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Motherhood

She Is Priceless – Campaign 2020

May 11, 2020 by Sarah Neufeld 1 Comment

she is priceless
(Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

For the last 5 years, Mercy House Global has held the She Is Priceless campaign in May. The objective? To raise funds to rescue pregnant teens from the slums in Kenya.

Have you ever felt forgotten? Has the overwhelm of a crisis left you so depressed and disillusioned that it was hard to breathe?

Do you ever have that longing to have someone scoop you up, broken heart included, and reassure you that you matter – that you are worth it?

I know I have. And I’d guess many of you have, too.

She is forgotten.

she is priceless

But imagine what it would be like to grow up in the largest slum in the world; especially as a girl.

Envision a life that doesn’t extend more than a few miles beyond the little tin hut you call home; the one infested with rats and bugs, with sewage water flowing through every time it rains.

You have several siblings. Your father may be present, but there’s a good chance he’s not. You watch your mother, worn and worried, do everything she can to put food on the table; skipped meals are the norm.

Most Western girls grow up with grand dreams for their life. But in the slums, you know it will be very difficult to secure a dignified job that pays a fair wage.

If there’s barely enough money for food, then there’s nothing leftover for school fees. Besides, you’re just a girl; your education isn’t a priority.

Even if you are bold enough to dream, you know there’s very little hope of them ever coming to be.

From here, any number of tragedies could await you.

One sure way for a female to earn some money is through prostitution. This is no life for a young girl like yourself, but you may find yourself in that place.

Maybe your mother has broken down through desperation and is insisting you sell yourself for sex. But perhaps your own sense of guilt and responsibility has left you with no other option.

A girl might be spared the sentence of being trafficked for sex, but there are other threats than can await her.

The slums are a very dangerous place. Therefore, forcible rape is very common.

Abused, exploited, trafficked, raped – now pregnant.

Do you feel forgotten yet? Do you in anyway feel loved?

She is loved.

she is priceless

This describes the life of too many a girl in Kenya.

13,000 Kenyan girls have been kicked out of school for being pregnant (Centre for Reproductive Rights).

25% of pregnant girls women in Kenya are HIV positive (ObGyn in Kenya).

Every 30 minutes, a woman is raped in Kenya (Nairobi Women’s Hospital)

Mothers often force their daughters into trading sex for food in the slums (CNN)

Where is the hope, the mercy or the justice for these girls?

Even if the culture has marginalized them, or the society has oppressed them, or the rest of us in the free and prosperous world have forgotten them, God has remembered them.

God brought blogger, Kristen Welch, to Kenya on a trip with Compassion. And she faced the harsh realities of life in the slums.

At every turn, I only saw hopelessness. I wanted to shut it all out. I was so angry and silently accused God. Where are You? These are Your people; You created them. How can You allow so much suffering?

For a moment, time stood still. I stopped and closed my eyes. I saw God’s finger pointed at my chest as He asked my spirit the same question: “Kristen, how can you allow this?”

In that exact moment, I knew my life would never be the same.

“Rhinestone Jesus” by Kristen Welch

Mercy House Global, founded by Kristen, is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.

In the last decade, they have established three maternity homes in Kenya. They have also rescued 54 pregnant girls between the ages of 12-16.

When each teen arrives “home,” she quickly learns that she is loved.

Through the program, the girls also receive proper medical care, healing support, resources to help them embrace motherhood, and a chance to complete their education, and yes, dream big dreams!

She is priceless.

she is pricless

God took one “yes,” and launched a movement to empower marginalized and oppressed women, which has spread around the world.

No one tells this saga of miracles better than Kristen herself. (I highly recommend reading “Rhinestone Jesus” and “Made to Move Mountains“!)

She is not only loved by God, she is priceless to Him.

He could have solved all of the problems with a wave of His righteous right hand, but instead, He has woven women, like you and me, into this miracle of redemption.

When you look into the darkness other people live in, and you allow it to recalibrate your perspective, it creates fertile ground for God to grow amazing fruit through your life.

I hope reading this has grounded your outlook a bit, and brought some new gratitude into your life. We all need this!

Four years ago, God used the We Are That Family blog to give my head a shake. And through sponsoring one of these moms, God changed my heart.

And so, I leaped at the chance to represent this organization as a Mercy House Ambassador one year ago.

My friend, it is truly our privilege to share what we’ve been given. As the hands and feet of Jesus, the ambassadors of His love and heart, we are called to show mercy and stand up for justice.

Though the 2020 rescues have been postponed due to the coronavirus, Mercy House is looking to raise two months of operation costs for the maternity homes.

Today, I am humbly asking you to join the She Is Priceless campaign and help them raise the $70,000. That way, when the restrictions are lifted, their front-line team will be positioned to bring some precious girls home!

Please visit my support campaign, and donate an amount of any sum.

Filed Under: Christian Living, Human Trafficking, Humanitarian, Mercy House Global, Motherhood, Social, The Issues, The Word of God, Women's Issues

Love Without Borders – An Honest Book Review

April 28, 2020 by Sarah Neufeld Leave a Comment

love without borders
(Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

It’s the coffee date with Angie that you always wanted! Through her new book “Love Without Borders,” Angela Braniff shares a testimony that will draw you near to God, and empower you to live the story that God has written for you.

Meet the Author of “Love Without Borders”

love without borders
Photo Credit: Angela Braniff

Hundreds of thousands of people have learned to love the Braniff family through their YouTube channel, This Gathered Nest. At the centre of it all is Angie. 

She is the mom of 8 children “through various means of adoption and biological approaches.”

She is also a homeschooler, digital content creator, entrepreneur, makeup fanatic, influencer, advocate for adoption, children with down syndrome and supporting the foster care system. And NOW she is a newly published author!

Behind the high quality videography, the quirky humour, and relatable content, there is a real family navigating highs and lows. Just like everybody else.

In “Love Without Borders,” Angela, who is already fairly transparent with her online community, pulls the curtain back even further. 

My life had always been about making other people happy and trying to maintain the status quo. God was opening my eyes to a life that looked different, perhaps even weird, but something about it all just felt right. Now I was seeing what could be possible, what it could look like to have the kind of life that didn’t allow fear to be in the driver’s seat, the kind of the life that walked the walk rather than just talking the talk. This was my peek into what it might be like to lay down the dreams I’d been sold, for the chance to follow Jesus and perhaps find the life I’d been missing all this time.

A Journey that Goes Beyond Borders

Photo Credit: Angela Braniff

Angela invites us into the hard seasons she and her husband CR have navigated through; high-risk pregnancies, domestic and international adoption, secondary infertility, embryo adoption and a season of depression.

It’s hard to relive these details as I tell this story. I want so badly to be able to tell you that I had complete faith in God, that I trusted He’d protect the baby, or that I handled it all with grace. But I also know I’m a flawed woman. There is no place of darkness so far that He can’t reach us, no place of fear or doubt that He can’t find us, no ugly side of our sinful nature that He can’t redeem.

Her friendly writing style feels like she is reaching across the table at the local Starbucks, speaking life into your own hard and weary days. 

The Purpose of “Love Without Borders”

love without borders

At few months ago, Angela said that “she was going first.”

I was intrigued and my impatience to read this book increased. By the final few chapters, I not only understood what she meant, but why we needed “Love Without Borders.”

Angela Braniff connects with the longing in a woman’s heart. 

What is your longing? Is it for motherhood, a larger family, a worthy legacy, a life of purpose, stronger faith or that “something more”?

Angela shows how giving God your “yes” in the impossible days is the only way to fulfill that yearning.

Her courageous vulnerability is a blessing, because she shows us the beautiful redemptive work God has done in her life. And that is the most precious gift that any author could endow their reader.

I don’t walk away from reading “Love Without Borders” thinking that Angie is some enhanced breed of Superwoman. Nor do I think that she has the perfect marriage or the perfect life. 

