A pregnant girl on the streets to a young mother

Thursday outreach with the street children was like any other outreach. Excited children ready to play football, enjoy a warm meal and be loved on by our team. We are warmly greeted by the children as we enter the field. Many pictures are taken and their eyes are filled with wonder as they see the image of themselves on the screen. "Take another one! Take another one!" They say.

There are two girls that show up to the outreach. If you have ever wondered why there are so many more boys on the streets than girls; it's because boys are not valued like girls are.

Dowry. If you don't know what dowry is look it up. Girls are an investment. Boys are not.

The only girls at the outreach. The girl in the flower dress is pregnant, she is 16.

Little did we know, this young girl would go in to labor hours later. I just happened to be on the phone with our friend, Mike, who said he was going to check on the girl in labor and I said "I want to go!"

Within the hour, we arrived at a slum clinic. This is where she was to labor and give birth. She had a high fever and a headache (common signs of malaria, very, very dangerous in pregnancy) but there were no doctors or lab techs to run blood work. There was one, kind midwife that told us there was not much hope for her there because there wouldn't be medical staff through the night if she were to need anything while she was in labor or giving birth.

At that point, we started searching for a better place for her to go. There are not many good options in our rural town, but there are better options. One place we called, that is a ministry for vulnerable pregnant women, wouldn't take her because she was a teen.

I told our friend, let's take her to the hospital that I know provides much better care than what she is offered here. It is where they cared for me when I was as pregnant with malaria with Anna. If she were to stay at this clinic, her and the baby had a low chance of survival. I knew God sent me there to be His hands and feet. He knew I would fight for her and make a way for her and baby to stay safe. I didn't know where we would come up with the funds for the hospital bill and all the needs she would have, but God would make a way. And oh did He!

She ended up having malaria and also needed a c section after 24 hours of being in labor, she was exhausted and was not progressing.

Praise God a healthy little baby boy was born!

There were many things needed to support them in their hospital stay.

When women give birth in Uganda they must bring all their own supplies to the hospital. We had to buy:

 A mama kit which includes:

- a plastic sheet

- razor blades

- cotton wool

- gauze pad

- soap

- surgical gloves

- exam gloves

- cord tie

Bed sheets, blanket, towel, basin for bathing mom and baby, clothes for baby, blanket and hat for baby, laundry soap, bucket for washing, water for drinking, lotion, pads, panties, clothing for mama, bag, diapers. In addition to this, we had to bring her meals three times a day, there is no kitchen at the hospital.

She had nothing. She had went to one ob appt her entire pregnancy. The boys and I and the Saving Arms team went shopping, and because of so many generous donors, we were able to get everything that she needed.

After she was released from the hospital, we decided it would be best for her and the baby to stay at our home until we could find a better place for her to recover from her surgery and learn how to care for her baby. Time was running out as we were leaving a week later. We prayed God would guide us to the right place for her.

Another friend of ours that had been helping care for mama and baby, found a 6 month residential program that supports teen moms and teaches them life skills so that they can provide for their family. Again, we didn't know where we would get the funds to pay for the six-month program, but knew that God would make a way.

Mama Joyce and baby Lucas (named after our Lucas), are doing well! She has been at the residential home for over a week now and is already learning how to make beaded purses. She will continue learning other skills too. We are excited to see how God uses Joyce and the beautiful plan He has for her and Lucas's lives.

Thank you for all who have prayed for Joyce, baby Lucas and their future. Thank you for your generosity, for your compassion and your love for the broken. You have made an eternal impact on this young family! And best of all, she knows Jesus, loves Him and believes He is her Savior!

Photos and story shared with permission