As if a homeschooling mother of five small children didn’t already have her hands full, Jeanne Wagner has felt God call her to lead a newly formed task force called Cherish the Children. This grassroots organization is educating and raising awareness about sexual exploitation in the Madison area.
Cherish the Children will act as a liason for churches and local community groups for resources, such as a Bible study entitled Wise As Serpents, which is aimed at 7th to 12th graders, and a training session on establishing a prayer coverage for kids called Project Prayer Lifesaver.
This all started last November when Jeanne attended the Exploited Children conference. Carrying her then six-week-old son in her arms, Jeanne’s heart broke as she sat and listened to how today’s youth are shockingly vulnerable to the lures of those out to destroy them. When asked who would lead a small, Madison-based task force, no one raised their hands except Jeanne. Even though she knew her life was already full of responsibility, she felt the Lord would "expand her tent pegs" as she put it, and give her the grace to lead the effort.
Jeanne is relieved to have some help in her efforts. Laurie Howard and Rosemary Robinson, both of Mad City Church, are helping on the task force. And the Springs of Hope Church pastors have agreed to be their spiritual covering and will be the future contact place for inquiries.
"This is all about Isaiah 58: 6-10, where we are called to set the captives free," Jeanne said of Cherish the Children. For more information, please contact Jeanne at 836-0591, jw21@toast.net or Laurie Howard, 271-2175, lauriehoward@sbcglobal.net.