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There has been a rise in depression and anxiety among teenagers. There has also been a stark increase in the number of suicide deaths in the United States. In fact, deaths from suicide jumped 84 percent in the past decade among children 17 and younger. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14 and the second leading cause of death among ages 15 to 24. The number of high school students who reported seriously thinking about suicide increased from 13.8% in 2009 to 17.7% in 2015.

These statistics are alarming. Each teenager’s story of suicide breaks our hearts. At the core of who we are at Christian Women Connection is a desire to support missionaries and to help children. In Madam President, Nora is quoted as saying: “Jesus’ eyes are upon the children everywhere…There are four corners of civilization: the home, the school, the church, and the state… Are we seeking opportunities to enter every area of a child’s life?”2 We are moved to action to help children and teenagers who struggle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.