Since the Roe vs. Wade decision on January 22, 1973,
the pro-life cause has evolved into a sophisticated and complex movement. In the past two
years we have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of emergency pregnancy services
and in the amount of sidewalk counseling. These two increases have proved extremely
successful in achieving our main goal of saving babies. However, this success has
presented the pro-life movement with a difficult problem; where to send the woman who has
opted against abortion through her contact with an emergency pregnancy service.
While there are in existence some larger shelter homes that are run
by churches or pro-life groups, there are not nearly enough to handle the epidemic of
pregnancies in unwed women. Because of this, there has emerged another solution;
individual shepherding families. Many people who consider this option have an unrealistic
idea of what is actually involved. The purpose of this booklet, then, is threefold;
1. To present realistically the joys, problems, demands and stresses
involved in being a shepherding family.
2. To detail the possible effects on all areas of the family.
3. To offer suggestions and advice that will help those who are
considering serving as shepherding families.
It is true that many families could "endure" an outsider
living in their home for six to eight months. Who we are addressing, however, is the
family that wishes not only to provide physical shelter, but also spiritual and emotional
guidance and loving support. The experience should be a positive, nurturing one for the
young woman and a rewarding one for the family.
For the past five years, we have served as a shepherding family. We
and our four children (ages two to nine) have opened our home to over a dozen expectant
young women. While they have private sleeping quarters in a trailer situated next to our
house, they function as part of our family in all other respects. Over all, each
girl’s stay has been a positive experience for all concerned. Most of these girls
stay in touch after they leave and are considered permanent members of our ever-expanding
family. Many of them have accepted Christ and have experienced a resulting change of heart
and life-style. This is not to say that we have been completely without problems. A few
situations have failed from the start, resulting in the girl choosing to leave. Yet, we
eagerly look forward to the arrival of each new girl.
