Sometimes Leah fell asleep at the back of the room during 71Five Parents Night. Her head would rest on the table. When she woke up, she always apologized softly. She wasn’t rude — she was exhausted. Leah was just sixteen when her daughter, Anna, was born. Baby Anna had serious medical needs. Doctors told Leah early on that Anna would not live long. Anna experienced the world mostly through sound and touch. When she was held, she made soft giggles and coos that filled the room. Leah raised her daughter alone and cared for her beautifully. For nearly a year, Leah showed up — week after week — to Parent Night. Then one week, we didn’t see Leah, and another week went by. And one of Leah’s friends told us that Anna had died peacefully in her sleep. I was at the funeral as the casket was lowered. It was heartbreaking to watch Leah drop to her knees at the edge of the grave. She leaned forward so far that it looked like she might fall in; her soul-searing cry brought tears to our eyes. Scripture says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” I texted Leah recently an invitation. She wrote back, “I do not have a baby.” I replied, “You are still a mommy, Leah; you are always invited to Parent Night.”

Stories like Leah’s are why 71Five Parents exists. If God is calling you to serve teen parents in Grants Pass or Medford, we are looking for you and seeking to hire two part-time ministry leaders, one in Grants Pass and one in Medford. Visit 71Five.org to apply.

BREANNA STOUTENBURGH,  71Five Parents Coordinator  

541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB