think that is enough, a belief in God. That their Christianity provides them carte blanche to hate everyone.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • stumpy68
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 7:42am

      I don’t hate anyone i do hate what many people do
      and pray they they will learn that what they are doing is wrong.

      Report Post » stumpy68  
  • Verceofreason
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:47pm

    Oh that’s is so cute.
    Teaching them little gals to feed and diaper a baby.
    And what are they going to do to support themselves and the baby.
    How will they complete school or train for a job or career.
    Where will they leave the baby if going to work.

    How about answering those questions?
    In a nutshell, this is still essentially pro-birth, not pro life.

    Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • Bruce P.
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:27pm

    While I do not agree with her religion, I applaud what Ms. March is doing. Contrast what Ms. March is doing to those ignorant minds who think the way to prevent abortions is to call these girls “sluts” and “murderers.”

    Report Post » Bruce P.  
  • conservativewoman
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 12:18pm

    Wonderful ministry, but give lots of love and attention to your daughters and they will never need these services.
    Girls who lack love from their families think they can find it from a boyfriend.

    Report Post » conservativewoman  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:30pm

      Girls make mistakes, no matter how much love and attention they get from their families. And sometimes, that mistake ends up in a pregnancy. That does not mean the girl’s family has failed her or done something wrong.

      The only way such a girl would be failed by her family is if they kicked her out or condemned her for those mistakes.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:49pm

      This is all window dressing.
      All these moms will end up on public assistance without
      An education
      Job skills
      Full time day care.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:59am

    BTW, it’s not just TEEN moms who have wonderful programs available to them. There is one called “The Nuturing Network” http://www.nurturingnetwork.org/index.php for college age women who do not qualify for the “teen” programs. Funny, you hardly ever hear about these.

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 10:44am

      Certainly a better use of money than the political ads, lobbying and legislative costs associated with trying to have the government take away liberty, right to privacy and freedom to choose from all woman. Let’s keep in mind that other than the zealots on both sides of the argument, the significant majority of Americans support a Pro CHOICE position.

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 12:32pm

      JROOK….you are making (I assume) an argument based on a logical fallacy called appeal to popularity. Suggesting that a pro-choice position is the correct one merely because you claim a majority hold that position. That is a nonsequitur and really is a nonsensical statement. If you try to claim that majority rules in a democracy, then where is your stand on Obamacare, of which a majority of Americans are not in favor of as it is currently written?

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • rickc34
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 12:42pm

      I praise God for programs such as these, the left wing baby killers get all the support from Satan who was a liar from the start.

      Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:54am

    There is also an organization called “Birthright” that has been around for about 30-35 years, not sure exactly, but they are a 100% volunteer organization and funded only by community donations. It’s amazing how generous people can be to help moms and babies get a good start. Most of these young moms DO NOT want an abortion and have so much pressure on them to “make the problem” go away. Abortion is NOT the answer and a baby is NOT a problem! I wish these organiztions got as much publicity as PP. Most people don’t even know these services are available, but they sure know about ABORTION providers!

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Griffin06
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:33am

    Really Annoyed, you’d be surprised by how long we HAVE been offering services like this. Southern Baptist churches have been providing volunteers, financial support, and supplies (diapers, formula, etc.) to local crisis pregnancy centers for over 10 years. Funny how the liberal media never covers that, huh? This is not a new concept, but I am glad to see more exposure for these types of programs, as well as more focus on mentoring and teaching practical life skills.

    Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:42pm

      It is unfortunate that such programs get buried under those who think the best way to prevent abortions is not to provide these young women with help, but to condemn them as “sluts” and call them “murderers” and “sinners” if they consider abortion.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
  • YourVoiceMatters
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:56am

    It is a great thing to help someone else…
    when you help some one it blesses them
    but it frees you from self,
    (which you never realize unless you give)
    the other thing is the giver gets the overflow blessing
    Joy … it is good to give.
    Stingy people reap a different harvest…
    poverty spirit and mentality!

    Report Post »  
    • Hanner
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 10:06am

      Good deal!! I know that these girls should have been taught to abstain until marriage, but what do you do once they have calved? Just kidding ladies. Most of these girls are scared or don‘t realize the magnitude of this event until it’s too late. Thank God that this group is helping these girls realize that abortion or abandonment is not the answer. People do need to step in and help these girls. We the people are the answer, not gov’t. I can’t help but wonder….how long will it be before these sleazy politicians find a way to stop this movement through ordinances or regulation of some kind? They have already attacked soup kitchens in some areas by requiring permits, food inspection….etc. These vermin don’t want people to be self-reliant. Just wondering….

      Report Post »  
    • battles
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 1:12pm

      Hanner “food inspection”. I was on the street for a while during the period that Regan was rebuilding the economy around 1981. One meal that I ate at the Salvation Army caused me to later run next door to a church to find an emergency hiding place to use the restroom (#2). I won’t describe in detail what actually happened, but while I was dumping some bad food, a police helicopter came and started flying around overhead shining its spotlight around the church. Someone had apparently seen me go behind the church and had called the police. Fortunately, the helicopter apparently got a call to go somewhere else and I was able to get out of there without being arrested. So I believe that food inspection of soup kitchens is good and valid.

      Report Post » battles  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:46am

    Wow, what a wonderful service. Who woulda thunk that programs like this could be successful without the govt stepping in to “help”?

    Report Post » biohazard23  
  • reallyannoyed
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:46am

    It is refreshing to see some pro-lifers actually offering real solutions beyond “abortion should be illegal.” If more of you focused your efforts on supporting causes like this, abortion rates would go down without the need for all the political brawling. Most women who have abortions are up against tougher choices than you give them credit for.

    Report Post »  
    • hi
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 11:33am

      Or, if you stopped paying girls with money, free college, free housing to get pregnant, they wouldn’t do so on purpose.

      Report Post » hi  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:20pm

      HI…

      Please, show us the facts and figures showing that even a significant minority of these girls are getting pregnant on purpose in order to take advantage of programs such as Ms. March’s.

      The amount of ignorance coming from you is staggering.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 7:06pm

      Bruce – Even if they’re not getting pregnant on purpose, all of these government programs have been a disaster and have created more problems.

      Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:14pm

      GIT-R-DONE — no one is talking about government programs. We’re talking about charity, which apparently some are against as well. Let me guess, charity is now “Marxist,” right? Anyone who isn’t calling these girls “sluts” or “sinners” is a “Marxist,” right? Anyone who is trying to help these girls so they don’t even consider abortion is “Marxist,” right?

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on July 17, 2012 at 2:09pm

      According to you Bruce, yes.

      Report Post » The_Cabrito_Goat  
  • the_system_disconnect
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:45am

    Now if only the government would realize it wasn’t their problem. Or even better if government realized that they WERE the problem.

    theBlaze G+ circle
    michaelhill3 at gmail dot com

    Report Post » the_system_disconnect  

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