Terry Meeuwsen and Ashley Key continue their conversation about the future of Orphan's Promise and how they hope to change the world. 

Kampong Chhnang Province, Cambodia

Navy is a single mom raising three children. She’s been struggling to make ends meet ever since her husband abandoned the family. “I was so stressed,” she told CBN. “I even thought about suicide, just to end it all."

“I felt sad for my mom,” said her son, Pannhasak. I wanted to help her but did not know what to do. I help with the dishes and sweeping the house. And I study hard too,”  

Then a local pastor connected her with CBN's Orphan’s Promise. First, we enrolled her children in an after-school program. Then we trained Navy how to start and run a business. “Then they gave everything I needed to prepare and sell food. Then they set up this café at my house. Now I am back on my feet! I make $300 to $350 dollars in profits a month, all thanks to Orphan’s Promise! I'm so grateful. I hope you can continue to help other single mothers like me!”
 

“I found I was pregnant about two hours before the tornado hit. And we're in East Nashville. And all I can think about at that time was, 'My life is over. My life is over.'
My husband and I were not anticipating being pregnant any time soon and just felt like not ready to be parents,” says Lauren. Along with her husband, David, they faced mounting stress in the early spring of 2020, so much so that the news or her pregnancy was a burden instead of a celebration.
 
She continues, “Went from finding out I was pregnant, bawling my eyes out for about two hours, then hiding in the bathtub with a tornado right down the street from our house. Next morning, wake up. We're walking down, looking at all the destruction. And my husband's work was impacted, so they were completely closed. And all we could think of is, 'What are we going to do?' After that, my husband and I talked about, 'Well, there's no way we can keep this baby.'"

"We were just not prepared. We were 2,000 miles away from any support system at home. And the following week, within a matter of days, Covid hit. And my husband lost his job. And it just became – just fear. And my husband and I are both believers. Never thought we would believe in abortion being an option. But at that time, it felt like that was the only thing that we could do.”
 
Lauren remembers the isolation, “I literally felt like I had nobody to talk to, especially thinking that I may have an abortion. The majority of my friends are Christians, and that would be – I-I just didn't want to be judged on that sense. And because my mother is a Christian, I didn't think I could tell her. So, it was a very lonely and isolating season, and just dealing with the shame and the guilt, and knowing if I get an abortion, how's that going to affect my marriage? How is that going to affect the way that God feels about me and if God loves me? And how am I going to feel about myself? Am I always going to wonder what that child would have been like, he or she? And those feelings alone, and not having an outlet to talk about, were just extremely, extremely hard.”

Under the weight of her decision, Lauren contacted a local pregnancy resource center.

“I contacted the Pregnancy Care Center, mostly because I wanted counseling after an abortion,” says Lauren. “I knew that I was emotionally going to be wrecked with this decision and that I needed somebody to talk to, that didn't know me, and can just be there and walk through that process with me.”
 
Even during Covid, Lauren was able to connect immediately with a woman named Rachel at the pregnancy care center. She remembers the call, “My first conversation was an hour long and just really understanding what I was going through, which I appreciated.”
 
“To my core, I knew abortion was wrong. I knew it. But there's a sense when you go through something yourself, it's like, 'Well, oh, oh, I guess it's okay.' And I really had to challenge myself, well, is it okay? And why-why would this innocent life just be taken because I don't feel like I'm ready? Is that a reason enough? for abortion.”
 
She continues, “I think at the end of the day, I knew it wasn't right. But more than just not right, it's like a sin. If you're not – if nobody knows about your sin, it's okay and you can keep doing it. It's like once you speak it out loud, it-it brings a realness and a light to it. And that's how kind of the abortion felt. You know, if nobody knew what I was going through, and if nobody knew that it happened – nobody would have to know, and I wouldn't have to feel shameful. But bringing it to light and talking to somebody helped bring it of, no, it's not – it's not okay. And I will get through this. And what is going to be the right decision in my heart? And at the end of the day, it was knowing that child mattered and that we needed to go through with this. And little did I know that conversation with Rachel for an hour would lead us to keeping our baby, and our son has been such a blessing.” 
 
In November of 2020, Lauren and David joyfully welcomed their son, Jesse Wells, to the world. Becoming parents has brought unexpected joy while strengthening their faith.

Lauren smiles, “I've just seen God continually work in my life of having to surrender. My prayers have completely changed. My life has a whole new meaning now having a child. Before, when I found out I was pregnant and thinking my life was over was because I was so selfish. And now having a child, my life is not my own. It's about my child and wanting my child to love the Lord, and have a great marriage, and how do I treat my husband, and how does my child see that? Watching each other become parents has been wonderful, and knowing that our son has just changed our hearts and softened our hearts, that, you know, God knew what we needed.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In November 2024, Chapel Kids in Siegen, Germany embarked on an exciting journey with Superbook Academy during a month-long series called "Super Sundays." This interactive Sunday school program brought Kids Ministry to life with rich biblical content, engaging multimedia resources, and interactive activities that captivated both children and volunteers alike.

From the very first session, the enthusiasm was undeniable. Volunteers and leaders were amazed by the depth and variety of materials available. The response from the ministry team and children was overwhelmingly positive. Sina, the leader of the Kids Ministry at Chapel Kids, shared her thoughts: “Both the children and the staff were thrilled. The materials are engaging and detailed, and the film providing biblical background knowledge is child-friendly and highly informative. We are grateful for the opportunity to use the resources of the Superbook Academy. During our worship time, we love singing The Salvation Poem. When we encourage the children to make this song a personal prayer, many raise their hands.”

The Superbook Academy curriculum was met with glowing reviews from the other leaders as well:

• "I thought it was great how much variety there was in terms of lesson plans, games, and materials for each topic."
• "Superbook was very well received in our group! The kids paid attention and enjoyed listening."
• "The additional materials from Superbook, like crafts and games, were so diverse! There was always something to choose from."
• "I never felt like I was short on anything—except time! The material is so extensive that you could easily fill multiple hours with it."

The children were engaged, volunteers felt equipped, and the ministry experienced a new level of excitement and learning. Inspired by this success, Chapel Kids is already planning to use Superbook Academy again—potentially even during the summer school break in 2025!

Chapel Kids in Siegen is a shining example of how Superbook Academy can transform children’s ministry, making Bible learning both fun and impactful. Their story is just the beginning—we can't wait to see how more churches will experience the same success!

The success story of Chapel Kids in Siegen is a testament to the transformative power of Superbook Academy. By supporting this mission, you can help bring hope and transformation to even more children and families. Whether by donating to CBN Animation’s Superbook ministry through the link below, sharing this story, or accessing Superbook resources for your own family, your support can extend the reach of this incredible ministry. 

Together, we can continue to spread the love and teachings of Jesus, one story at a time. Join us in this mission and be a part of the global impact of CBN Animation’s Superbook. Let's continue to reach more children for Christ together.

Give to Superbook