I feel unworthy of the good things that have happened to us, but I’ve come to realize that feeling unworthy is actually a good thing. We don’t earn our blessings, and we certainly don’t deserve them; it’s only by His grace that we receive them.

Instead, I see a woman, who has experienced heartache. And she has come to the other side knowing exactly who her Father in heaven is.

Through her story, Angela goes first and shows us “how bold faith opens the door to embracing the unexpected.”

So, this is for the sister with the deep-seated longing in her heart. Order “Love Without Borders,” stock up on your favourite hot beverage (and kleenex) and dive into this book!

We don’t need to know what’s on the other side of every door He opens for us, we just need to trust Him.

If you appreciated this post, you may also want to read:

  • Why We Should Stop Pursuing Cozy Christianity
  • Sponsorships Matter, Even During COVID-19
  • Made to Move Mountains by Kristen Welch – An Honest Review
love without borders
Photo Credit: Angela Braniff

Filed Under: Christian Living, Humanitarian, Motherhood, Social, The Word of God, Women's Issues Tagged With: adoption

Fair Trade Bracelets Are Changing Lives in Kenya

January 28, 2020 by Sarah Neufeld Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but I’m am slowly growing a collection of fair trade bracelets! And I just love these sticking ones that are made with glass massai beads from Kenya. It creates such a unique look!

But more precious still is that these fair trade bracelets are an answer to prayer to the women of Have Hope.

fair trade bracelets

Have Hope was originally a community outreach program lead by Mercy House Global in 2010. Twenty women from the slum would gather together for bible study. This beautifully developed into an artisan group.

They began making jewelry to earn a sustainable income for their families. Because of the desperate need for work, these mothers are eager to learn and grow in their skills.

fair trade stacking bracelets

As we have hopes and dreams for our own family, they do for theirs, too!

So when you buy a product from Have Hope (there are many to choose from), you are partnering with a strong and ambitious group of women in Kenya.

Your purchasing power helps a mother, like you, send her children to school, put food on the table, and rise out of extreme poverty.

And here is one little hack! These fair trade stacking bracelets are on sale right now. If you buy 2, you can break them up into smaller sets. Then as you share these gifts, you can share their story!

Did you know that shopping fair trade can help prevent human trafficking? Read this article for more information.

🛍: $10USD

Link: “Shop Fair Trade”

📷: @mercyhouseglobal

#12daysshoppingfairtrade

fair trade stacking bracelets

Filed Under: 12 Ethical Shopping Ideas, Fair Trade, Mercy House Global, Motherhood, Social, The Issues, Women's Issues Tagged With: artisan, bracelets, ethical shopping, fair trade, fair trade fashion, fair trade shopping, hand-made jewelry, jewelry, shop fair trade

The Truth About “Mom-Guilt”: From a Christian Perspective

May 11, 2019 by Sarah Neufeld Leave a Comment

“Mom-Guilt.”

I’m not holding back any punches here. It is a weapon straight from the pit of hell.

Is there such a thing as a perfect mom? No.

Is there a woman who has gone from pregnancy to empty nest without making big mistakes with her kids? No.

Are there women who have grossly abused their motherly responsibilities and the trust that comes with it? Yes.

Are there mothers who have mistreated, neglected and exploited the children entrusted to them? Yes.

So is there any justification to the ever-prevailing “mom-guilt”?

Simply put, thanks to Jesus, we can reject it with confidence.

I want to reach out to the woman out there who is struggling with the day to day. I want to encourage the woman who not only knows her weaknesses, but sincerely wants to be better. I want to build up the woman who has overcome so many obstacles yet beats herself up on sleepless nights for every single shortcoming.

May I call you “friend”? Listen, we are all struggling. Don’t believe every instagram square and on-point caption. We all have more weaknesses and shortcomings than we dare admit.

And like the sinful woman of Luke 7, our sins are many. And yet that wicked woman went from being devoted to sin to being forever known as Mary of Bethlehem; the woman to whom was bestowed the greatest honour and tribute from Jesus than any other woman, if not disciple!

