"Safe sex" is promoted in just about every junior high and high school today, so young people are playing around with something dangerous, and are suffering the consequences. They don't take into consideration what the consequences might be since they are following the basic encouragement to do what they want. Reality hits them hard when things go "wrong" and girls end up pregnant. These young girls, many barely old enough to set aside their dolls and make-believe, are frantically looking for answers and are confused and frightened of the future. They aren't prepared to deal with the issues that are staring at them, boyfriends are pushing for abortions, so they ask questions they thought they'd never ask.

• "Is it okay for me to get an abortion?"
• "When is the actual beginning of a human life?"
• "If there really is a God who loves me, why would He let such a thing happen?"

Spiritual doors are thrown open with these questions, giving opportunities for Christians to cautiously proceed to speak with these young girls. Talking about their distress won't come easy for the girls, so they must feel that they are in a safe environment where they won't be pressured into making decisions which are uncomfortable to them. For a believer, certain words tend to come to mind quickly when sharing the Gospel, but they must be used so very carefully in such sensitive situations, and should probably not be used right away in conversation. Some of the difficult words are:

• "sin"
• "wrath"
• "judgment"
• "hell"

Even though these words are Biblical and apply to all sinners, the believers who are trying to help these young girls spiritually as well as circumstantially must be aware of the many life-changes taking place very quickly, and the girls' already conflicting thoughts about themselves. They will be judging and condemning themselves when they come for help, so rather than adding more negative (even though there is truth in it), they need to feel that there is someone on their side willing to listen to them talk about their struggles, and then give them advice.
So what is a good way to help these young girls feel safe in sharing their burdens, and still allow you to share the truths of God's Word?

• Begin by simply giving a listening ear, allowing them opportunity to share their feelings and ask questions, without immediately pointing out where they are thinking or acting wrongly. This will give you the whole story so that you can understandingly talk to them, and will give them security so they will be open to discussion.

• Rather than trying to force them to hear Gospel right away, answer each of their questions so they don't feel like their main concerns are being ignored. Unbelievers don't hold the Bible as being important or having answers, so the girls would get quickly frustrated.

• To answer most of their frequently asked questions, Biblical principles can be used, and eventually they can see that their problems relate back to spiritual matters. It is important that as you transition into spiritual discussions, you show them that God is equally loving and just.

• Since all problems in life stem from a fallen world, and believers understand it to be so, it's very difficult to answer questions without unfolding the amazing Gospel story. But, you must keep in mind that many of the girls who come for help don't have even the basic knowledge of God and the Bible, so jumping in with both feet may not help them clearly understand that they need to trust Jesus. As you help them answer their questions, hopefully they will begin to sense a spiritual need, and their questions will turn to spiritual issues. When these questions begin, it is the perfect opportunity to show them the whole story of the Bible so they can understand who God is, what is wrong with the human race, what God meant by sending Jesus to earth, and what their response must be.

This is definitely not an easy sort of evangelism, but is rapidly becoming more desperately needed. Many centers are committed to helping girls learn how to live with their decisions and guiding them to make better choices while sharing with them the love of God through Jesus Christ. Opposition is high, and there are those who accuse Christian organizations of simply trying to "convert people to a specific denomination so they can have higher numbers." In order to show that this is not the case, the approach you use is vital! Be sensitive, encouraging these girls to turn their lives around and make right decisions, not only in keeping their babies and being good mothers, but in seriously considering God and His work through Jesus Christ.