Becky is pregnant and delighted. She is ready. Her health is good. She and her loving, supportive husband planned a long time for the blessing now inside her.

Sadly, this is not the case for more than 2.5 million women annually. Jackie is one of these. She is alone and terrified. Her health is poor and her finances are a disaster. She ran away from home. She was raped.

More than 600,000 induced abortions are performed annually. Highly respected people argue that abortion is a viable option. What if Jackie keeps her child? Who takes care of them? In the wealthiest nation on earth where we prize life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, what hope for success does an unplanned child have?

Government can't do it all.

With few exceptions, federal family assistance is now limited to five years, and states can't carry the financial burden of continuing those benefits. Then Jackie will have to leave her child and go to work. She can't afford quality childcare on her salary at an entry-level job, and childcare subsidies are profoundly under-funded. Whenever she stays home with a sick child she will lose pay. Who will help them?

Can we piously advise Jackie to bear her child? I believe life is sacred. But don't we owe her care and protection that won't stop after five years? Doesn't her child deserve life and a chance to succeed?

How can Jackie's son learn to trust God as a caring Father? All he will know is that his own father abandoned him. He won't comprehend the words, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). How could this child have a full life?

Jackie needs us to be like Jesus to her. Jesus "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). What service does Jesus want of us-money, care, love, time?

You can make a difference.

Yes, we owe Jackie all of these. Baby-sit when mom is sick. Take the child to the park while Jackie goes shopping. Give them rides to the doctor and to church. Remember their birthdays. Listen to what they say and cry with them. Give them hugs. Pray for them in their presence. Tutor him in school subjects. Include Jackie and her son in Sunday school and camp programs. Prepare your Sunday school lessons with them in mind.

You will surely think of many more ways to help. Such things will give Jackie hope that she can have a full life like Becky's and that her son can grow into a mature and responsible adult.

Government money can't possibly meet all the needs no matter how much is given. But we can, if we will. Don't be frightened by the large number in need. Pray for one family to help. The job is big, so seek others to work with you.

May God give you grace as you serve. We'll see a great blessing both for those in need and for those who need
to serve. 

OUTLOOK is a forum for responsible Christian writers. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Standard Publishing or THE LOOKOUT.

OTHER COLUMNS:
November 15, 2009 - Bringing Christ to French Guiana
November 1, 2009 - Walking the edge
October 18, 2009 - Watch what you say
October 4, 2009 - Proposing a new proverb
September 20, 2009 - Fear and trembling
September 6, 2009 - Elwyn
August 23, 2009 - Where did the Bible go?
August 9, 2009 - The public school: a local mission field
July 26, 2009 - Astonishing the judges
July 12, 2009 - Letting the past go
June 28, 2009 - Line up
June 14, 2009 - The path to spiritual growth
May 31, 2009 - A tribute to one of my heroes
May 17, 2009 - Silent soldier
April 19, 2009 - Operation Resensitization
April 5, 2009 - The temptations of ministers
March 8, 2009 - Conversation over shoes
February 22, 2009 - By their plurals you shall know them
February 8, 2009 - What is missing from your retirement plans?
January 25, 2009 - Turn the page
December 28, 2008 - Abba, Father
December 14, 2008 - Elementary truths
November 30, 2008 - The illusion
October 19, 2008 - Acting like a toddler
October 5, 2008 - Don’t miss this
September 21, 2008 - Foolish schemes
September 7, 2008 - God’s hand is everywhere
August 24, 2008 - The dance
August 10, 2008 - Strange land
July 27, 2008 - God’s amazing grace
July 13, 2008 - A best seller
June 29, 2008 - My grandfather’s clock and worship
June 1, 2008 - Reclaiming the name
May 4, 2008 - God is not our fairy godmother
April 6, 2008 - Success: what is it and who can measure up?
March 9, 2008 - Need to know
February 10, 2008 - The top three myths of singleness
January 13, 2008 - By invitation only
December 5, 2007 - Yes, Abbie, there is a Jesus
November 18, 2007 - 10 Ways to be a good Christmas customer
October 21, 2007 - The dividing line
September 23, 2007 - What do you fear?
September 9, 2007 - A life well lived
August 26, 2007 - To murmur, or not to murmur
July 29, 2007 - The cross and the Christian
July 15, 2007 - Turning the other cheek: still a valuable biblical principle
July 1, 2007 - Why the tie?
June 3, 2007 - The death of a son
May 6, 2007 - A prayer for the dying
April 8, 2007 - The omnipresent God
March 11, 2007 - Do the Amish have superheroes?
February 11, 2007 - What’s your black history?
January 14, 2007 - The split branch
December 31, 2006 - The house of regret
December 10, 2006 - The redemption of the innkeeper
November 26, 2006 - Too many choices
November 12, 2006 - Break the bashing habit: Learning to love the unsaved like Christ does: November 12, 2006
October 15, 2006 - Be ‘salt and light’ this Christmas!: October 15, 2006
September 17, 2006 - Who is a legalist?: September 17, 2006 Issue 38
July 23, 2006 - God speaks through our brokenness: July 23, 2006 Issue 38
June 25, 2006 - 'What I am looking for in my church leaders'