West Port Experiment

So a young lady, “Leah,” has come within our church’s orbit from our S. Providence outreach. Her story is shared here and here.

Leah doesn’t have a credible profession of faith, though she considers herself a Christian. In many ways, she is as the Ninevites of old, who did not know their “left hand from their right” in spiritual matters. But she has been encouraging in many ways. Since November, she has been faithfully coming to church with her precious little baby boy and eagerly participating in a Bible study. So far, we’ve tackled the first fourteen chapters of Genesis.

Sadly, she has come off of yet another live-in relationship, having two young children with as many fathers, several of whom have been or are drug users. She is now stranded and very vulnerable, needing to find employment and somehow manage childcare. In a way, she has made her bed. But she has also been the victim of abuse, so our heart goes out to her.

As she approaches the possibility of eviction, we want to help her in a constructive way. If we assist her in getting an entry-level job, she only faces the problem of finding childcare. Plus, she presently can only get around by bus. So, right now we’ve decided to try to help her find one or more income streams online and are getting her a laptop. This idea is also beset with various challenges and may result in a dead end. But at the moment, it is the ‘best of the worst.’ Yet, the Lord is sovereign and can do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”

This is where you could come in. First, could you offer a prayer for Leah? And if you are able, could you pray for her and us regularly? Second, if you are a Christian woman or couple and would be willing to spare 1-2 hours per week of time from the comfort of your own home, we could really use the help. As a small church, we are rather limited. (But if COVID-19 and/or shelter at home policies have negatively impacted you at this point, please don’t feel pressure. May the Lord grant you His sustaining grace at this time.)

In terms of a helper, we could use someone to visit with her by phone or video, helping her navigate income-generating options online, vetting those options and weeding out the scams, or maybe even brainstorming about other possible ways for her to earn income from home. We do not have high expectations; we just need help to help our friend. We will gladly take anyone with time and a heart, nevermind expertise. I can assure you that she is a very likable young lady, does not presume on others, and has never solicited us for money. You would also be actively partnering with us; you wouldn’t be on your own.

If  you have further questions, please call me at 515-783-5637 or e-mail me at mjives dot refparish at gmail dot com.

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