Would you like to know how this transformation is possible?

If you are in bondage to guilt, or a bad habit or addiction, there is an unshakable hope that is available to you; no matter who you are. This is the most inclusive offer you’ll ever receive.

What is it? It is a divine exchange that comes only through Jesus.

In Romans 8:1, Paul wrote that “therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

No more condemnation. No more guilt. Not now or ever. How sweet does that existence sound?

We know the crucifixion story.

We know that a perfect blameless man, who was equally God, was scourged, disfigured, betrayed, condemned and executed for all mankind. He took on the guilt and the heavy penalty that accompanied it for every member of the human race. And for those who believe in Him in faith and confess it will receive His holiness in exchange for their sinfulness.

We get to receive His life in exchange for our death.

God’s mandate for righteousness was satisfied by God’s mercy.

My friend, there is nothing greater or sweeter than this!

To the believer, do you know that your failings as a mother have been nailed to that cross too? Have you considered the truth that Jesus died for your moments of impatience, temper, misjudgment, selfishness, unkindness, irrational fear and every other occasion where you straight up failed?

To the unbeliever, have you ever wondered if there is truly a God? And if so, have you ever stopped to consider how He sees you?

No matter who you are or what you believe, God loves you with an everlasting love. Since the first dawn, He has longed for the day when He could bring you to Himself.

To the Christian mom, because you have received Jesus, all of your sin has been washed away. This includes your “mom-fails”! You have right standing with God. He sees you as His precious daughter. He is not condemning you for your failures as a woman or a Mom. In fact, He longs to draw you even closer. He is not only able, but willing to empower you to be the exact mother your child needs!

To the mom who is trying her hardest yet doesn’t believe, all of this is available to you too; if you will only believe, repent and receive.

This coming Mother’s Day, choose to set your heart and mind on what is true and reject what is false.

The insecurities in your heart cannot be satisfied with Mother’s Day gifts; be it a vase of flowers, a box of chocolates, a paid trip to the spa, or even a day of quiet solitude. In fact, even the reassurance from your partner or the praise from your children still won’t be enough to permanently silence the relentless call of guilt.

You are only set free from personally knowing Jesus and confidently knowing how He sees you.

So take some time to meditate on Romans 8:1. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation on those who are in Christ Jesus.” Or put another way:

“There is no mom-guilt on me because I am in Christ Jesus.”

Memorize this verse. Then go boldly before God and receive from Him everything you need to fulfill your mothering role today.


Here is a final thought for the precious lady who doesn’t believe that there is life beyond the guilt she carries. God sees you and He loves you so much!

I would like to share a story from Kristen Welch’s blog, We Are That Family. Kristen has a talent for sharing stories that will quickly realign your perspective. This one is for the Moms! Click on this link if you need more encouragement.

Happy Mother’s Day, my friend!


Filed Under: Motherhood, The Word of God, Women's Issues

I Choose to Let Myself Win: A Lesson Learned from My 5 Year Old

May 9, 2019 by Sarah Neufeld Leave a Comment

As we parent our kids, we often stumble into learning opportunities that were actually meant for us.

They’re brothers. They play hard and then they rival. They were supposed to be sleeping, but they were giggling, wrestling and being straight up monkeys instead. It’s all fun and games until someone gets tired.

Liam didn’t want to play anymore. The banter began; then the back and forth yelling. As the oldest, Liam doesn’t hesitate to lay down the law with his younger brother. But our 3 year old Mikey is made of fighting stock. He had had enough, too

Kevin and I were downstairs desperately trying to get through an episode of Cobra Kai without anymore interruptions. (Okay the desperation was on Kevin’s part, not mine). We could almost see little Mikey standing on his bed postulating. He began to yell and list all the shows he was arbitrarily going to ban his older brother from watching. I think he recited the names of every kid’s show he’s ever seen! It wasn’t long before we could hear the sniffles from the 5 year old alpha male.

The instinct was to tell Liam to stop crying; he’s the older brother after all. But I knew that this wasn’t the best approach. Over the last few weeks, Liam has been getting schooled on how mean children can be; even in kindergarten. He was tired and frustrated, and I couldn’t fault him.

So at an hour past his bedtime, I sat down on the floor by his bed to begin a mom-talk. I had this idea that I would get through this motivational speech as composed and classy as a TV-show mom from the ’80s. Then, I would send my kids off to bed with a serene smile.

Yeah, that’s not what happened.

As soon as I started with the words, “We’ve all been there…” I crumbled.

Nothing.. NOTHING prepared me for the heartache that comes with being a parent. His sad little face mixed with all the memories of my own childhood hurt tore me right up.

I couldn’t hold back the tears. Not only because I remembered being bullied and teased, but because I remembered the bad habits and beliefs that formed as a result of them. And they still exist in my mind all these decades later.

He has his whole life ahead of him. I pray that it will be full of more joy and triumph, than sorrow.

I also know that I can’t always be there to protect him. So the best I can do is to teach him the truth that can.

So, I lead my sobbing son through what I hope will be his mantra. Who am I kidding? This needs to be my mantra! Perhaps it could be yours, too.

I told him, “You have Jesus. He is with you every second and He will never leave you. He loves you so much. When He looks at you, He smiles. You have your family. We will always love you and be here for you. You know you are loved. You know you are a good person. So you don’t care what anyone else says. You know the truth.”

It is truly amazing how you can find yourself pouring into your children the exact truth that you need to embrace yourself.

It was a conversation that I trust we will both remember. It is was a full-circle moment and a bitter-sweet one at best because I was teaching my son how not to be like me.

He was still crying. He was still so sad. I wiped away his precious little tears.

“Liam, you are stronger than you know. You are so much braver than you realize. You can choose not to care what people say or think about you. You can choose not to care or you can choose to be sad. When I was a little girl and I was hurt, I chose to be sad. I chose to not let the hurt go. And because of that, I chose to let the people who hurt me win. But you are different. You are going to choose to be happy and not care about anything other than the truth.”

And in that moment, my brave little boy, through quick breaths and tears, declared in a loud trembling voice, “I am going to choose to let myself win!”

Seriously, people.

Over the years, I had heard it said that you learn for more from your kids than you could ever imagine. They were absolutely right.

I don’t know about you, but every day has a struggle of some kind. Every day, I have declared defeat in my mind before I have even taken my first sip of coffee. I give negative talk free unfettered access to my head 24 hours day and 7 days a week.

Deep down, I know the truth that will set me free, but rather than declare it (whether I feel it or not), I choose to listen to the lies instead.

That’s why I have never been prouder of this boy.

He didn’t feel it, but he said it anyway because he trusted me.

As believers, we have the word of God; our Father. We get the privilege of receiving His living word and quoting its scripture.

Even when we don’t feel it, we can say it anyway because we trust Him.

I don’t know your story.

I don’t know if you have close family friendships and relationships. I don’t know if you’ve dealt with nothing but rejection and heartache all your life. I don’t know if you have accepted Jesus in your life, but you can if you are willing.

But for those who are believers, no matter what you’ve been through, you can say boldly:

I have Jesus. I know I am loved. I know I am a good person. I choose to not care (or give value to) what other people say or think about me. I choose to let myself win. I choose to let myself be happy.

Listen, if a 5 year old can declare this in faith, so can we!

Filed Under: Motherhood, The Word of God

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Sarah Neufeld Co. serves as a resource for women who want to go deeper in their spiritual walk, who seek after truth, and have a passion to empower women in their community and around the world. We’ll direct you toward the opportunities, as well as the tools and information through the lens of grace and truth.

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OUR SITE

Sarah Neufeld Co. serves as a resource for women who want to go deeper in their spiritual walk, who seek after truth, and have a passion to empower women in their community and around the world. We’ll direct you toward the opportunities, as well as the tools and information through the lens of grace and truth.

  • Christian Living
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  • Mercy House Global
  • Motherhood
  • Politics
  • Social Issues
  • Women’s Issues

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